Partnerships & collaboration
When the library builds partnerships, it strengthens the ties to its community, shares resources, and builds positive relationships with diverse stakeholders. Reaching out to initiate community partnerships begins with identifying both traditional and non-traditional partners and exploring new ways to work together. Effective collaborations are sustained through a shared commitment to serving the ever-changing needs of the community.
Photo: jenlen, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Most Recently Added
Partner with indie authors to share diverse stories
Publish Date: News / 11 June 2024
Despite efforts to increase representation in publishing, the industry remains predominantly white. Authors of color often face a range of challenges, including difficulty finding literary agents, limited access to publishing opportunities, and insuf...
Supporting domestic and sexual violence survivors at your library
Publish Date: Webinar / 6 June 2024
Learn to recognize signs of domestic/sexual violence and the ways your library can support survivors through referrals and resources.
I Partner with my Public Library Award
Publish Date: News / 4 June 2024
Do you work at a public library? Has a community partner made a difference by collaborating with you?
Supporting healthy communities: Public library responses to the opioid crisis
Publish Date: Webinar / 16 May 2024
Learn about the new “Opioid Crisis Support Kit for Public Libraries” with information and strategies for library staff to support individuals and families affected by substance misuse.
Libraries get moving!
Publish Date: News / 15 May 2024
May is National Bike Month, and libraries across the country are helping their community members hop onto two wheels to celebrate. Cycling programs are just one of many ways that libraries are helping community members stay active. As local hubs, lib...
Growing library garden programs
Publish Date: News / 1 May 2024
Library gardens offer a great way for community members to come together to learn, grow, and contribute towards a healthy, balanced environment. And creating a vibrant community green space or gardening program doesn’t have to be complicated. Across ...
Singing the unsung heroes who make libraries successful
Publish Date: News / 24 April 2024
Community partnerships play an important role in creating successful libraries, and Berks County Public Library is no exception. Each year, the library honors individuals and groups in the community who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation,...
Co-creating library services through human-centered design
Publish Date: News / 10 April 2024
Much of the work of co-creation happens before you start to plan a concrete service or program. It’s worth spending the time up front to establish authentic, asset-based relationships and craft a scope that aligns with both community aspirations and ...
New Directions for Library Volunteers
Publish Date: Document / 21 March 2024
Resources and approaches for engaging volunteers in your library.
Hopkinton Public Library unites community in library planning
Publish Date: News / 12 March 2024
At Hopkinton Public Library in Iowa, community engagement is thriving. And the secret to this success is including community members in in the planning, from beginning to end. From an annual haunted house to community bake-offs, the library incorpora...
Community engagement
Where do you go for inspiration? Invigorate your community engagement efforts with advice from library leaders.