The Planning Lady

Book Review

Libraries have always been places of knowledge and quiet contemplation, but in our increasingly polarized and isolated society, they’re evolving into something even more crucial—centers for social connection and democratic engagement. In Shamichael Hallman’s insightful book and our latest Booked on Planning podcast episode, “Meet Me at the Library: A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy,” we discover how libraries are reimagining themselves to meet the needs of communities struggling with disconnection.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on loneliness has highlighted that isolation isn’t just a personal problem—it’s a public health crisis affecting our built environment and community design. Libraries are uniquely positioned to address this crisis because they provide rare, barrier-free indoor public spaces where anyone can enter regardless of socioeconomic status, education level, or background. Unlike commercial spaces that require purchases or memberships, libraries welcome everyone with no expectation beyond respectful coexistence.

What makes libraries truly special is how they’re innovating beyond traditional book lending. From makerspaces equipped with 3D printers and recording studios to lending programs for fishing poles, baking pans, and car diagnostic tools, libraries are expanding their offerings while maintaining books at their core. As Hallman beautifully articulates, libraries aren’t “more than books”—they’re “books and more,” preserving their essential role in providing free access to diverse viewpoints while expanding their community impact.

The programming emerging from forward-thinking libraries demonstrates creative approaches to fostering connection. The “Human Library” concept, where individuals from marginalized communities can be “checked out” for conversation, creates safe opportunities for people to interact with those whose lived experiences differ dramatically from their own. Programs like “Living Room Conversations” provide structured guides for facilitating difficult discussions across political and social divides, helping communities rebuild skills in active listening and respectful debate that have deteriorated in our polarized climate.

Libraries are also emerging as critical civic infrastructure—the community-based people, places, institutions, and resources that support democratic engagement. By hosting local issue discussions that move from conversation to action, libraries help rebuild civic muscles and create pathways for community problem-solving. This approach recognizes that democracy requires not just voting but ongoing participation and relationship-building across differences.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, libraries provide tremendous economic value through business databases, workspace, equipment, and expert guidance. One library’s business value calculator estimated they provided up to $10 million in value to local entrepreneurs through these resources. Libraries embedded in struggling malls have even revitalized commercial spaces by drawing families for children’s programming, demonstrating how public and commercial interests can align.

As we face increasing polarization, libraries stand as rare neutral spaces where people can practice the essential skills of civic engagement—listening actively, engaging respectfully with different viewpoints, and working collaboratively on local solutions. By supporting libraries through visits, advocacy, and volunteering, we strengthen vital community institutions that foster both individual growth and collective resilience. In a world where shared public spaces are disappearing, libraries remain our most accessible, inclusive third places—true democratic commons where community connections can flourish.