Monday, December 5, 2016

15 libraries chosen for ‘Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces’ project

15 libraries chosen for ‘Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces’ project

DUBLIN, Ohio, 1 December 2016—Fifteen small U.S. public libraries have been selected to participate in the ‘Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces’ project led by OCLC in partnership with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL). The libraries, chosen from 106 completed applications, are located in 12 different states and serve communities ranging in size from 1,000 to 21,000 people.

The selected libraries are:

  • Bertha Voyer Memorial Library, Honey Grove, Texas, population served 1,670
  • Caledonia Public Library, Caledonia, Minnesota, population served 6,319
  • Cornwall Public Library, Cornwall, New York, population served 16,841
  • Glenns Ferry Public Library, Glenns Ferry, Idaho, population served 1,100
  • Greenwich Free Library, Greenwich, New York, population served 4,942
  • Hot Springs Library, Hot Springs, North Carolina, population served 560 (21,157 in county)
  • Ignacio Community Library, Ignacio, Colorado, population served 5950 (town 750, district 5,200)
  • James Kennedy Public Library, Dyersville, Iowa, population served 5,000
  • Madison Public Library, Madison, South Dakota, population served 12,622
  • Norelius Community Library, Denison, Iowa, population served 8,298
  • Punxsutawney Memorial Library, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, population served 15,760
  • Ronan Library District, Ronan, Montana, population served 8,645
  • Town Creek Public Library, Town Creek, Alabama, population served 1,080
  • Tucker Free Library, Henniker, New Hampshire, population served 4,900
  • Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library, Wilton, New Hampshire, population served 3,400

Each library will be represented by a staff member, who will be guided through a training program designed by WebJunction, the learning program of OCLC Research. Participants will apply what they learn to reimagine and reconfigure library space to support socially engaging and active learning programming that addresses a defined community need.

“These libraries were chosen based on a well-articulated understanding of their communities, commitment to championing economic and educational success, and an enthusiasm for bringing the voice of community members to their planning process,” said Sharon Streams, Director, WebJunction. “We are excited to work with these libraries as they create spaces that will encourage people to explore, play and learn together. We can’t wait to get started.”

Over an 18-month period, participants will be introduced to the principles of placemaking, community engagement and human-centered space design. After conducting community input, action planning and prototype activities, the libraries will implement a learning space using a starter set of materials.

Learn more about the project on the Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces section of the WebJunction website, and stay tuned as more information on the individual libraries, their Smart Spaces projects and the principles they learn are shared.

This two-year project is funded by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.


Regards

Pralhad Jadhav

Senior Manager @ Library
Khaitan & Co                                                                    


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