This document discusses how public libraries can promote democracy through various programs and services. It outlines initiatives like "Democracy Fitness" which aims to train democratic skills like empathy, active listening, and compromise. The library can foster democratic dialogue, literacy, and participation by providing free access to knowledge and cultural activities. Examples given include hosting community discussions, children's mock elections, and partnering with others to address challenges and opportunities around strengthening democracy.

1. Christian Lauersen
Director of Libraries and Citizens Services, Roskilde Municipality
Twitter: @clauersen
Blog: christianlauersen.net
Decline of democracy and the role of libraries

2. Why democracy?

3. Decline of democracy?

4. In which way can the library be a catalysator
for a stronger democracy?

5. Roskilde Libraries and
promotion of democracy
The library in it’s core
Democratic dialogue
Democratic literacy
Democratic participation

6. Free and equal access to knowledge and cultural activity

7. Literacy and the joy of reading

10. The Green Couch

11. Democracy Fitness
- Train the democratic muscles
https://www.wedodemocracy.dk/democracy-fitness-2

12. Democracy Fitness: The muscles you can train
• Empathy: In a democracy, people are diverse. You need to be able to put yourself in
someone else’s shoes.
• Active listening: in a democracy, we are looking for solutions together. Listen, wonder
and ask questions.
• Opinion: in a democracy, you can follow many paths. You must know what you stand for
an why.
• Verbal self-confidence: in a democracy, opinions should meet challenges. You must dare
to participate in a debate.
• Disagreement: in a democracy, we often disagree. Engage in disagreement without
feeling angry or hurt.
• Compromise - In a democracy, we never fully agree. Choose your battles.
• Mobilization - In a democracy, you need to engage others. You must be able to speak
from your heart to other peoples heart.
• Activist - In a democracy, if you want to achieve something, get on with it!

13. Community
Trust
Me
Prejudices
Truth/False
Create bridges in the community

14. ”What would you do, if a friend
was treated unfairly?”

15. Children’s
elecetion

16. Final notes
• Ask the ‘Why’
• Define what you mean by ‘democracy’
• Identify challenges and opputunities
• Formulate your vision and actions
• Seek partnerships and involve the community
• Skills among staff is key
• Be proud