Shamichael Hallman: "Meet Me at the Library"

America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. How do we create spaces for people to come together—to open our minds, understand our differences, and exchange ideas?

Shamichael Hallman argues that the public library may be our best hope for bridging these divides and creating strong, inclusive communities. While public libraries have long been thought of as a place for a select few, increasingly they are playing an essential role in building social cohesion, promoting civic renewal, and advancing the ideals of a healthy democracy. Many are reimagining themselves in new and innovative ways, actively reaching out to the communities they serve. Today, libraries are becoming essential institutions for repairing society.

Libraries have a unique opportunity to bridge socioeconomic divides and rebuild trust. But in order to do so, they must be truly welcoming to all. They and their communities must work collaboratively to bridge socioeconomic divides through innovative and productive partnerships.

Drawing from his experience at the Memphis Public Library and his extensive research and interviews across the country, Hallman presents a rich argument for seeing libraries as one of the nation’s greatest assets. He includes examples from libraries large and small--such as the Iowa’s North Liberty Library’s Lighthouse in the Library program to bring people together to discuss important topics in a safe and supportive space, to Cambridge Cooks, an initiative of the Cambridge MA Public Library that fosters social connection by bringing people together over shared interest in food.

As an institution that is increasingly under attack for creating a place where diverse audiences can see themselves, public libraries are under more scrutiny than ever. Meet Me at the Library offers us a revealing look at one of our most important civic institutions and the social and civic impact they must play if we are to heal our divided nation.

Shamichael Hallman will be joined in conversation by Terrance Smith, Chief Innovation Officer for the Baltimore Mayor's Office of Innovation.

This program is presented in partnership with Thread.

About the Author:

Shamichael Hallman serves as the Director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity at Urban Libraries Council, an innovation and action tank of North America's leading public library systems. In this role he's working to advance conversations about public libraries as essential city and county infrastructure, including their value as physical spaces and a connector of diverse lived experiences. From 2017 - 2022 he served as the Senior Library Manager of the historic Cossitt Library (Memphis Public Libraries), tasked with overseeing the multi-million-dollar renovation of this space which reimagined the roles that a branch library could play in the community. During his tenure with Memphis Public Libraries, the library system was awarded the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Science by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and was recognized as the Nation's Most Innovative Public Library by Smithsonian Magazine in November of 2021. His 2020 TEDx talk "Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community" garnered international attention among librarians and social innovators.

About the Moderator:

Terrance Smith is the Chief Innovation Officer for the Mayor's Office of Innovation (Baltimore i-Team), based in Baltimore, where he specializes in leading trust-centered strategies to address urban challenges, including housing vacancy prevention, public safety recruitment/retention, and government agency reform. His work focuses on creating just, fair & co-developed solutions to foster meaningful, sustainable change between institutions and communities. In addition to serving as a Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow, Terrance is a global research scholar. He developed the Trust Innovation Spectrum Framework, a pioneering tool for fostering institutional trustworthiness, and authored Navigating Trust: Paving the Path to Public Innovation, published by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. This work explores the intersection of trust and innovation, offering actionable insights for public leaders.

Previously, Terrance held roles emphasizing strategic leadership, civic engagement, and design thinking. As the Founding Director of Mobile’s Office of Strategic Initiatives, he led the city’s Innovation Delivery Capacity and Data Center to enhance operational efficiency and cross-departmental collaboration. He also directed Mobile’s Mayor’s Innovation Team, achieving national recognition for innovative solutions to urban challenges, including decreasing housing vacancy and driving residential development.

About the Program:

• Doors will open to registered attendees at 6 pm.
• A local bookseller will be on-site and have books available for purchase.
• Free parking vouchers are available to program attendees who park at the Franklin Street Garage (15 W. Franklin Street) after 4pm. Ask Pratt event staff for your parking voucher prior to or after the program.
• There is no registration required for virtual attendance, simply visit the Enoch Pratt Free Library's Facebook or Youtube page.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, United States