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LIBRARIES BUILD STRONG COMMUNITIES

Cambodian immigrants attend a program assist with navigating the immigration process.

Walk into any public library, and you’ll find more than books—you’ll find people. Kids finishing homework at a study table. Parents and toddlers gathered for storytime. Job seekers fine-tuning their resumes on public computers. Neighbors swapping gardening tips at a community workshop. Libraries are centers for learning, connection, and opportunity, adapting to meet the needs of their communities by filling gaps in education, access to technology, and even basic necessities.

FAST FACTS

Over half

of U.S. libraries provide job search and economic development support.

Almost one-third

of libraries help address food insecurity through partnerships.

65%

of libraries engage in community needs assessments through patron surveys or community data analysis.

Innovative Partnerships That Expand Impact

Libraries don’t work alone—they collaborate with organizations to bring vital resources to the community:

  • Job fairs and employment workshops to connect job seekers with employers.
  • Food bank distribution sites to help families access fresh food.
  • Tax preparation clinics to ensure low-income individuals receive financial support.
Libraries also help navigate legal and housing challenges as well as welcome new Americans. In Cleveland, Ohio, the Housing Court installed videoconferencing kiosks in local libraries, allowing residents to attend hearings remotely—saving time, money, and stress. And the New Americans Program at Queens Public Library in New York connects recent immigrants to education opportunities and resources they need to successfully acclimate to life in New York and the United States.
These partnerships strengthen both libraries and the organizations they collaborate with, creating a more effective network of support that helps build stronger, more connected communities. At a time when communities feel more divided than ever, libraries remain one of the few places where everyone belongs. Through initiatives like The American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities program, library staff are trained to facilitate difficult conversations and foster civil discourse—because strong communities start with understanding and respect.
Librarian Jamar Rahming with the cast of cast of “A Different World.”
Delaware librarian Jamar Rahming (left rear) poses with the cast of with the cast of “A Different World.”

FROM THE FIELD

Libraries transform communities. Under Jamar Rahming’s leadership, the Wilmington Institute Free Library has become a hub for education, culture, and literacy—fueled by strategic partnerships and innovative programs. From stocking barbershop bookshelves for kids to hosting small business pitch competitions and opening a diaper bank, the library meets community needs in unexpected ways. Rahming has also brought the world to Wilmington, drawing cultural icons like LeVar Burton, Misty Copeland, and the cast of A Different World to engage with a majority-Black, working-class community. His work exemplifies how libraries build strong, connected communities. In 2025, Rahming was awarded an I Love My Librarian Award from the American Library Association for his outstanding service to the community.

FOR OUR LIBRARIES

Libraries are the heart of our communities, ensuring access to knowledge, connection, and opportunity. But today, they face challenges—from funding cuts to censorship efforts—that threaten their ability to serve the public. The American Library Association is a champion for our most beloved public spaces, fighting to keep libraries open, funded, and accessible to all. When you become a supporter of the ALA, you help fund our efforts to advocate for library funding, improve the skills of library workers, and improve our communities.

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ALA Logo White
An initiative of

American Library Association • 225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300 • Chicago, IL 60601