Open House New York invites you to a conversation exploring the library systems and philosophies of learning, access, and civic engagement in Helsinki and New York on August 5th, 12:00-1:00pm EST. Shannon Mattern (Professor of Anthropology, The New School) will moderate a conversation between the chief librarian of the New York Public Library, Brian Bannon and Tommi Laitio, Executive Director of the City of Helsinki’s Department of Culture and Leisure. The conversation will be followed by a public Q&A session. This event is offered as a part of Radical Knowledge: Libraries as Community Catalysts, a year-round program examining how libraries serve as both vibrant learning institutions and centers for their communities, providing physical and virtual spaces to enrich civic life.
Libraries are community anchors and a critical pillar of civic and social infrastructure in our cities. The City of Helsinki has taken a visionary approach by transforming libraries into iconic urban public spaces that uphold the city’s democratic values. This conversation will explore the role of libraries as civic institutions in Helsinki and New York, centering on lessons both cities have learned on how library services and spaces can support community engagement, visionary design and infrastructure, and promote broad access to learning.
Despite the geographic and cultural differences between Helsinki and New York, the universal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic created ripple effects for both library systems, exposing gaps in equitable access to public institutions. This past year, libraries have toggled between restrictions and re-openings, aiding recovery efforts, and serving as community centers in addressing the economic, health, and social impacts of the pandemic.
Join us for an examination of how these two extraordinary library systems are pioneering global models for inclusivity and access.
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