Public libraries do far more than lend books or serve as polling places! They function as civic hubs that welcome all people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs.
Each week, at any of the 81 Chicago Public Library branches, community members can find at least one event tailored to their interests or their families' needs. Whether it’s an English as a Second Language (ESL) class, a budgeting workshop, digital literacy office hours or a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) club for kids, there’s always something happening. The same is true at libraries nationwide.
In a recent webinar hosted by the National Civic League, experts emphasized the need to expand libraries' civic capacity. They recommend strategies that include connecting underserved communities to available services, providing space for community members needing support and gathering community input to inform strategic planning.
American public libraries strengthen community connections, showcasing the value of human interactions, especially as screen time increases in the digital age. Yet, libraries across the U.S. are facing a multitude of threats and unprecedented challenges, such as book bans and funding cuts, that put their operations at risk.
If you want to support your local library, the American Library Association offers great resources to take action. If you have just five minutes, you can call or email your member of Congress and help spread the word online or in person. With more time, you can visit ALA to explore additional ways to Show Up #ForOurLibraries.
A classic episode from When The People Decide that's still very relevant in today's context. Host Jenna Spinelle and librarians working in the civic spaces discuss why public libraries are central to our democracy, how they contribute to an informed citizenry and how they are enhancing the roles of libraries in their respective work.
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Subscribe to our NewsletterThis is Jessie Nguyen, The Democracy Group's Community Manager. Here are some of my favorite podcasts this week, check them out!
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has finally ended after 43 days. Though this deal now reopens the federal government, it raises many questions for both parties moving forward, particularly on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. This episode provides an in-depth analysis on the shutdown's implications.
RCV Clips returns with an educational episode about election reform and community organizing principles in voter education. Guest Grace Ramsey of Democracy Rising discusses how the organization is helping voters who are disillusioned with politics understand that democracy can work for them.
To continue our discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) from the last newsletter, this episode dives into the impact of AI on our "multiracial" democracy and dictates how we interact with each other and trust one another. Host Alex Levitt raises timely questions, like how AI has already impacted elections and the kind of threats it has imposed. Give it a listen!
Pauline Hoffman, also known as the Data Doyenne, is an infodemiologist. Data Doyenne is a podcast, website and classes to help you understand data that is readily available to anyone. Hoffmann is the former dean and current associate professor in the Jandoli School of Communication.
David A. Graham is a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter. He is the author of "The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America," a New York Times bestseller. Graham's coverage of the 2020 presidential election won the 2021 Toner Prize for Excellence in National Political Reporting.
Subscribe to receive a biweekly collection of the hottest podcast episodes from the network, upcoming special events, expert features, and news from your favorite shows.
Subscribe to our NewsletterJessie Nguyen is a Marketing Communication Specialist for The Democracy Group and a Digital News Producer at ABC 8News in Richmond, Va. She produces the network’s bi-weekly newsletter on Substack focusing on civic topics, social issues, political current affairs and podcasting, and oversees social media strategies and execution for The Democracy Group’s social platforms. Jessie holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Northwestern University, both in Journalism.
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