My vision of a world worth fighting for includes ample and free public libraries. And our town is proud to host a brand-new public library. In its first year, library visits increased by 264%, support from reference librarians grew by 219%, and tech assistance rose by 170%. Yet, when voters were asked to fund its construction, there was significant public pushback. Hearing angry protesters question why we needed a library when we have the internet made me realize that libraries have a branding problem.

So, I joined the board of the Greenfield Public Library Foundation, proud to help more people understand the countless ways libraries are central to both community and democracy.

It turns out my neighbors aren’t the only ones who misunderstand the purpose and value of these vital resources. That’s where this book comes in. Libraries are essential infrastructure for building equitable, informed, and connected communities while addressing societal challenges like literacy gaps, digital access inequalities, and social isolation. This book explains how.

‍