In early 2023, BCLTA’s first Book Club, facilitated by Anni Holtby, used Eric Klinenberg’s Palaces for the People to inspire conversation on the role of libraries as essential social infrastructures in our communities.
Through readings and video clips, the participants reflected on how their library’s values, mission, and vision support essential social infrastructures in their communities. Through the discussions they explored how to apply the learning in their governance and advocacy work.
From the Book Club we are pleased to share these resources developed by Anni Holtby:
- Setting up a Book Club
- Palaces for the People Book Club: Additional Resources
- If you are a BC public library board and wish to host your own Palaces for the People Book Club, contact BCLTA for Anni Holtby’s Book Club outline.
Check your local library for Palaces for the People: How social infrastructure can help fight inequality, polarization, and the decline of civic life by Eric Klinenberg.
Anni is the Nelson Public Library Board Chair and has been a frequent and much appreciated facilitator of BCLTA workshops. You can read Anni’s bio here on the BCLTA website.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.