Beth Hall Roalstad at Homeward Pikes Peak
Beth Hall Roalstad at Homeward Pikes Peak
8 Library for the People
8 Library for the People
8 Library for the People
Thursday 8th July 2021
Learn how the Pikes Peak Library District is turning public libraries into inclusive hubs for community, art, and technology.
42 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Engaging
Compassionate
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Beth Hall Roalstad at Homeward Pikes Peak
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Policy & Advocacy
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Relationships & Community
Community & Support Networks
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Episodes:
15 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Beyond Books: How Libraries Are Becoming Community Lifelines
Today's library is not just about books anymore, it is a vital hub where community, people, art, and technology intersect.
Think libraries are just about borrowing books? Think again. In this episode of 'A Place for Everyone', host Beth Roalstad sits down with John Spears, the Chief Librarian and CEO of the Pikes Peak Library District, to chat about the evolving role of public libraries. Today’s libraries are vibrant hubs where community, art, and technology converge. But what sets the Pikes Peak Library District apart is its innovative approach to supporting the homeless community.
With a social worker on staff for the past three years, the library has become a safe space for those experiencing homelessness to access resources without judgment. Spears explains how the library is not just a place for books but a sanctuary where everyone is treated equally. From offering accredited programs in collaboration with local organizations to providing art classes that allow people to express themselves, the library is redefining its role in the community.
It's also been a lifeline during the pandemic, providing essential services like water. However, challenges remain, particularly in changing public perceptions of what a library should be. Many people hold an idealized view of libraries as quiet sanctuaries of knowledge, and the presence of homeless individuals can clash with that image. The Pikes Peak Library District is working hard to shift this perception by demonstrating that libraries can be inclusive spaces that serve everyone’s needs.
This episode is a must-listen if you’re curious about how public libraries can transform into dynamic community centers that offer more than just books.