Libraries Transforming Communities: Examples from the Field

Case studies

In 2020 and 2021, the American Library Association selected 567 libraries to receive grants through Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small & Rural Libraries. Libraries volunteered to share their experiences with facilitating conversations in their communities. Read all case studies and blogs.

Case Study: North Liberty (Iowa) Library Case Study: Coos Bay (Ore.) Public Library
Case Study: Waimea (HI) Public Library Blog: Anywhere & Everywhere: Where Do Library Programs Happen?
Case Study: Essex (Conn.) Library Association Case Study: George McCone Memorial County Library, Circle, Mont.

In 2014 and 2015, 10 public libraries from across the country took part in an extensive, 18-month training to learn the Harwood Institute's Turning Outward approach and put it to use in their communities. Read all the case studies and blogs.

Case Study: Columbus (Wis.) Public Library: Innovative Solutions to Bridging Community Divisions
Blog: Suffolk (Va.) Public Library: Turning Outward to Chuckatuck
Case Study: Hartford (Conn) Public Library: Building on a Foundation of Success...and Going Deep to Go Broad

Knology-logo-standardProgram Evaluation

In close collaboration with ALA, Knology, a nonprofit research organization that produces practical social science for a better world, works to evaluate the LTC initiative. Evaluation of LTC consists of several methods of data collection and analysis. Research involves both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups and monitoring web use. Learn more about how LTC is evaluated.

logoProgramming Librarian

ProgrammingLibrarian.org provides the resources, connections and opportunities libraries need to fill their role as centers of cultural and civic life. It is a place for library professionals to share, learn and be inspired to present excellent programming for their communities. Through resources, ideas and professional development opportunities, we seek to help libraries fill their role as cultural and civic hubs in their communities