Libraries, Public Space and Democratic Values
Date
May 27, 2024 14:00 - 15:00
Location
Toronto / Online
Details
What’s at stake when cities undervalue their public spaces? Public sector leader Tommi Laitio speaks with TPL City Librarian Vickery Bowles.
How is library public space in particular critical to urban environments? What does it mean for a library to be a place for everyone in a divided city?
Award-winning urbanist Tommi Laitio speaks with TPL’s City Librarian Vickery Bowles about the important role played by libraries in the stewardship of public space. Combining research from urban studies to theology with practical examples from libraries and parks around the world, this conversation will explore the concept of convivencia, a cooperative state between harmony and open conflict, which emphasizes practice, effort, negotiation, and accommodation.
How is intellectual freedom supported by inclusive place-making? What are the limits and challenges faced by those who manage public space and how does access to public space underpin democratic values?
Join the conversation.
This event is part of our new series exploring what’s at stake when intellectual freedom is threatened.
How to attend in person: This is a hybrid event available to virtual and in person attendees. Our in person conversation will take place in the Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room on the fourth floor of the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). Please select “In Person Admission” from the ticket options to attend in person.
All event guests will be automatically registered to attend virtually on Zoom.
How to access this live virtual event:
- You must register for a free ticket via Eventbrite to gain access to this event.
- This event will be presented in a Zoom Webinar. Once registered, you will receive reminder emails from both Zoom and Eventbrite with links and instructions to access your unique Zoom Webinar link to watch this event.
- At the time of the event, you must be signed in to Zoom or Eventbrite with the same email address that you used to book your ticket in order to access your unique event link.
About this event’s guests:
Accessibility at Toronto Public Library:
Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca.
