How can your library help people in your community increase their civic engagement? On this show Lauren Deering, Coordinator of Civic Engagement, and Adriana Blancarte-Hayward, Senior Manager of Outreach Services, both with the Community Outreach and Engagement Department at New York Public Library, talk about creating civic engagement programming in libraries. As they describe in this episode, libraries are trusted pillars of civic life in our communities and ideal venues for implementing civic engagement programming, making this a relevant topic for all of us.
Transcript
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Adriane Herrick Juarez:
This is Adriane Herrick Juarez. You’re listening to Library Leadership Podcast, where we talk about libraries, and leadership, and speak with guests who share their ideas, innovations and strategic insights in the profession.
How can your library help people in your community increase their civic engagement? On this show, Lauren Deering, Coordinator of Civic Engagement, and Adriana Blancarte-Hayward, Senior Manager of Outreach Services—both with the Community Outreach and Engagement Department at New York Public Library, talk about creating civic engagement programming in libraries. As they describe in this episode, libraries are trusted pillars of civic life in our communities and ideal venues for implementing civic engagement programming, making this a relevant topic for all of us. Enjoy the show!
Lauren and Adriana, welcome to the show.
Lauren Deering:
Hi, Adriane. Thank you so much for inviting us. It’s nice to be here.
Adriana Blancarte-Hayward:
Yes, thank you for having us today.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #1: I appreciate you both for being here. Today we are talking about creating civic engagement programming. Why might libraries want to be thinking about and implementing civic engagement programming? 01:43
Lauren Deering:
We see libraries and librarians serving as trusted pillars of civic life within our communities, making them ideal venues for fostering civic engagement through purposeful programming and initiatives. We see this in three different ways, with one of libraries being community pillars. Libraries are integral parts of local communities, and they’re recognized for providing valuable resources and trusted knowledge. We offer safe spaces where patrons can ask their questions, cultivate their ideas with guidance from trusted professionals. Given this role as a community pillar, implementing civic engagement programming really aligns naturally with libraries’ missions.
We also look at promoting equity and lifelong learning. Libraries are champions of equity and access to information, advocating for lifelong learning beyond just formal education. Oftentimes, when we think of civic engagement, it can be seen as a subject limited to school curricula—thinking of your US government, or your Schoolhouse Rock in your elementary schools. But libraries can really expand on this perspective by delving into the local civic issues, those topics and interests that matter to the community. We, as libraries, can empower community members by providing access to information and knowledge— encouraging active engagement with our community surroundings. So, it’s really about focusing on that local civic engagement and connecting with our communities in meaningful and authentic ways.
The third area is a library as a community leader toward civic engagement programming, and addressing challenges in democracy. So today, we know a significant majority of Americans recognize that serious challenges are facing our democracy, yet a substantial portion really express a desire to increase their activity and civic engagement within their communities. So, as the New York Public Library, we see ourselves as a nonpartisan and trusted institution to encourage community participation and civic engagement.
We hold this unique position in the community to foster civic engagement, community participation through our shared spaces across the branches’ diverse program offerings, and expansive collections. By activating our patrons through programming, education, as well as the resources—those historical resources in our collections, we really see ourselves playing a crucial role in promoting inquiry, analysis and involvement in our democracy. We really see our role as providing a sustainable model for a vibrant, inclusive and equitable society.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #2: Thank you, Lauren. There are excellent reasons for libraries to do this kind of work. I’d like to jump in on what this can look like. What’s going on in this arena that our listeners can use to tune in for ideas for civic engagement programming? 04:35
Lauren Deering:
The exciting thing is that there are many different avenues and pathways to get involved in civic engagement. One is staying informed and inspired by exploring the various avenues in your community. Starting local is my first recommendation in terms of tuning into your local community and identifying those issues, topics, and ideas that you are hearing or listening out for, or seeing within your community. You can engage with them to gather insights on topics such as anything from transportation, public education, parks, or new recreation centers in your community.
Starting with—there’s organizations in your community, such as nonprofit organizations. They host events, discussions, and initiatives related to local issues. Educational institutions—if there are schools or universities that have centers for civic engagement, exploring their offerings and resources could be a way of collaboration. Museums and cultural institutions—they often have exhibitions and workshops and discussions related to civic matters. There’s nonpartisan civic organizations, such as the League of Women Voters, which host events and provide valuable resources. I also look at local newspapers, looking at the media in terms of what are some updates that are happening in the communities. What are the relevant issues that you see emerging from these media sources?
There’s also nationwide initiatives and virtual programs that you can explore. I’ve looked at the CivXNow project, which is part of iCivics. It’s a coalition, nationwide, of organizations that focuses on civic education in K-12 settings. But, I’ve found great resources that span across the ages around gaining inspiration and ideas for fostering civic engagement in your community.
