Palaces for the People

I really enjoyed this! Though fair warning it's about 80% about libraries. Personally I love learning about libraries so that wasn't a turn off for me.

This is the first book of the kind I have read so take that into consideration. I know some reviewers were dissatisfied with lack of depth to this book especially in the context of racial issues. Once again this is the first book of the kind of read so to me it was just a great introduction to a topic I can delve further into later.

Book three of 2020 is extra exciting because...drumroll Eric Klinenberg is speaking at the Florida Library Association conference in May! Klinenberg's big idea here is “social infrastructure” and how it effects our lives. He does a wonderful job developing his thesis and using examples to convince us that he's right. This book is awesome for anyone interested in community development, libraries, climate change, and, in general, how we can make the world a better place.

More specifically, I read this book because of his discussions about libraries. As a library professional, I understand that there are more than one kind of library, and I thought Klinenberg did not address that very clearly here. However, I would encourage any library staff reading this who don't work in a public library to think outside the box. How does your library offer social infrastructure to its patron? Is it the bathroom? Is it a cool place to sit on hot days? Is it hosting conversations on a college campus? There are so many things that could apply, and they are worth thinking about, especially as we look at how to distinguish ourselves for funding and strategic planning.

The author makes a compelling case for more social programs to help society, especially the poor. Interested and good read, albeit a bit dated.