Bringing "Bay Beats" to the Community
San Francisco Public Library

The San Francisco Public Library is celebrating the launch of its new free music streaming service, “Bay Beats," which launched this Saturday, Oct. 28. The initiative, born of a desire to support local musicians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in partnership with local retailer Amoeba, offers them a platform for wider exposure.

“Musicians can expand their audiences by the thousands and showcase their art for our community’s enjoyment,” said SFPL City Librarian Michael Lambert.

Earlier this year, the library issued a call for submissions and received an overwhelming response, with over 600 solo musicians and bands from the nine Bay Area counties submitting their tracks for consideration. From this pool, officials selected more than 100 acts for the service. The featured musicians will receive a $250 honorarium for their participation and retain rights to their work. Additionally, they will have dedicated artist pages on the “Bay Beats” website, allowing them to promote their upcoming live shows, new music releases and merchandise.

Read the full article from The San Francisco Chronicle.

Highlighting Transformative, Restorative Justice with Project ENCORE
Enoch Pratt Free Library

Enoch Pratt Free Library's Project ENCORE is a transformative restorative justice initiative dedicated to breaking down institutional obstacles and societal reintegration hurdles that contribute to reoffending. The library connects participants with various services including housing, substance use rehabilitation, social work and more, working to address mental, emotional, financial and physical well-being.

The mission of Project ENCORE is to empower formerly incarcerated individuals by equipping them with the essential tools to thrive as productive members of society.

Upcoming programs include Career Connection for formerly incarcerated women and the ReCOUP Business Accelerator entrepreneurship program. The ReCOUP Business Accelerator, an 8-week, entrepreneurship program for the formerly incarcerated. At the conclusion of the program, Pratt will host a pitch competition, graduation ceremony and fund their start-up business fees through the state of Maryland.

Learn more about Project ENCORE.

Advancing Interfaith Dialogue and Creating Supportive Spaces
LA County Library

As spaces of safety and community for residents, libraries and various faith organizations have much in common. This October, LA County Library launched a series of virtual roundtable conversations exploring the intersections between community service in libraries and in faith organizations. The purpose of these conversations is to encourage a broader understanding of the types of organizations that provide care and service to our communities.

These interfaith dialogues will bring together religious leaders from a diversity of traditions to discuss the ways in which libraries and faith-based organizations can work side by side to encourage soulful well-being in our communities. Previous conversation topics included the purpose behind community service and the techniques and resources used in organizations to deliver support or inspiration to members of the community.

The last conversation takes place on November 2 and will unpack the significance of libraries' and faith organizations’ physical spaces, the role of those spaces in community service, and the ways organizations adapt when physical space is not available.

Learn more on the LA County Library website.

Historic Renovation Unveiled
Hoboken Public Library

The Hoboken Public Library recently unveiled its newly renovated third floor in the first of a multi-phased renovation and restoration project of the 130-year-old main building. The $7 million project included a newly restored children’s room, an enlarged space for teenagers and the city's first public makerspace in partnership with the nonprofit Hoboken Makerbar. The ceilings and windows were also renovated and an upgraded HVAC system was installed.

“For over 130 years the Hoboken Public Library has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of an urban population but with a firm foundation on our founded history of education and public service,” said Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu. “This splendid $7 million renovation and restoration and HVAC is a major step in support of our mission to enhance community engagement and to make a lasting, meaningful impact that reaches all corners of our Mile Square City."

Learn more on TAPintoHoboken.