In late 2025, Washington DC’s sense of security was strained, and many residents were feeling anxious and divided. DC Public Library (DCPL) recognized the library could play a critical role in bringing neighbors together during this tense time. DCPL...

Like many communities, Shawano’s residents want to connect more but don’t always know how. This is particularly true for the elderly population and those recently released from the local jail. “People want community, but don’t really know how to make...

Big changes are coming to Pottsboro, with substantial tech investment happening in nearby communities, but many members of the community are disconnected from one other and lack an understanding of how to work together to influence their community’s ...

Public libraries provide spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and build a shared future. They also help build social trust and civic engagement. To support this vital work, IREX, the Urban Libraries Council, and OCLC’s WebJuncti...

North Liberty Library (NLL) plays the role as trusted community connector. Its adult services staff have made bridge building a primary focus and, building connections between different people a top priority. As part of the IREX initiative, NLL pilot...

Newburgh Free Library saw the need to create opportunities for socioeconomic mixing between new and long-term residents. Through a series of “Meet Your Neighbor Events” they tested different approaches to drive turnout and to facilitate bridging. The...

Arapahoe Libraries in Colorado share their experience providing outreach services to Hispanohablantes, (a group or community whose first language is Spanish or Castilian Spanish) who may never have used a library in the US or their home country. Thei...

Healthy Places by Design is a nonprofit consulting organization dedicated to advancing community-led action and implementing proven, place-based strategies to improve health and wellbeing for all. By focusing on the built environment and social facto...

Despite living in an age of unprecedented digital connectivity, people are feeling the increasing effects of loneliness and isolation. These challenges extend beyond individuals, weakening the health, resilience, and trust of entire communities. The ...

The National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) is an opportunity for people, organizations, and communities to call for racial healing, bring people together in their shared humanity and take action together to create a more just and equitable world.