Our Work With Libraries

A Potent Force for Change

The Harwood Institute is working side by side with libraries and is demonstrating results with libraries of all sizes—from large urban systems to suburban libraries to small town and rural libraries with few staff.

Our work with libraries is our fastest spreading work in our 30 years. We are scaling the work through:

Video: Michigan Libraries Engage is an initiative to transform libraries through active engagement with their communities.

Our partnerships with state libraries and library collaboratives in which we are spreading Turning Outward to libraries and building statewide networks across the states of California, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Partnerships with local systems such as the Denver Public Library, Youngstown and Mahoning Valley (OH) Public Library, and Suffolk Cooperative Library System (NY).

Video: Dozens of libraries across the state of Pennsylvania are Turning Outward toward their communities and making progress on some of the biggest challenges facing our country today.

Over just the last few years, our team of Harwood Certified Coaches has trained over 4,000 library professionals to bridge divides by cultivating shared values and strengthening civic culture; helping them become recognized as local leaders who are relevant to the sustainability of community life. These changes have led to increased funding, more recognition, and greater relevance for the library, while also developing stronger, healthier, and safer communities.

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