Libraries: the last shared space?

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges faced by public libraries in addressing community issues while dealing with funding constraints.

Many of our cities’ biggest challenges right now are playing out inside public libraries. Library staff come face-to-face daily with issues relating to homelessness, substance use, mental and physical health, and, of course, education. As they continue to adapt to their communities' increasing needs, their funding is not growing.Two library CEOs from opposite ends of the country join host Mary Rowe to talk about the reality of running a library in 2025. Åsa Kachan is the CEO and chief librari...

People in this episode

Host: Mary Rowe

Guest: Åsa Kachan

Topics covered

• libraries
• public spaces
• community challenges
• education
• mental health
• substance use

Keywords

• libraries
• public libraries
• community issues
• mental health
• substance use
• education
• homelessness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Canadian Urban Institute

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