Libraries and Civic Engagement

You are invited to a panel discussion on "Libraries and Civic Engagement" at 3:00 PM on Sept 10th, this event is free and open to the public.

WHAT: Libraries & Civic Engagement: A Panel Discussion

WHEN: Sept 10th, 3:00-4:30 PM

WHERE: Ramsey County Library, Roseville Branch (http://www.ramsey.lib.mn.us/)
2180 Hamline Avenue North, Roseville

WHO: Taylor Willingham*, Texas Forums, guest speaker
http://legislation.wikia.com/wiki/Taylor_Willingham
Melinda Ludwiczak**, Minneapolis Public Library
Coordinator for Civic Literacy Projects
Other panelists still to be announced.

WHY: To discuss the role of libraries as centers of civic activity and education.
To share stories and examples of how libraries are engaging the community in discussions about important issues.
For panelists and members of the audience will be to share their own thoughts
and stories on how libraries can partner with community organizations to stimulate civic education and participation.

Sponsored by:
E-Democracy.Org, http://www.e-democracy.org
The Metropolitan Library Association (MELSA), http://www.melsa.org/

*Taylor Willingham, a public engagement and change management consultant founded
Texas Forums, an initiative of the LBJ Library. She teaches Change Management for the
Graduate Library and Information Sciences distance education program at the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a 2007 Fellow for the
University of Illinois Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership
and will study civic entrepreneurship."

**Melinda Ludwiczak, Melinda was inspired in 1990 to bring people together for community
dialogue through the Star Tribune's Minnesota's Talking program spearheaded by Jeremy Iggers. Using the National Issues Forum (NIF) materials, she has facilitated several community dialogues, trained NIF practitioners, and participated in a Kettering Foundation research fellowship on Teaching Public Politics. She coordinates civic literacy projects for Minneapolis Public Library."