Civic Partnerships

Libraries throughout the country undertake a vast array of innovative programs that bring citizens into a commons where they share interests, concerns, and decision making. In addition to hosting community-wide reading programs, libraries are: convening groups to consider local issues and teach civic skills; creating digital neighborhood directories and community information services; educating voters; serving as polling places; and partnering on civic projects with local museums and public broadcasting stations. These collaborative efforts benefit individual citizens as well as increase the community���s social capital--the glue that bonds people together and builds bridges to a pluralistic and vibrant civil society. The challenge for libraries in the information age is to extend their reach well beyond educating and informing into a realm where they increase social capital, rekindle civil society and expand public participation in democracy. To that end, libraries accomplish these goals not by working alone, but by building strong partnerships--partnerships that establish new constituencies, widen public support, broaden and diversify sources of funding, and strengthen public involvement with local affairs.