How to Make Your Library Great

The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining public spaces that build communities, recently published "14 lessons from local libraries all over the continent that can make them great public spaces. I've witnessed these lessons from my own research and experiences as a library school instructor on Change Management and the co-founder of the American Library Association's Membership Initiative Group, "Libraries Foster Civic Engagement". I propose that we in Salado can benefit from these lessons and pledge to make them key to my service as Library Board Trustee if elected.

1. Great Libraries Offer a Broad Mix of Community Services

2. Great Libraries Foster Communication

3. Great Libraries Showcase History and Information

4. Great Libraries Build Capacity for Local Businesses

5. Great Libraries Become Public Gathering Places

6. Great Libraries Boost Local Retail and Public Markets

7. Great Libraries Offer Easy Access

8. Great Libraries Make the Surrounding Area Come Alive

9. Great Libraries Feature Multiple Attractions and Destinations

10. Great Libraries Are Designed to Support Function

11. Great Libraries Provide a Variety of Amenities

11. Great Libraries Provide a Variety of Amenities

13. Great Libraries Depend on Wise Management

14. Great Libraries Catalyze Community Revitalization

I am pleased to note that I have actually consulted with or advised some of the libraries cites as examples of these 14 principals!