How Libraries Strengthen Communities
Thank you for your interest in How Libraries Strengthen Communities.
We appreciate your enthusiasm for this important discussion .Please note that this event, originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, 2025, has been postponed.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We are working to reschedule and will share the new date as soon as it is confirmed. If you have already RSVP’d, your registration will remain on file, and we will follow up with you once details are finalized.
If you have any questions, please contact JJefferson@irex.org. Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you at the rescheduled event!
Across the United States, public libraries are more than places to borrow books—they are catalysts for connection, understanding, and collaboration. Libraries are stepping up to address urgent challenges: bringing people together across lines of difference, falling rates of volunteering, social isolation, and eroding trust in communities.
Join IREX and our partners to learn about how libraries are helping communities rebuild trust and work together. We will discuss:
- How libraries are bringing people together and increasing engagement in their communities
- Practical tools and recommendations to support libraries in this vital work
- The next steps we’re taking to build on what we’ve learned and support libraries in this vital work, with funding from the Walmart Foundation
Event Details
Date: March 5, 2025
Time: 2:00-3:20 p.m. ET
Location: Zoom
Speakers
- Shamichael Hallman, Director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity, Urban Libraries Council (ULC)
- Jennie Garner, Director, North Liberty Library, Iowa
- Kristin Lord, President and CEO, IREX
- Meaghan O’Connor, Director, Service Design & Engagement, DC Public Library.
- Melissa Carter, Senior Manager, Community Resiliency, Caring and Connected Communities, Walmart Foundation
Why Now?
At a time when understanding of how to engage and drive positive change in communities is low, volunteerism is declining, and communities are fragmenting, libraries are uniquely positioned to lead the way toward healing and unity.