In Copenhagen Libraries are Everywhere

Copenhagen Libraries are in the middle of a large redesign of their mission and their services. Rather than being a place that provides access — mostly to physical media — we are transforming part of our core services into deconstructed, modular and open learning facilitation and embedding it in Copenhagen environments as diverse as school and kindergardens, gymnasiums and other secondary education institutions, sports and cultural centres — even showing up at for example people’s allotment gardens with inspiration for online research into botany and garden designs — and, yes, the traditional library space as well. Our goal is to become an integral part of public, urban space as a ubiquitous cultural and learning resource whether you choose to use us where you are, where we are or in virtual space. A primary driver behind our efforts is the concept of “equal opportunity.” As a public library we strive to help our patrons bridge the socioeconomic gaps by providing an opportunity to acquire reading and digital competencies and experiences regardless of background. We are opening the traditional library space not only through extended self-service hours, but also through open events in immediately accessible spaces. When you walk in the Copenhagen Main Library, you’re likely to find a lecture going on in front of you that you can join, or seminars on dealing with fake news, participatory democracy, Big Data, surveillance and other hot-button issues. Throughout the city you will find not only traditional branches, but also libraries developing into cultural centres and library run institutions such as fablabs and literary makerspaces as well as library employees using the city as both background and primary subject matter for thematic tours.

Public libraries, Denmark, Outreach, Urban life, Open libraries

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