Civic Life Lunch - Can Libraries Save Democracy?

With nearly two centuries of impact on American life, libraries are among the most established civic institutions in the United States. At a time when democracy feels fragile–and when libraries themselves are increasingly under attack–what is the role of libraries today? Join Tisch College for a conversation with Tamara King, Chief Equity and Engagement Officer for Richland Library in South Carolina, and Kelly Linehan, Director of the Waltham Public Library. This event will be moderated by Tisch Library Director at Tufts University, Dorothy Meaney.

To register for in-person attendance, click the blue "register" button to the right. 

While we encourage those who are local to attend the event in-person, those who can only attend remotely can register for Zoom details at this link: https://tufts.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrcO2srz4jE9OaQMhv4o26DsIUH5uzdoTu

This event is cosponsored by the Political Science Department and the Tufts Republicans. Lunch will be provided. Visitors attending events on campus are required to be vaccinated and boosted, if eligible, and may be asked to show proof of vaccination. 

About our Speakers

Tamara King is tasked with the development and support of Richland Library’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, programs and partnerships, ensuring community engagement efforts reach underserved and marginalized populations. She also supports the library’s award-winning Let’s Talk Race Team, which has held discussions for more than 3,000 participants. King is co-chair of the Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice for the Public Library Association, a subset of the American Library Association. She is nationally and locally recognized award-winning public relations professional and was recognized as a 2019 Library Journal Mover and Shaker for her role in Richland Library’s race, equity and social awareness work.

Kelly Linehan has over twenty years of urban public library experience, with a special focus on service to the unhoused and mentally ill populations. She is currently the Mass Library Association State Representative for the New England Library Association, and a Past-President of the Minuteman Library Network. Linehan is the creator of the award winning Watch Read Listen community story program and the Play Imagine Experience space, an interactive, museum inspired immersive environment where children play and learn.