Public libraries and resilient cities

Public libraries are keystone public institutions for any thriving community, and as such can be leaders in making cities better places to work, play, and live. In this important book, noted urban planner and librarian Dudley shows how public libraries can contribute to "placemaking," or the creation and nurturing of vital and unique communities for their residents. Using case studies and other information from the field, the author Shows how public libraries can address pressing urban and environmental sustainability issues through smart urban design practices, making contributions to economic regeneration, and a commitment to social equity Provides examples of innovation in public library design, management, collaboration and public services Offers librarians, library administrators, and even urban planners the practical knowledge, tools, and vocabulary to overcome professional and disciplinary barriersFrom the economic renewal potential of library development projects, to the provision of public space in a privatizing world, from services for the homeless to crisis management during urban disasters, Public Libraries and Resilient Cities explores the vital role that public libraries can play in the promotion of ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable communities in challenging times.

Exploring public library contributions to urban resiliency / Dr. Glen Holt -- Finding room for everyone : libraries confront social exclusion / Jennifer Hoyer -- Baltimore's equalizer : lessons in social equity from the Enoch Pratt Free Library / Vanessa N. Francis -- Queens Library's Literacy Zone Welcome Center at Long Island City / Deborah Olley Murphy and Denise Clark -- From outreach to community development : making socially sustainable choices at Winnipeg Public Library / Monique Woroniak -- Summer foods, libraries, and resiliency : creative problem solving and community partnerships in Massachusetts / Melissa S. Rauseo and Julie Biando Edwards -- Public library gardens : playing a role in ecologically sustainable communities / Mary Wilkins Jordan -- Partners for the future : public libraries and local governments creating sustainable communities / Urban Libraries Council -- A "people's palace" : public libraries and placemaking / Maija Berndtson -- In the wake of Hurricane Ike : the Houston Public Library responds with community-based disaster recovery services and the "Children's Zone" / Meller Langford and Roosevelt Weeks with Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson -- Public libraries and the predicament of peak oil and climate change / Matthew Havens and Michael Dudley -- Collaborative community library planning and economic crisis : the case of Harare, Zimbabwe / Innocent Chirisa -- Engaging communities, making a difference : Edmonton Public Library's community-led service philosophy / Pilar Martinez.