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
Bite into a good book with an edible book event
Publish Date: News / 17 March 2025
Go to the library and eat a book! The Edible Book is an international event that began in Santa Monica, California in 1999, where people use food to create representations of books, either a specific title or a generic “book.’ Events are usually held...
Healthy Places by Design: Advancing social connection and community wellbeing
Publish Date: News / 25 February 2025
Healthy Places by Design is a nonprofit consulting organization dedicated to advancing community-led action and implementing proven, place-based strategies to improve health and wellbeing for all. By focusing on the built environment and social facto...
Rooted in connection: Libraries designing for belonging and community
Publish Date: News / 11 February 2025
Despite living in an age of unprecedented digital connectivity, people are feeling the increasing effects of loneliness and isolation. These challenges extend beyond individuals, weakening the health, resilience, and trust of entire communities. The ...
"Free for All" documentary celebrates public libraries
Publish Date: News / 5 February 2025
Imagine having an easy way to engage your library patrons in a conversation about the importance of your library. That’s the idea behind. Free For All: The Public Library, an exciting new documentary premiering on PBS Indie Lens this April. The film ...
Climate change communication: How and why to do it in libraries
Publish Date: Webinar / 5 December 2024
Explore effective climate change communication strategies to engage communities and inspire action.
Case study: A data empowered museum
Publish Date: News / 4 December 2024
The Museum at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) serves the Rhode Island community as well as visitors from around the world. In 2022-2023, the Museum saw close to 120,000 visitors. Their collections consist of more than 100,000 works of art an...
Books and barks: Library pet programs for everyone
Publish Date: News / 4 December 2024
Libraries are going all out to celebrate their furriest fans! From therapy dogs that help kids build reading confidence to cat-themed storytimes and library pet spotlights, these creative programs warming hearts and sparking inspiration.
Building community in a changing climate
Publish Date: Webinar / 21 November 2024
Explore how public libraries and their partners are empowering communities to address climate change collaboratively.
Sustaining ecosystems for climate learning and action
Publish Date: Webinar / 24 October 2024
Learn how public libraries can play a role in climate education and action, collaborating with other sectors and organizations.
Inspire creativity with library arts and crafts programs
Publish Date: News / 22 October 2024
Libraries have always been a place to go to spark imagination, and tapping into the visual and performing arts can offer community members a fresh way to engage in creative expression. From DIY crafts to creative workshops, libraries can create arts ...
Community engagement
Where do you go for inspiration? Invigorate your community engagement efforts with advice from library leaders.