America's Front Porch–The Public Library

The public library is more important than ever before as a centering institution, as a place of gathering, and as an equalizer, but the public library cannot build community by itself. The problems are simply too great. The library needs partners and it needs a place at the community planning, policy making, and development table. There needs to be collaborating and forming partnerships and alliances. If public libraries really want to have effective partnerships and make a difference in their communities they have to be part of the decision-making process in those communities. They have to be at the table with other organizations and government agencies. They have to be involved in giving and getting assets for the common good of the community.