Join a National Movement to Strengthen Social Trust & Civic Engagement
Public libraries are among the most trusted institutions in the U.S., providing spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and build a shared future. Yet, in a time of increasing division, libraries play a crucial role in fostering social trust and civic engagement.
To support this vital work, IREX, the Urban Libraries Council, and OCLC’s WebJunction are launching a national coalition of urban, rural, and tribal public libraries. Based on the Bridgebuilding Resource Hub, this initiative will equip library professionals with the tools, strategies, and support they need to bridge divides and strengthen trust in their communities.
Why This Matters
80% of adults have few or no friends from a different political party.
1 in 3 Americans say they have never interacted with their neighbors.
Trust in institutions—including government and media—is at historic lows.
Libraries are on the front lines of these challenges. Through book clubs, workforce programs, and community events, libraries already create spaces where people connect across differences. By intentionally embedding trust-building strategies into daily operations, libraries can expand their impact on civic health, increase engagement, and strengthen advocacy efforts.
Introducing the Library Bridgebuilding Community of Practice (CoP)
At the heart of this initiative is the Community of Practice (CoP)—a national network designed to help libraries scale their trust-building efforts, integrate best practices, and measure their impact.
We are seeking dedicated members who can actively participate in shaping the future of trust-building in libraries. Libraries that join the CoP will be asked to:
- Attend regular monthly CoP meetings
- Share periodic updates on their trust and community building-related work
- Invite multiple representatives from their library community to foster collaboration
By joining, libraries will have the opportunity to connect with peers, access new resources, and receive funding opportunities to enhance their work in building social trust.
What You’ll Gain by Joining
- Practical tools to integrate trust-building into existing library programs
- Proven strategies for engaging diverse communities and volunteers
- Impact measurement methods to track and communicate social trust outcomes
- A national peer network of library leaders committed to advancing civic health
Be Part of the Solution
We invite librarians from all backgrounds and library sizes—from small-town branches to major urban systems—to join this national Community of Practice. By participating, you’ll gain exclusive resources, expert guidance, and a supportive network dedicated to strengthening libraries’ role as civic hubs.
Sign Up Today! Together, we can build stronger, more connected communities—one library at a time.
This work is generously funded by the Walmart Foundation, in partnership with IREX and OCLC's WebJunction.
