Meet Me at the Library: A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy

by Shamichael Hallman

America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. How do we create spaces for people to come together―to open our minds, understand our differences, and exchange ideas?

Shamichael Hallman argues that the public library may be our best hope for bridging these divides and creating strong, inclusive communities. While public libraries have long been thought of as a place for a select few, increasingly they are playing an essential role in building social cohesion, promoting civic renewal, and advancing the ideals of a healthy democracy. Many are reimagining themselves in new and innovative ways, actively reaching out to the communities they serve.

Today, libraries are becoming essential institutions for repairing society. Libraries have a unique opportunity to bridge socioeconomic divides and rebuild trust. But in order to do so, they must be truly welcoming to all. They and their communities must work collaboratively to bridge socioeconomic divides through innovative and productive partnerships.

Drawing from his experience at the Memphis Public Library and his extensive research and interviews across the country, Hallman presents a rich argument for seeing libraries as one of the nation’s greatest assets. He includes examples from libraries large and small--such as the Iowa’s North Liberty Library’s Lighthouse in the Library program to bring people together to discuss important topics in a safe and supportive space, to Cambridge Cooks, an initiative of the Cambridge MA Public Library that fosters social connection by bringing people together over shared interest in food.

As an institution that is increasingly under attack for creating a place where diverse audiences can see themselves, public libraries are under more scrutiny than ever. Meet Me at the Library offers us a revealing look at one of our most important civic institutions and the social and civic impact they must play if we are to heal our divided nation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Urban Planning, Politics, Urbanism

204 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Erianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please please please read this book!

We can and should support our local libraries!! It’s amazing to read about all the ways libraries are a resource for people within the community and how specific libraries have taken patron needs and changed their programs to serve those within their community.

The book shows how libraries bring together those who are lonely and divided, create a sense of belonging, serve as a place for all, and offer an opportunity for partnership, volunteering, and collaborating. An inspiring book that should leave any reader asking “How can I help my library, and when can I start?”

Quotes I loved from the book:
- Quoted from the book "Better Together" by Robert Putnam and Lewis Feldstein - "Libraries are places where people come to know themselves and their communities... people may go to the library looking mainly for information, but they find each other there."
- "Book displays highlight books about a particular topic, taking a windows and mirrors approach. Mirrors in that you have the right to see yourself in books and literature, and windows in that it gives people who have a desire to learn about others that are different from them an opportunity to do so."

[Sarah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The library is a lifeline for many in society…”

This was truly wonderful to read. Libraries are more than just a place to borrow books. Access to media, workshops, and diverse programming is the new norm. Get a library card, and use it! Protect libraries!!

[Lauren M · Rating 3 out of 5]

~3.5 stars~

I definitely think this is a valuable book if you're trying to understand what [big] libraries are capable of, but it leaves something to be desired in just HOW to implement those ideas and programs, especially in smaller libraries with less funding.

It's great that Big City Library #1 got to meet and talk to workers and patrons at Big City Libraries #2 and #3 about the diversity programs that worked for them and the lucrative purchases that they were able to make, but how does that translate to Small Town Library #1 through #100? And what happens if no one shows up to these programs and no one uses these expensive gadgets? How can libraries with low funding try to do the same thing?

The book started out well, as it got into what libraries can do for a community and the challenges they face, but it turned into one big bragging right for Hallman and company. But maybe I missed something, as my eyes started to glaze over after awhile. I don't just want to read what you did; what about the effects? What about the others? For a book about the importance of libraries reaching ALL, I didn't feel like it was truly about ALL.

[Tanner Ames · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love libraries, or if you are curious about all of the great things libraries provide (outside of providing books to the community) this is a must read. Being a library worker, there are plenty of things that I am excited to take from this book for my own library.