Of course, there’s the ALA conferences and resources. There’s a page on civic engagement, and the programming librarian has been a real source of inspiration for me. I’m always keeping an eye out for conferences organized by ALA to focus on civics and dialogue around what’s happening in our communities.
Last but not least, I have to give a shout-out to our NYPL Voter Information and Civics Resources page. It’s open to everyone. So that’s nypl.org/civics. You can see a variety of resources in terms of voter engagement information. There’s programming that’s happening across the ages that spans from everything from voter information workshops to creative civics crafting workshops—really seeing those opportunities across the branches at NYPL.
I also want to give a shout-out to our educators and school’s page—our Center for Educators & Schools. They have a curriculum for teaching with NYPL’s primary sources, based on the archival collections that folks can tune into. So there’s a variety of resources that are available through nypl.org/civics. So, stay tuned on that page because it is a wonderful resource.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #3: Marvelous. It’s great to hear about so much that’s available in this area. In addition, Lauren, what methods can libraries use to help focus their efforts on civic engagement programming? 07:55
Lauren Deering:
In terms of programming, we do look at really a strategic method. So really thinking about developing diverse and tailored civic engagement programs that cater to the wide variety—the diverse interests within your community. There’s different ways in terms of how you can do this, whether it be a workshop with a nonprofit organization, a discussion, or a seminar—really thinking about interactive sessions to encourage and empower your community in terms of what civic engagement programming looks like.
One of those ways is to promote dialogue and connection. You can think about setting goals to facilitate meaningful dialogues among your community members around relevant issues—really think about encouraging those connections and positive civic attitudes that foster understanding, empathy, and collaboration within the community.
Also really important when thinking about programming is developing your evaluation tools for impact. Did the program work? Did it align with the goals that you were looking to achieve, and how did the program positively influence participants in the community? You can constantly reassess and continue to improve upon those highlights—those program-wins around civic engagement.
Also prioritize DEIA focus in terms of your civic engagement initiatives—encouraging that programs are inclusive, accessible, and sensitive to the diverse needs and perspectives of all community members—really seeking to aim to bridge the gaps and promote equity in civic participation.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #4: Adriana, as civic engagement programming takes a collaborative effort, what recommendations do you have for connecting with community-based organizations, presenters, and community leaders to implement civic engagement programming? 09:43
Adriana Blancarte-Hayward:
First of all, you need to make sure to be part of the community and be present. How to do this? You start with hours in engagement. You need to get out there and meet people where they are. You need to recognize the importance of meeting communities in their preferred spaces and contexts. Of course, you need to extend library initiatives beyond the library premises to ensure accessibility, and inclusivity—reaching diverse segments of the population.
You can do this by participating in local meetings, attending local events, festivals and gatherings to connect with people. Listen to what their needs and concerns are. Gather feedback and spread awareness about civic engagement opportunities at the library.
Another way to do this is through a community needs assessment. When you are out there, engage with folks and listen attentively to the needs and interests of the community. Connecting with community leaders, those who have an influence, and who others look up to is a great way to start. Whenever possible, conduct surveys, focus groups, or community meetings to gather insights. Ensuring that programs align with community needs and effectively serve the intended audience.
And of course, great community partnerships—through your outreach efforts, you can establish robust partnerships with local key community hubs such as non-profit organizations, government agencies, schools, community centers, health providers, service agencies, local businesses, the coffee shops, beauty salons, laundromats, supermarkets, all the places where the community gather.
You can also join community coalitions and networks, and you need to collaborate with these partners. While you can collaborate with them to co-create and also promote civic engagement programs, it’s important to remember that good partnerships involve both give and take and need to be mutually beneficial.
And the last thing I’ll say that is very important—the things that I mentioned, which are outreach, and engagement, community needs assessment, and partnerships—the last step is to repeat. You need to do this regularly. As the community’s needs change over time, it is important to be an active partner and member of the community to be relevant.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #5: Adriana and Lauren, do you have any examples of civic engagement programming that demonstrates success? 12:27
Adriana Blancarte-Hayward:
Yes, an example I’ll share is one that I have been able to support working with Lauren, and other colleagues, across NYPL. When we were brainstorming about potentials for programs, we wanted to be able to demystify the concept of civics—make it so that it will be relevant to what people care about.
We created the Everyday Civics Program series. This program explores civic engagement through the lens of advocacy, activism, community organizing, and volunteering. The goal is to engage communities through issues that matter most to them, connect with local leaders making an impact, and give them the spotlight, and to provide examples of what civic engagement can look like at a very local level, and in people’s everyday lives. The programs can be thematic and Lauren will give more specific examples.
