Public libraries are the crazy, radical ideas that might save society | Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Do Yourself a Favor and Go Find a ‘Third Place’

We need physical spaces for serendipitous, productivity-free conversation.

To build resilient decentralized networks, let us create “Mother nodes”—sites in the network bearing a responsibility of care. We’ve built institutions like these before: consider public libraries, which serve both as bearers of cultural memory and as generous sources of nutrients for our minds and communities.

The role of Friends and trustees

“A revamped library commission,” which Gillum says changed significantly with Austin’s 1998 bond election, “proved to be critical for the new Central Library project.” He credits the commission’s “passionate advocacy” for getting the funding proposition on the 2006 ballot and rallying citizens to vote in support, wh... See more

A public library today has information to improve people’s lives. We are an enabler; we are a connector.

what if public libraries were open late every night and we could engage in public life there instead of having to choose between drinking at the bar and domestic isolation

What counts as social infrastructure? I define it capaciously. Public institutions, such as libraries, schools, playgrounds, parks, athletic fields, and swimming pools, are vital parts of the social infrastructure. So too are sidewalks, courtyards, community gardens, and other green spaces that invite people into the public realm. Community organiz

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