[Phobean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The practical guide and ode to libraries and small-d democracy I didn't know I needed. The writing feels a bit "dissertation" and has some repetition that I admittedly struggled with (which meant I had to return the book, and check it out a second time due to my slow-reading), but I took the messages to heart (and mind.) I'm a beneficiary of how libraries uplift civic life, and now I understand more specifically HOW libraries do that, and can name ways in which I might support their work better. I work for one of the non-library orgs featured in the book, Essential Partners, and I was delighted to see how EP fits into Shamichael's theories about important partnerships that libraries build with adjacent movement-builders and community sustaining entities.

[emma charlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very valuable book with important ideas. I’d definitely recommend if you are less familiar with library programming and/or interested in becoming more involved in your local library. I found some areas to be repetitive and wanted to see more actionable original ideas in addition to the many quotes and sources cited.

[Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

i ❤️ libraries

[Katta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hopeful, concise, a bit academic, this book shines a light on all the wonderful things libraries do and how they can work to solve loneliness and preserve democracy

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adding to my must-read recommendation list.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those unfamiliar with the idea of library as multicultural community spaces, this book brings a lot of useful and interesting information on what modern-day libraries are doing to helped their present-day communities.

Die those who may already be exposed to this kind of knowledge, this book may be less useful and a bit repetitive. For me, specific examples shown in Hallman's libraries and other libraries around the country were great, but a lot of the "softX knowledge ended jumbling around and repeating throughout the chapters.

It's a cause I'm super passionate about and supportive of, but a book that could still use some polishing/re-organizing of its content. Overall, recommend, at 3.5 stars.

[Kes · Rating 3 out of 5]

unfortunately i just didn’t love this book in the way that i wanted to. while i loved the intent and a lot of the ideas, it just didn’t feel very engaging. it read more like an extended academic article than an actual book, and was repetitive at times

[Steve Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am 100 % biased in this review. I had the honor of hearing author Shamichael Hallman and Mesa County Library Executive Director Michelle Boisvenue-Fox discuss this book in person at a recent event. That's where I got my copy, signed by the author. I would be remiss if I did not share that Boisvenue-Fox is my wife of nearly 30 years and the first chapter literally begins: "When Michelle Boisvenue-Fox became the director of the Mesa County Library system in 2019.." Hallman had me hooked! If you want to learn a bit more about how libraries can be an integral part of a vibrant community or you love libraries or you love library people then check this out!

[Ivy Digest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved the library since elementary. It has been my refuge and source of peace and knowledge that I have passed on to my children. It's so important to highlight the importance of this literary sanctuary in the community and to see Mr. Hallman's vigorous efforts to strengthen and expand library services beyond books. This is a great resource for all librarians, especially in underserved communities, as it promotes grander ideas for how all people can benefit from a good library. This should be required reading for all librarians, schools, and educators.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of hearing Shamichael Hallman at a Seattle Public Library event, and the timing could not have been more crucial. Our public libraries--the very fabric of civil society and democracy--are under attack. We must defend and support them. One way to start is by making sure that you and all of your friends have signed up for library cards!

[Gracen C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such important content! Support your local libraries! This gives such a wonderful in-depth look on the importance of libraries in communities. It’s a great read for how the library can enrich you and how you can contribute to your library, which in turn promotes your community.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallman is a total rock star. A great thinker in the library space, and he makes a very compelling argument about the role of libraries in promoting our democracy.

[DW Rowlands · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad giving this book such a poor review but...it just didn't connect for me? It felt too short and light, and more like a blurb than a whole book...

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read - helped me think of my local library in an expansive and connecting way.

[selen · Rating 4 out of 5]

felt maybe a little bit out of order but I love libraries !!!!!

[Coffee · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: 3.5

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good professional development read that librarians and library staff should consider adding to their shelves (for the public and for themselves).

I tried to pace myself by reading one chapter at a time. This was the first book in MANY YEARS that I actually highlighted and sticky-noted when I found passages that resonated with me. He provided definitions and examples of social dis/connection, the importance of public libraries within their communities, and how patron support and advocacy can make a difference. It was more about affirming the work we are already doing rather than inspiring to try something new (with the caveat that my public library system already implements many of the suggested next steps/projects). His writing is very friendly and accessible.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas for civic engagement in libraries.