"Public Libraries Daring to Be Different" in PM Magazine

Libraries are strategic partners when it comes to solving community challenges, not discretionary services. That's the upshot of an article in the current issue of PM Magazine, a publication of the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA), entitled "Public Libraries Daring to Be Different." Arising from a partnership between ICMA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that challenges city and county managers to be "champions of public libraries," the article showcases nine success stories. A sidebar also describes essential skills and activities for a public library director, such as participation in community planning, sharing the mission of local government, the ability to build partnerships and communicate with the larger community. The case studies in the article include libraries responding to natural disasters, using sustainable energy sources, engaging at-risk teens and more.