Public libraries remain vital community hubs—but only if they continue to evolve and grow. Today’s library leaders need to anticipate where the world is heading and shepherd libraries into the future. There’s a short video by library visionary R. David Lankes from 2011 that explains this perspective. It is still relevant in 2025.THE MAKER MOVEMENT
To be sure, we are living in an ever-changing world that is becoming increasingly complex. Community members can easily feel overwhelmed. Libraries are the trusted, impartial institutions that can quell and tame this feeling. To do that, they need to develop a future focus. As an example of future focus, many public libraries have embraced the maker movement. Every library will have a different way of bringing making into the library setting. For some, it might be 3D printers or sewing machines. For others, it could be LEGOs, tabletop role-playing games, or cardboard construction projects. ChompSaw, the kid-safe cardboard cutting tool, has many librarians and educators aflutter, including me. To my mind, family members who learn about this tool at the public library might then band together to buy one for their scout troop or for shared use among several families in the same apartment building.
Keep in mind that every library can promote a maker mindset by spotlighting and sharing the best maker videos on the web. For me, the best maker videos include:
INCLUSIVITY
Forward-thinking library leaders need to consider ways to expand library services to people with disabilities, mental illness, and other issues we often don’t talk about enough. At my place of work, Takoma Park Maryland Library, we invited a blind community member to read children’s books in Braille to all children in our community. These young people can now benefit from knowing someone who is blind. The children can feel the raised Braille dots on the page. Everyone walks away a winner.
What I’d love to see is someone who is mute giving a talk at the library. Just because they are mute does not mean they do not have many vibrant ideas in their head. The mute person can jot down their ideas ahead of time and have a surrogate—a proxy—deliver the actual talk. What would it feel like for a mute person to receive an extended standing ovation for their talk at a public library? We should find out, don’t you think?
Inclusivity must remain at the heart of every library leader’s vision. A truly great library welcomes all members of the community and ensures that they feel seen and valued. This can take many forms—providing multilingual services, hosting events that celebrate underrepresented cultures, etc. A commitment to inclusivity also means advocating for expanded library budgets and policies that prioritize accessibility, making sure that libraries remain free and open spaces for learning, creativity, and connection.
BUILDING MOMENTUM
In an era of rapid change, the qualities of an effective library leader—vision, adaptability, and inclusivity—are more important than ever. Those who can anticipate trends, engage their communities, and foster a spirit of innovation will ensure that libraries remain indispensable in the digital age. Small successes build upon themselves. Decide what your first small successes will be. Don’t be surprised if those small successes build up momentum. Momentum is what your community deserves to experience. Help your community thrive in this way. Libraries have always done that in the past, but we need to be creative in how we do that in the future.
