F05 - Library Programming: Sparking Democracy and Solutions
Session Description
In late 2019 the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue and the B.C. Libraries Cooperative, with support of an advisory committee, launched Democracy Spark Grants for B.C. libraries. This spring, fifteen libraries across the province are sparking solutions-focused programming and activities to solve challenges in their communities. Projects are focused on addressing the climate crisis, social isolation, and other local challenges. Each project is unique to its community and builds upon the strengths of each library and its staff. In this participatory session you will learn about some of these programming ideas and discuss how you and your library can spark greater democratic engagement. What are the key features that transform learning or activity focused programming into engagement? How can library programs intentionally build stronger connections in your community and strengthen commitment and participation in our democracy at the same time? How do we even start take on the topic of climate crisis as a library? What topics are others hearing in their communities that would also have an interest to your patrons? Gain ideas, learn from others and explore ways that the sector as a whole and individual library systems can be at the forefront of this important work.
Speakers
Curated by Kevin Millsip
Biography
Kevin joined the BC Libraries Coop as Managing Director in March of 2018. He has spent over 20 years working in education with a focus on capacity building and advocacy work. He has co-founded two capacity building organizations and built Canada’s largest social change leadership training organization. He has served as a School Board Trustee in Vancouver, as the Board Chair of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives BC-Office, and on the board’s of The Centre for Civic Governance, The BC Civil Liberties Association and Theatre for Living. He is also an advisor with the Small Change Fund and Upstream.
Robin Prest, Simon Fraser University's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue
Biography
Robin Prest is the Program Director for SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, where he strengthens the democratic process through dialogue-based engagement and collaborative decision-making. He regularly supports elected officials and senior decision-makers to improve the clarity and impact of public engagement initiatives, and to embed engagement within organizational cultures. At a recent dialogue conference, Robin was inspired to see potential connections between his field of practice and the evolving roles of public libraries.