A year later, circulation has grown 1.8% citywide, with some branches seeing double-digit increases.
Project Uplift at Danville Public Library
The Danville Public Library started Project Uplift four years ago to help people experiencing homelessness.
Project Uplift is designed to connect people with information and resources within the Danville community.
“We have around 20 organizations this year,” said Jessica Augustson, community engagement librarian.
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“We do offer library cards for displaced persons,” she said.
Reimagining Charlotte’s Public Library
Charlotte will construct a new, $100 million Main Library uptown.
Lee Keesler, CEO of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library, visited more than 25 community spaces in five countries as part of his research for the new Main Library.
Phoenix Public Library Goes Fine Free
Starting November 18, 2019, Phoenix Public Library is fine free. Phoenix will be the first of the 5 largest U.S. cities to adopt a fine free program.
Chicago Public Library is Fine Free
To date, Chicago Public Library (CPL) is the largest library system in the country to go fine-free. Starting October 1, CPL will eliminate overdue fines on all CPL-owned items currently in circulation, which it said will remove barriers to basic library access, especially for youth and low-income patrons.
Duluth Public Library Eliminates Late Fees
“We’re moving away from a punishment model to a more positive model,” said Carla Powers, Duluth Public Library manager. “The public library is not only for people who can always remember to return things. It’s not only for people who have the capacity to pay an overdue fine.”
McCormick Library Pilots a New Approach to Homeless, Troubled Patrons
“A unique intramural partnership bridges the Dauphin County Library System and county Human Services to create new avenues in crisis response.”
Group Pushes Hennepin County Library System to Drop Fines
Sandy Berman is a retired librarian who started the “Committee for the Abolition of Library Fines.” He said he feels locking out a child from libraries due to an overdue book is contradictory to the mission of libraries.
Social Justice and Public Libraries: Equity Starts with Us
August 12–13, 2019
Charleston County Public Library
Charleston, SC
October 28–29, 2019
Chicago Public Library
Chicago, IL
“Libraries across the country are making stronger commitments to equitable library services for all. Librarians, library administrators, library staff, and other stakeholders are encouraged to join us to grow the collective capacity and connections we will need to do this work.
During this one-and-a-half day symposium we will explore how power and privilege operate interpersonally and institutionally; identify how oppression shows up in our communities and libraries; and learn about historical and contemporary social justice movements. Participants will hear from libraries putting equity into practice, develop regional connections, and create local action plans to advance equity and social justice in our organizations and communities.
Day one will focus on building shared language, self-awareness and historical understanding. Day two will give us the chance to learn about successful racial equity initiatives and develop action plans to catalyze or strengthen equity work in our organizations and communities.”
This Cincinnati Library Is Lending Help to the Homeless
“David Siders, the library’s civic engagement coordinator, told WCPO that the services are an attempt to bolster the community and break away from some of the conventional thinking about the role of libraries.”