“A solid, well-documented foundation—amazingly grounded in strategic plans—that provides both a path and an inspiration to public libraries that want to flourish as third places.”

— Kathleen de la Peña McCook
University of South Florida

Here is a highly readable guide to strategies and projects that have helped more than 100 public libraries gain community support and funding during challenging times. Marylaine Block integrates survey responses from innovative library directors with her research, analysis, and extended interviews to showcase hundreds of winning programs and services. The result is a rich source of ideas and encouragement for those who want their libraries to thrive, not merely survive.

Strategies explored in the book include youth services; the library as place; partnerships; marketing; stressing the economic value; Library 2.0; outreach; and helping the community achieve its aspirations. Projects are described in practitioners’ own words, with additional examples drawn from libraries’ long-range plans, annual reports, programs, and Web sites, as well as from news stories and the library literature.

“Marylaine Block has written the equivalent of The Joy of Cooking for libraries. The Thriving Library is a must-read for every library administrator and advocate who cares about the future.”

—Rivkah K. Sass
Executive Director
Omaha Public Library