[Publib] RE: Publib Digest, Vol 22, Issue 23

[Mike Baldwin]

Regarding an "Activism 101" program in the library, invite several local
legislative assistants to speak as a panel on how to communicate with
legislators. Also, look into the possibility of forming public issues
discussion groups that meet regularly at the library to inform themselves
(thru their own research or expert guest speakers) on one current issue per
meeting. At the end of each meeting, invite them to write their legislators,
newspapers, or other means of getting their opinions out (such as a blog
from the library). These are exactly the type of programs libraries should
be producing. The greater mission of libraries is to invigorate democracy
and promote civic responsibility. See my articles: "Can Libraries Save
Democracy?" (LJ 10/15/2002) and "Librarians As Knowledge Provocateurs"
(Public Libraries, March/April 2006). Mike Baldwin, Director, Benbrook
(Texas) Public Library (mikeb at benbrooklibrary.org)