Libraries as Incubators for Democracy: How Public Spaces Spur Harmony, Connection, and Community Growth through Democratic Collisions and Civic Exchange During Fractious Times 

Session

Libraries offer rare spaces where diverse communities can connect and share ideas. This session explores how library design can foster “democratic collisions” that encourage civic engagement.

Participants will roleplay real-world challenges in libraries today and examine case studies from Cincinnati, Spokane, and Dayton to inspire new approaches for making libraries thriving forums for public dialogue. 

Hosts

Paula Brehm-Heeger
Paula serves as the Director of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. Paula is a passionate advocate for the role of public libraries in civic space and is implementing an ambitious Facility Master Plan, including renovating Cincinnati’s 540,000SF Downtown Library.

paula.brehm-heeger@chpl.org

Daniel LaRossa
Daniel LaRossa, a library architect with Group 4 Architecture Research + Planning, has combined passion for civic engagement and design to create innovative public spaces nationwide. Daniel’s libraries in Cincinnati, Dayton and Spokane activate their cities, spurring democratic collisions ranging from political debates to city-wide events. 

dlarossa@g4arch.com