Season 2, Episode 3
Libraries as civic spaces
Amid book bans and restrictions on programming, things seem pretty rough for libraries right now. But that doesn't mean we can't fight for something better. This week, we hear from two librarians working to enhance the role libraries of libraries democracy and civic engagement.
Librarians have spoken for years about “library faith,” the belief that public libraries are central to democracy because they contribute to an informed citizenry. Today, the idea is gaining even more traction, and even conservative crackdowns on what’s permitted in libraries reinforce the idea that they’re more than just “book warehouses” but centers for community engagement and representativeness.
This week, hear from two librarians working to enhance the role libraries of libraries democracy and civic engagement. Shamichael Hallman explains how he brought his experience in tech and faith leadership to bear when he ran a branch of the Memphis Public Libraries, including bringing Civic Saturdays to his community, a program of Citizen University. And public policy advocate Nancy Kranich of Rutgers University shares the high hopes she has that libraries remain crucial institutions that allow us to engage with our government–and each other.
In this Episode
Shamichael Hallman
Shamichael Hallman, a visiting fellow (Loeb Fellow) at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, and a Teaching Fellow at the Center for Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania. As part of his fellowship, he is exploring how design and planning can make for socially inclusive cities and welcoming public spaces. From 2017 to 2022, Hallman served as the Senior Library Manager of the historic Cossitt Library (Memphis Public Libraries). In this role, he helped oversee the Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative.
Nancy Kranich
Nancy Kranich, teaching professor in the Master of Information program and coordinates the Library and Information Science concentration at the Rutgers University School of Communication and Information. She has also conducted special projects at the Rutgers University Libraries. The American Library Association elected her as its millennial president in 2000-2001, focusing on the role of libraries in democracies. A tireless champion of the public’s information rights, Kranich has spoken out against censorship, filtering, privatization, and other attempts to limit public access to vital information.