Children's Services

December 1, 2010

In this feeble economy, public libraries are in need of close connections with their communities in order to secure funding and remain relevant. Diamant-Cohen has created a valuable resource by providing practical examples of successful partnerships between libraries of various sizes and community organizations. Concrete scenarios include successful partnerships with law enforcement agencies, recreation departments, academic institutions, children's museums, cultural institutions, churches that attract mainly immigrant populations, businesses, and other agencies. Community partnerships can be created with little to no expense, as demonstrated by the Enoch Pratt Free Library's connection with the local police department. There are also a good number of more complex relationships for libraries with extra resources, such as the connection with the Discovery Center that the Four County Library System (New York) created to begin an annual Book Fest. No matter what the budget or time constraints may be, children's librarians will find practical partnerships that are right for them.-Stephanie Malosh, Donoghue Elementary School, Chicago, IL

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