Lauren Deering:
Sure, thanks, Adriana. One of the most fulfilling aspects of our position is collaborating with our colleagues, both within our community outreach and engagement team, and throughout the library. This collaboration includes working alongside dedicated librarians, staff and educators, as Adriana mentioned—to design a variety of civic programs such as Everyday Civics and opportunities that foster joy, curiosity, knowledge, and creativity through civics.
One of these examples is our Artivism program—art + activism, which emerged from the Community Conversations model and focuses on showcasing the work of local community artists. Artivism serves as a platform to spotlight individuals who have made a significant civic and community impact through their art, which has included community muralists, rap artists, and jazz musicians. The Artivism program really encapsulates the diversity and creativity across New York City communities, and really has initiated meaningful conversations around community topics, and issues, and needs, and ensures that community voices are heard in innovative, new and creative ways.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #6: Those sound fantastic. Thank you both. Is there anything else you’d like to share? 14:41
Adriana Blancarte-Hayward:
Yeah, also that we are very fortunate to have a great network of ninety-two locations. For those people that are listening and may not be aware—the New York Public Library covers three of the five boroughs of New York City. We are in the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Each neighborhood is unique. So, the work we do in the Community Outreach and Engagement team—it is very rewarding to be able to create connections that benefit both the library and the communities via partnerships, programs, and collaborating in outreach efforts. We also support branch staff with their efforts.
Lauren Deering:
Thanks, Adriana, and I’ll add on to that—that experiencing the community connections that develop through NYPL programs is really inspiring. Branches not only serve as hubs of civic knowledge through all of our programming, but really do play a pivotal role in nurturing positive community attitudes, and creating opportunities for civic empowerment. I really take pride in my work as the coordinator for Civic Engagement Programming and share NYPL’s vision around civic engagement and community building. We build positive community attitudes, create opportunities, and support patrons in developing the tools and the skill sets that they need to become civically engaged and activated members of their community.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #7: Adriana and Lauren, do you have any favorite management or leadership books or resources and why? 16:07
Adriana Blancarte-Hayward:
I’ll start us off. Instead of a book, I’ll mention two authors and speakers I really like. Coincidentally, I first heard of them at ALA conferences. Both of them have several books, and also have very popular TED talks. They talk about being brave and thoughtful. The first person is Brené Brown, which I listened to during ALA 2017. I love her definition of a leader—anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people, and processes, and has the courage to develop that potential. She shows the importance of being a leader by being true to yourself, and encourages being vulnerable with boundaries, and having courage, which requires creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard and respected.
The second person I’ll mention is Luvvie Ajayi Jones, whom I listened to in ALA 2022. Recently, she introduced herself as a professional troublemaker. Her thoughtful way to say the tough things that people may be thinking, but don’t dare to speak—is inspirational, too. She says, When it’s time to say these hard things, I ask myself three things: 1. Did you mean it? 2. Can you defend it? And, 3. Did you say it with love? So those are my two recommendations.
Lauren Deering:
I love those recommendations that Adriana shared as well. I’ll share one of my favorite books, it’s called Leadership Standpoints: A Practical Framework for the Next Generation of Nonprofit Leaders, by Don Waisanen. I really found this for me, personally, as a book that really gave practical steps in terms of defining what it means to be a leader—really addressing that bridge in terms of the entry level staff—to thinking about yourself as a leader, within public and nonprofit spaces, which really translates into library settings. In that book, he provides a framework that I found helpful in the context of problem-solving, thinking critically, and promoting emotional intelligence across leadership and management styles. So I really see it as a framework that I go back to in terms of leadership practice, and theory, and connecting to my everyday work in library settings.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #8: Thank you for those. Lauren and Adriana, in closing, what do libraries mean to you personally? 18:34
Adriana Blancarte-Hayward:
To me, coming from a public library world, libraries are the heart, and center of the community. Libraries represent opportunities, a place where everyone is welcome and can find their own way in the world by having access to what they need.
Lauren Deering:
And for me, libraries really represent endless potential. They embody imagination, research, creativity, and as we can see every day across our communities and within our libraries—endless innovation.
Adriane Herrick Juarez:
Question #9: Those are all such important things about libraries. And, libraries as important and trusted pillars of civic life make our organizations ideal places for civic engagement programming. Libraries hold unique positions in our communities that create the ability for everyone to inquire and get involved in civic life to engage in our democracy. So, I’m grateful to both of you for being here to talk about this. Thank you so much. 19:12
Adriana Blancarte-Hayward:
Thank you again for having us and for the opportunity to share with everyone.
Lauren Deering:
Thank you so much, Adriane. It was a pleasure to be here.
You’ve been listening to Library Leadership podcast. This is Adriane Herrick Juarez. For more episodes, tune in to Library Leadership Podcast.com, where you can now subscribe to get episodes delivered right to your email inbox. Our producer is Nathan Sinclair Vineyard. Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next time.
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