Libraries as Civic Hubs: A National Conversation on Dialogue, Deliberation, and Democratic Renewal

The upcoming webinar Libraries as Civic Hubs: A National Conversation on Dialogue, Deliberation, and Democratic Renewal, explores how libraries can serve as trusted spaces for connection, dialogue, and democratic participation. Hosted by the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) and the Listen First Project, this 90-minute session will share practical tools and inspiring examples from leaders in civic engagement, bridge-building, and library work. This event will be held on October 28th, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM ET,  11 AM - 12:30 PM EST. Amid growing polarization and challenges such as censorship and funding pressures, the event highlights strategies to help libraries foster inclusive conversations, strengthen community resilience, and expand collaborative networks. Featuring contributions from EveryLibrary, Living Room Conversations, the Urban Libraries Council, and the American Library Association, the webinar underscores a broader movement to reaffirm libraries as vital democratic spaces. Read more in the blog post below.

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In an era when shared public spaces are increasingly rare, libraries stand as essential anchors of community life. These trusted institutions welcome people across every background, belief, and perspective, making them uniquely positioned to serve as civic hubs where dialogue flourishes and democracy strengthens. Recognizing this vital role, the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) and member organization the Listen First Project are co-hosting a timely webinar that brings together leaders from the civic engagement, bridge building, and library fields to explore how libraries can deepen their impact as spaces for meaningful conversation and community connection.
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This 90-minute gathering will spotlight practical tools, proven resources, and inspiring examples from organizations working to transform libraries into centers of civic learning and deliberation. The conversation arrives at a critical moment when libraries face mounting challenges—from censorship attempts to shrinking budgets—while simultaneously being called upon to help communities navigate polarization and rebuild trust.

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Strengthening Libraries Through Dialogue and Deliberation

At the heart of this webinar lies a powerful question: How can libraries leverage dialogue and deliberation to strengthen community resilience and foster democratic participation? The American Library Association's Libraries Transforming Communities initiative, developed in partnership with NCDD, has already trained thousands of library workers to facilitate inclusive, accessible community conversations. This foundation demonstrates what becomes possible when libraries embrace their role as conveners of civic discourse.
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The webinar will showcase complementary approaches from organizations working at the intersection of libraries and civic life. EveryLibrary's Libraries2025 and Fight for the First initiatives support voter engagement, election access, and advocacy against censorship, while the EveryLibrary Institute's VoteLibraries initiative provides crucial election administration and civic engagement support for public libraries. Living Room Conversations brings dialogue guides and training models that help libraries facilitate connection even around divisive topics. The Urban Libraries Council's Bridgebuilding Community of Practice and Resource Hub offers case studies and proven approaches for engaging communities and fostering social cohesion.

Building Capacity for Civic Engagement

Participants will explore strategies that enable libraries to support civic participation while maintaining their essential nonpartisan stance. The session will examine how facilitation guides and structured dialogue formats can help library staff confidently create spaces where community members feel heard, respected, and empowered to engage across differences. These practical tools matter because they transform abstract commitments to dialogue into concrete experiences that rebuild trust and deepen understanding.
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The webinar also emphasizes the power of networks and collaboration. By connecting library professionals with civic engagement practitioners, the conversation opens pathways for sharing resources, learning from successful models, and building partnerships that extend the reach of dialogue and deliberation work. This collaborative spirit reflects NCDD's vision of a society where people work together across divides to shape their collective future.

Join the Conversation

This gathering represents more than a single webinar—it signals a growing movement to reclaim libraries as vital democratic spaces where every voice matters and community life thrives. Whether you work in a library, lead civic engagement initiatives, or simply care about strengthening the fabric of community, this conversation offers inspiration, practical resources, and connections with others committed to dialogue, equity, and inclusion.

The webinar features Keiva Hummel from NCDD, Karissa Raskin from the Listen First Project, Sanobar Wilkins from EveryLibrary and The EveryLibrary Institute, and Annie Caplan from Living Room Conversations. Together, these speakers will illuminate pathways forward for libraries serving as bridges in challenging times.

Join this important conversation and discover how libraries can lead the way in fostering dialogue, deliberation, and democratic renewal. Register at: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjM2NzY2