Urban Libraries Council Report Emphasizes Building a Common Agenda to Create Sustainable Communities

You don't have to work at an urban library to glean helpful information from this report. It's all about building a common agenda with local officials.

Link to report

From the Executive Summary:
Actions local governments and libraries are taking together to create sustainable communities include:
• Enhancing 21st-century literacy skills to provide a foundation for long-term economic success;
• Connecting people with job opportunities and the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce;
• Supporting and growing small businesses, which are the lifeblood of long-term economic growth;
• Leveraging public library buildings as catalysts for downtown and neighborhood economic development;
• Reducing energy consumption in public buildings by modeling green construction and green operations and developing and testing alternative energy sources;
• Educating the public about individual environmental responsibility;
• Providing easily accessible resources for those in need— immigrants, the newly jobless, at-risk youth, and more;
• Meeting the immediate needs of the community while building long-term economic stability.


Outline of contents.

1.  Local Governments and Libraries - Sustainable Partners

• Local governments are broadening and deepening their commitment to sustainability.
• Public libraries’ direct engagement in local government sustainability plans vary considerably.
• Because local governments and libraries serve the same constituency, ensuring close program connections advances local agendas.
• Successful partnerships emerge from active outreach.
• Local governments and libraries can be powerful sustainable communities

2. Economic Prosperity - Making Cities and Counties Stronger

•  21st century literacy skills
•  Early literacy
•  Sustained reading
•  Community reading
•  Financial literacy
•  Digital literacy
•  Workforce development
•  Small business development
•  Economic engines for downtown and neighborhood development
•  Community information hubs

3. Environmental Sustainability - Creating Green Communities

•  Modeling green practices
•  Test centers for energy conservation innovation
•  Engaging the public in supporting local environmental goals
•  Educating the public about environmental responsibility
•  Environmental library
•  Connecting literacy and environmental awareness

4. Social Equity: Insuring Equal Access

•  Easily accessible services
•  Educational programs for all
•  Technology resources
•  Health and wellness
•  A welcoming and safe place

5. Sustainability Partnerships Built to Last

• Success strategies for local governments looking with libraries
• Success strategies for libraries looking to partner with local governments