ReThinking Libraries Blog
ReThinking Libraries would not be successful without the insights and innovations that librarians, library staff, community members, and our partners share with us on a regular basis. This is how we keep our finger on the pulse of the most important library issues out there—and even better—creative solutions for addressing them. We want to make these great ideas count so watch our ReThinking Libraries blog for inspirational stories and ideas.
Making the Swap: A Low-Budget Project That Made a High Impact
Libraries are dynamic spaces that evolve to meet the needs of their communities. At Jennings County Library in Indiana, a simple yet transformative space swap between their local history room and teen center has brought new energy to both areas. With strategic planning guidance from ReThinking Libraries (RTL), Director Mary Abplanalp and her team made a bold move that is already paying off.
Reimagining Library Spaces: One Library’s Journey to a Modern Makeover
Saline District Library embarked on a large scale renovation to better serve its 28,000 residents. The updates aren’t just about new furniture or fresh paint—they’re about transforming how the library connects with its patrons and fulfills its mission.
Waverly Public Library's “Make Room for Renewal” Campaign: A Community Triumph
Waverly Public Library recognized the need for a transformation to better serve the growing and evolving community of Waverly, Iowa. With visits increasing by 167% over the past 25 years, the library had outgrown its original design. To address this, the "Make Room for Renewal" campaign was launched, aiming to expand and renovate the library to meet contemporary needs.
Shaping the Future of a Rural Library: Insights from Adrian District Library's Journey
In rural Adrian, Michigan, the Adrian District Library (ADL) serves as a cornerstone for its community of roughly 21,000 residents. As a small rural library, it offers a unique glimpse into the power of strategic planning and the transformative impact of community-focused initiatives. Chelsey Boss, the library's Assistant Director, knows that their strategic plan is essential in helping them move forward.
Revitalizing Tradition: How Handley Library Balances History and Innovation
The Handley Regional Library System (HRLS) is a busy library system with three branches, covering one city and two counties. The Handley Branch, a historic building from the early 1900s, is not just a library but a landmark. The building's storied past, combined with its evolving role in the community, presents a unique challenge: How does a library steeped in history adapt to modern needs without losing its essence?
Bringing the Community In and Taking the Library Out
Change can be challenging for any library, especially when it involves leadership transitions, a shifting community demographic, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Cromaine District Library in Hartland, Michigan, the past few years have been a period of transition. The Library’s new strategic plan has energized both staff and community members alike.