Event:

Recent events have turned our world upside down. As we rebuild, public libraries will play an integral role in creating sustainable, resilient communities. To do so requires a commitment to work with our communities to reach their aspirations, and understand our role in a complex socio-ecosystem. Small, rural libraries are perfectly positioned to lead the way in doing this work.

Erica Freudenberger will present two interactive, virtual training sessions to introduce community engagement practices to Montana’s libraries. See the 2nd session recording posted on 11/18/20.

By the end of this two-part training, participants will be able to:

• Create sustainable, resilient libraries by utilizing a community engagement framework for libraries
• Identify, collect, and organize local resources to help them achieve their community’s aspiration
• Articulate what they’ve learned with others, including their Board, staff, and community stakeholders

Erica Freudenberger has been creating community-led change for decades. Currently the Outreach & Engagement Consultant at the Southern Adirondack Library System, she formerly led Red Hook Public Library, a finalist for Library Journal’s “Best Small Library Award.” After taking part in the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative in 2014, she was invited to work on the Re-envisioning Public Libraries pilot with the Aspen Institute. Named a 2016 Library Journal Mover & Shaker in the category of Community Builder, she garnered the Public Library Association’s Upstart Innovation Award in 2019. She founded Thriving Libraries, LLC., to help libraries create sustainable, resilient communities.

CE category: library services to the public