Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting libraries of all sizes—from quiet rural branches to vibrant urban hubs. Each one tells a story—not just through the books on its shelves, but through the people it brings together. Whether through informal social gatherings, intergenerational conversations, or access to essential services, libraries are quietly doing the work of rebuilding trust and strengthening the civic fabric of their communities. And yet, outside the field, too few people realize just how vital and expansive this work truly is. Through deep conversations with library professionals, I’ve discovered that libraries are not only engaged in this essential work—they are eager to do even more. These institutions are uniquely positioned to help shape the future of democracy and community connection, which is vital for building a thriving, equitable society.
From the winter of 2022 through the spring of 2023, I had the privilege of participating in The Library Bridgebuilding Program[1]. One of the program’s core goals was to enhance the capacity of public libraries to bridge divides and build trust in response to rising social and political division in the United States. For this project, we defined bridgebuilding as:
“Engaging across difference in ways that respect identities, foster mutual relationships, seek a common good, and promote a commitment to civic engagement—thereby contributing to increased social capital, strengthened civic infrastructure, and ultimately, a stronger democracy.”
While many librarians weren’t initially familiar with the term “bridgebuilding,” the values and practices behind it were clearly present in their work. We explored four key ways libraries support bridging:
- Facilitating access to information, resources, and experiences (e.g., book loans, internet access, author talks, art exhibits, story time)
- Meeting essential community needs (e.g., food banks, job search support, services for unhoused individuals, free cell phones for youth)
- Civic engagement (e.g., Constitution displays, “Meet Your Representative” events, voter registration drives)
- Hosting intentional bridging activities (e.g., “Human Library” events, cross-cultural dialogue sessions, intergroup concerts or programs)
While the third and fourth categories align more traditionally with “bridgebuilding” definitions, we found some of the most compelling examples in the first: access to information, resources, and experiences.
One library that stands out is the North Liberty Library in Iowa. In Meet Me at the Library, I highlighted their standout programming—such as Lighthouse in the Library, a town hall-style conversation series for local residents, and Pizza and Politicians, which creatively pairs teens with elected officials for dialogue. But in a recent follow-up conversation with Library Director Jennie Garner, I learned about another long-running initiative: their Monday Morning Social Hour.
Launched 15 years ago, the concept was simple: using a previously underutilized space, staff brewed coffee and invited mainly older adults to drop by and socialize. Attendance began modestly—just 5 to 10 people per week—but after a renovation expanded seating and created a more welcoming atmosphere, the program grew and the age range broadened. In response, the library renamed it simply Social Hour.
When I asked Jennie why the program has endured for so long, she shared:
“It’s a space to connect. Many attendees are older or retired, though we also have younger folks—those with non-traditional work hours, or just looking for connection. Friendships have formed. I remember one older participant stopped attending, and others grew concerned. When they learned he’d been ill and moved to a care facility, some visited him, and a few even attended his funeral. They’ve done travel programs, shared snacks, and one participant—an attorney—has even led presentations for the group.”
This simple program reflects something deeply profound.
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a public advisory declaring loneliness a national public health crisis. In his Advisory, he stated that when he first took office in 2014, he didn’t recognize loneliness as a public health threat—until a cross-country listening tour changed his perspective. Across backgrounds and generations, people described feeling invisible, isolated, and unsupported.
Scientific research, included in the advisory, has confirmed these lived experiences. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in two U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness. The health implications are staggering: loneliness is associated with increased risks of heart disease, dementia, depression, and premature death—posing a mortality risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and worse than obesity or physical inactivity.[i]
This isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a civic one. Loneliness undermines schools, workplaces, and public trust, decreasing productivity and increasing social fragmentation. And among the most affected are two key groups: college-aged adults and older adults. These impacts are magnified among people of color, highlighting the role of structural racism in shaping who bears the heaviest burden of disconnection.
Consider these findings which were also highlighted:
- Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death by nearly 30%
- They raise the risk of heart disease and stroke by nearly 30%
- Among older adults, social isolation contributes to an estimated $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending
And the damage doesn’t stop with individuals. In communities with lower levels of connection, outcomes worsen across the board—from public health and safety to resilience and economic prosperity. These communities show lower trust in institutions and often fall into groupthink, where people engage only with those who look, think, or act like them.
That’s why programs like Social Hour matter. So does the intergenerational initiative I encountered at Kansas City Public Library. In 2023, they launched a gathering designed to foster connection across generations. College students helped develop the event, which paired them with patrons over 55. Following a shared meal, participants broke into pairs for guided conversation, followed by group reflection. The feedback was rich, surprising, and affirming. Looking back, it feels like that program was ahead of its time.
Libraries also play a vital role in providing access to resources. Take the Innovator-in-Residence (IIR) Program at Memphis Public Libraries (MPL). While MPL has long been known for innovation, this initiative raises the bar. The IIR program connects creative professionals with library users to help them build marketable skills, business knowledge, mentorship networks, and entrepreneurial confidence. Through public programs and 1:1 support, IIR equips people to turn ideas into action.
Thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the program is expanding—offering even more resources and training in digital skills and workforce development. In Memphis, where 98.9% of local businesses are small businesses, this is a game changer.
Libraries are already doing remarkable work in literacy, civic engagement, workforce development, and more. But the Memphis example shows what’s possible when libraries are properly funded. Because of their low barrier to entry, libraries can serve an incredibly wide range of people—and in many communities, no other institution has that kind of reach.
Yet today, we face a serious threat.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the federal agency that supports library (and museums) grants nationwide—has recently been significantly restricted as a restructuring has taken place. This could mean that libraries doing powerful, community-driven work might lose access to essential funding. According to numerous media outlets, dozens of federal grants held by libraries, archives and museums nationwide have been terminated mid-year ‒ in some cases after the money was already spent.
As former IMLS Director Crosby Kemper, a Trump-appointed and unanimously confirmed leader, recently said:
“The IMLS has been a leader in spreading the message of Raj Chetty and the nonprofit Opportunity Insights on the ‘neighborhood effect’ on social mobility. The commonsense revelation is that strong local institutions, and people coming together across backgrounds to solve problems, represent not just the greatest strength of American democracy—but the greatest opportunity for those striving to rise.” Libraries are not waiting to be told what to do—they’re already doing the work of rebuilding trust, fostering connection, and equipping communities. But without adequate funding, even the most innovative programs can’t reach their full potential. If we believe in stronger communities and a healthier democracy, we must back our libraries not just with praise—but with sustained public investment. Let us continue to lift our voices—not just in appreciation of libraries, but in financial and political support of them.
[1] https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
[2] https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/bridge-building-resource-hub.html