Libraries building Communities,
Communities building Libraries
A call to action
Deborah Jacobs
Director, Global Libraries
Deputy Director, Special Initiatives
June 16, 2009

© 2009 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 2
Seattle Public Library, Central Branch

Seattle Public Library, Beacon Hill Branch © 2009 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 3

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that all lives have equal value and every
person deserves the right to live a healthy, productive life.
© 2009 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 4

Global Libraries Initiative
We believe that:
Access to information helps people transform their lives
Too few have access to technology, creating a severe digital divide
We must use our voice loudly and effectively to strengthen and
champion libraries © 2009 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 5

Libraries must meet user needs; library workers need skill building and
training, libraries must offer an inviting public space; libraries must build public
support; and libraries must have strong library systems and supporting
institutions.
© 2009 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 6

A new direction for Seattle Public Library
© 2009 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 7

The New Library
Cultural,
Literacy
& Life skills
programming
© 2009 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |

There is NO TIME better
than NOW to be a librarian
This is the moment to renew, revitalize and transform ourselves and
our libraries.
© 2009 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | 9

Thank You