Strengthening Community Through Connection and Innovation

Librarians know that libraries are more than just repositories of books; they’re essential hubs for connection, learning, and community support. This belief resonates deeply with Julie Milavec, the Director of the Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL), who, along with her team, has worked to steer the library through challenging times and emerge even stronger. DGPL has navigated recent controversies to strengthen ties with the community and implement innovative programs to foster inclusion, learning, and civic engagement.

Facing Community Challenges Head-On

Like many public libraries, DGPL has been at the center of some heated community debates. In August 2022, the library staff planned a teen event for National Coming Out Day featuring Drag Queen Bingo. The program, intended as a fun and inclusive way to support LGBTQ+ teens, featured a drag queen calling bingo and doing a lip sync dance performance. Posted in DGPL’s August newsletter, the program immediately stirred controversy. Angry emails, voicemails, and social media messages poured in—hundreds of them. At the same time, registration filled for the event, and the waitlist was long, indicating community interest. Milavec and her team were making plans to ensure the event could be held safely when a mailed threat to a county building, including a round from an AR-15, forced the library to cancel the event.

In the aftermath, DGPL faced increased scrutiny from a local chapter of a national anti-LGBTQ activist group. This increased pressure brought more attention to the library’s programming, including its civic discussion group, Great Decisions, which became a flashpoint for political contention. “We have received and continue to receive numerous FOIA requests around our programming and operations,” Milavec noted.

This situation presented a unique challenge: how does a public library remain a space for everyone, even when under intense scrutiny? For DGPL, the answer was clear—engage the community and listen to their needs.

Rebuilding Trust Through Connection

In response to the events of 2022, the library undertook a strategic planning process with one central goal: reconnect with the community. Milavec and her team reached out to the community through focus groups and surveys, gathering a wealth of feedback. “We had an excellent turnout for our focus groups,” Milavec said. “The process helped move the library forward from that stuck place.”

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A significant majority expressed support for programs that championed inclusion, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth. This feedback reaffirmed the library’s mission and helped guide its programming decisions moving forward.

One key takeaway from this process was the importance of community partnerships, especially with local schools. DGPL’s Student Library Card program with District 58 has been an overwhelming success. The program, rooted in the Illinois Cards for Kids Act, provides free library cards to non-resident students in neighboring communities. “We were part of the student registration process this year and issued over 2,500 new cards,” said Milavec. “What’s unique is that we can use the student ID number as a second library card number in our ILS, so students can easily access library resources both at school and at home.” It also allows teachers to effectively use library resources like databases and eBooks in the classrooms.  Because of the school district’s one-to-one iPad program, students can easily access DGPL resources.

This collaboration between the library and the school district is not just about access to books—it’s about creating a seamless connection between students, teachers, and library resources like databases and eBooks, all of which are integral to the modern classroom experience.

Innovating for the Future

In addition to student programs, DGPL has focused on civic engagement and fostering a sense of community among its patrons. One of the initiatives that the staff is most excited about is the upcoming Human Library event. Originating in Denmark, the Human Library is a worldwide movement where people volunteer to share their personal stories and answer questions to foster understanding and dialogue. DGPL will host its own Human Library event in mid-October 2024, with 12 Books (volunteers) who will be available for 30-minute sessions with patrons. Available Books represent a diverse range of experiences.  The Human Library creates a safe space for conversation where topics subject to taboo, marginalization, or stigmatization can be openly addressed without condemnation. People acting as Books have been directly or indirectly exposed to prejudice, bias, or discrimination based on aspects of their person, heritage, or life experiences.

Photo courtesy of The Human Library

Julie shared her excitement about the project: “It’s such a fantastic way to start conversations among people who may not otherwise interact. We’re thrilled to be bringing this to Downers Grove.”

Another point of pride for DGPL is the Social Work Intern Program, which started in partnership with Aurora University’s School of Social Work. Through this initiative, interns provide short-term case management services to patrons.  Beyond just referral services, interns can help patrons complete forms and make phone calls to ensure the person gets connected to the services they need. The Downers Grove Public Library Foundation provides further support in the way of stipends for the interns. 

The program has been so successful that the library’s Board of Trustees has approved the addition of a full-time social worker starting next year. This Licensed Clinical Social Worker position will serve as a site supervisor for the interns and ensure continued support for patrons in need, enhancing the library’s role as a critical community resource.

Building an Accessible Future

The library’s planning process didn’t just focus on programs—it also highlighted the need for changes to the building itself. Accessibility concerns topped the list. DGPL’s current layout, which includes a challenging parking lot and a long, inconvenient ramp, doesn’t meet best practices for accessibility. “We’re working with Product Architecture to explore options for a new design,” Milavec said. The proposed design not only improves accessibility but also includes an expanded lobby space, a potential café, and more room for patrons to wait for programs or meetings.

Milavec also noted the importance of creating spaces that support different community needs, such as a sensory or nursing room in the children’s area, a defined teen space, and a makerspace or equipment lab. These physical changes align with the library’s overall mission to provide a welcoming, inclusive space for all.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Looking ahead, Julie Milavec and her team are proud of how the library has turned recent challenges into opportunities for growth. By focusing on positive programming, such as the Human Library, the Student Library Card initiative, and the Social Work Intern Program, DGPL is not only meeting the community’s needs but also actively shaping the future of Downers Grove.

“This entire process helped us refocus on what really matters—serving our community,” said Milavec. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done and excited for what’s to come.”

DGPL’s journey serves as a powerful reminder: even in the face of adversity, when we stay true to our mission and connect with our communities, libraries can remain essential, vibrant spaces that bring people together.