Unlocking Possibilities in the Library: Programming for the Future

Civil rights advocate and equity specialist Bangura, the director of equity and fair practice at Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library and a 2023 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, offers a guide to creating inclusive and responsive nontraditional library programming. Bangura argues that libraries are uniquely positioned to facilitate engagement, build trust, and empower users through inclusive and interactive programming. The author urges readers to take stock of their communities, investigating demographics, community interests and needs, gaps in traditional programming, and trends. The creation of tailored, effective programs necessitates planning, boundary-pushing, and, above all, listening. The book offers an array of programming possibilities, including reconnection programs (re-entry, juvenile justice, peer navigators), food insecurity programs (community gardens, cooking programs), job training and placement services, mental health support services, housing assistance programs, health and wellness clinics, legal aid, and just plain fun programs (bingo, comedy shows, karaoke, movie matinees, and themed events). In addition to plenty of creative programming suggestions and discussions of the whys behind nontraditional programming, Bangura also provides guidance on budgeting, implementing, designing, and evaluating programs.