When we think of institutions that define welcoming spaces to convene and conduct business in virtually every community in America the local library is first and foremost.  It represents the one place in which you can build social cohesion, promote civic renewal, and advance the ideals of a healthy democracy.  And where you can get a potboiler of a new novel, share your computer skills for research with others, attend a multitude of programs or watch children’s eyes light up as part of story time programs and other tactile experiences, like learning a percussive instrument.  All of that and so much more takes place within libraries which are staffed by creative professionals who are engaged in designing new learning experiences for young and old.  In his new book, “Meet Me at the Library: A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy”, Shamichael Hallman reminds us of all that libraries represent in a time when loneliness and isolation demand that we find public spaces to bond and forge new relationships.  The library serves this purpose…and so much more.