In working with diverse communities, we’ve learned that many individuals or groups not affiliated with a nonprofit organization lack the resources, expertise or connections needed to host events for their communities or to expand their community impact. Library Takeover allowed us to use our expertise to train new community leaders and to position our library spaces as platforms for creating deeper connections, particularly in underserved communities.

The library received over 30 applications; three were selected to participate in a competitive six-week event planning bootcamp and given a $2,500 budget funded by our Foundation. Participants learned basics of event planning logistics, event budgeting and marketing, then hosted their own events. By building participants’ expertise, we increased their ability to broadcast their message and also increased our library partnerships with and acceptance by those communities.

Our three events: Share the Word (local writers), Access Denied (safe LGBTQ night life), and Namaste Madison (Indian-American contributions to Madison) allowed us to connect deeply with three diverse communities. The application process and subsequent events allowed us develop more than a dozen community partnerships over the course of a year. With a combined attendance of 664 at three events, we reached new communities, promoting our library’s role as a vital community resource.