Chicago Report

Just came out of Obama's Opening Address to the American Library Association. He spoke mostly about children and the importance of reading, while heaping tons o' love on librarians, to thunderous applause and standing ovations. He talked about what libraries represent, a window to a larger world, and declared them a powerful force for good in the world. He said this is why people try to control and suppress libraries (someone screamed out, "like Bush and Cheney!") and he noted that librarians have always been on the front lines in the struggle for freedom and democracy.

Earlier I went to a session on how the civic engagement movement is transforming the mission of some libraries. What is happening at the Salt Lake City Public Library just incredible. They decided to orient their whole library around civic engagement. They asked people what they wanted from the library and the community said they wanted the library to be a neutral space where the community could gather. When they were building a new building, they told people to come to the library and write what the library meant to them on rocks. The rocks were then built into the foundation of the new building. The whole architecture is oriented around the community. At the top of a staircase, there's a 360 degree view of Salt Lake City. They have a huge room in the library called the urban room that is used for conferences, talks, meetings, policy forums, and get this, weddings, funerals, and birthday parties. Powerful stuff.

Last night I went to a Critical Mass bike ride/protest. There was a lot of good spirit and fun. I'll try to bring some back to Philly.