The Public Square
DC Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
In celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library's 50th anniversary, DC Public Library launched “The Public Square.” A series which brings leaders and innovators to the Library to discuss the next phase of their work or scholarship. Traditional prepared and packaged speeches are replaced by engaging conversations.
Challenge/Opportunity
What are we talking about when we talk about equity and racial justice? How will leaders advocating for social change and the scholars who study it know that their ideas are meeting the moment? The DC Public Library hopes to help explore the next frontier of equity through a conversation series called “The Public Square.”
Key Elements of Innovation
The speaker presents an idea either through lecture, conversation, or as part of a published work they are presenting to the public. The moderator not only interviews the subject matter expert about their idea, but receives feedback from the audience either in questions or comments submitted during the registration process or on site, guiding the conversation in real time.
Achieved Outcomes
The Public Square was announced to over 300K library card holders, with over 1,000 library card holders having attended our conversations since we launched in January of 2023, with patrons viewing in person and livestream. Patrons have left the conversation seeking and renewing their library cards as they retrieve recommended readings which exist in our collections, and in anticipation of similar library talks and events.
