The Future of the Public Library: rabble Series Explores Libraries and Social Change

September 18, 2019

In January 2019, Olivia Robinson was awarded the Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship by rabble.ca.

Robinson, a Carleton University Master’s of Journalism student, worked on a series of articles on “how libraries across the country are re-imagining these public spaces and contributing in new and innovated ways to improve the social fabric of their communities.”

From hiring social workers to assisting homeless and vulnerable members of society, to librarians, armed with naloxone, who have saved the lives of those caught in the country’s opioid crisis, libraries are being transformed. The series will explore how public libraries are developing programming to further the Truth and Reconciliation Commission principles. The series will also look at how some libraries are actually growing food and developing seed lending libraries.

‘The Future of the Public Library’ — new rabble series explores libraries and social change
The role of libraries in our communities is changing. Olivia Robinson talks about why she chose libraries as her focus for her Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship with rabble.ca.

The future of the public library is under attack (August 13, 2019)
As libraries across Canada face mounting challenges and funding cuts, the question asked by skeptics is the same: does the public library still matter?

How Canada’s libraries are bridging social-service gaps (August 20, 2019)
Public libraries are changing how they serve vulnerable and marginalized patrons — and proving that they’re home to more than just books.

How Canada’s largest library system is removing barriers and advancing inclusion (August 27, 2019)
The Toronto Public Library is continually looking to extend its reach beyond its four walls to connect with people, including those who may never have stepped inside the library before.

Decolonizing the public library (September 3, 2019)
Canadian libraries are trying to reconcile the institution’s colonial history and how to address the needs of patrons previously neglected by the library — including Indigenous peoples.

The public library and Indigenous reconciliation (September 10, 2019)
To move forward with reconciliation in the library, more Indigenous librarians are needed at higher levels to create spaces for the revitalization and renaissance of Indigenous cultures.

How Canadian libraries are handling the opioid crisis (September 17, 2019)
Amid an opioid crisis that claimed 4,460 lives last year in Canada, some libraries are arming themselves with naloxone in an effort to save their patrons’ lives.