Making the case for public libraries
through original oral histories
Why public libraries?
Public libraries are one of the cornerstones of our society. Free and open to all, they provide, in the words of one Living Libraries interviewee, Rachel, “somewhere to be, somewhere to read, somewhere to learn, somewhere to connect”. They’re a unique resource. And libraries can help local authorities and national government meet some of their most pressing policy goals - if they, and their staff, are supported, developed, and invested in appropriately.
Eight recommendations for public libraries,
based on the words of those who use, work in and run them
Improving health and wellbeing
Creating a safe place for everyone
Accessing information you can trust
Contributing to a sustainable future
Living Libraries recommends:
Public libraries’ key role in supporting public health and social care provision, including mental health services, should be recognised and funded appropriately.
Library staff should be adequately trained and supported if they are providing mental health support or other health-related advice.
Libraries’ role as both physical and virtual community spaces should be recognised and funded appropriately, including maintenance of library buildings and vehicles, and strengthening of libraries’ ability to build and sustain their online communities, for example, through social media.
Library staff should be supported with appropriate training and advice to continue libraries’ inclusive, diverse and equitable engagement with all members of the public.
Libraries should be supported in their continued mission to provide accurate, reliable, verified information, and to maintain their local studies and history archives for the public good.
Libraries' capacity to provide face-to-face digital inclusion support for the broadest possible range of users should be invested in appropriately and supported through staff training.
Libraries should model good environmental practice through their buildings, supplier choices, and through staff and user behaviour.
Public libraries' capacity to offer reliable information, welcoming space for discussion and action, and practical, rapid-response support around key public health, political and environmental issues should be recognised, supported and invested in appropriately.
Listen to some of Living Libraries’ interviewees talk more about public libraries’ key role in health and social care; libraries as vital community spaces; libraries, information technology and digital inclusion; and libraries and the environment in a time of climate crisis.
For further information on our project, requests to cite this research, or requests for comment, please contact Professor Shelley Trower.