Healthy communities are composed of engaged citizens. When individuals connect with others around a shared concern, issue or crisis, conversations emerge that build trust and lead toward improved outcomes. In a 2010 National League of Cities survey, more than 95 percent of city officials responding reported that engagement of individuals in civic issues helped to build a strong sense of community, created greater trust in government, and led to finding better solutions to problems.
Civic engagement has become a priority for most cities. Driven by increasing evidence of a society becoming more isolated and showing greater resistance to civil discourse, community and civic leaders are seeking ways to engage people in working together toward common purposes.
Public libraries are ideally situated to serve as a civic engagement leader. The library is a community-based organization viewed as a place where ideas and opinions can be freely shared. As trusted, neutral institutions, public libraries are well poised to work in collaboration with their community, civic and business leaders to establish an effective system for connecting individuals to each other and their communities.
Omaha Public Library is a valuable resource as an educator and conversation starter. It is a place to raise awareness of civics, civic engagement and responsibility, and to create opportunities that bring people together to share opinions and develop strategies. OPL is the place where democracy and public discourse occur. As the election year unfolds, think about ways the library can help you connect with your community, inform your opinions, and share your ideas on the future direction of our country and its leaders. You can register to vote at your local library, too!
One of the best ways to engage with the future is to reconnect with and better understand the past. Learn about Nebraska's role in the development of our country's civil rights in the exhibition "We the People: The Nebraska Viewpoint," on display at the W. Dale Clark Main Library through March 31.
This exhibit was produced by the Nebraska State Historical Society with support from the Nebraska Humanities Council, and from the Woods Charitable Fund Inc. and the Cooper Foundation via the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. Funding for the exhibition tour and related programming is provided in part by the Nebraska Humanities Council. The exhibit explores landmark court cases in Nebraska that helped shape the evolving issue of who is protected under the United States Constitution.
The exhibit coincides with many other civil liberties-related programs at OPL.
As part of the Nebraska Center for the Book's One Book One Nebraska program, OPL is hosting a series of events and book discussions in February and March on "I Am a Man: Chief Standing Bear's Journey for Justice," by Joe Starita. Programs that share the impact of African-Americans in our community and across the nation will be offered throughout February in honor of Black History Month. Special presentations on the role of women in civil liberties will take place during Women's History Month in March.
A full schedule of these programs and more is available at omahalibrary.org.
Gary Wasdin is the executive director of the Omaha Public Library.
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