While the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down nearly all public spaces, the future for libraries is up for grabs. Whether it’s a wait of two months or six months for reopening, safe spaces outside people’s homes are in high demand, spaces to give adults and young children respite from being house-bound. This reset could be an opportunity to reimagine what role these vital hubs of learning and recreation might play in communities.

How should we think about not only reopening libraries, but creating a newly empowered role for them post-lockdown? Could they function as multi-purpose spaces, serving as learning environments, and community hubs, for everyone from toddlers to older generations?

This ThinkIn is in partnership with Libraries Connected.

Chair: Polly Curtis, Editor and Partner, Tortoise

How does a digital ThinkIn work?

A digital ThinkIn is like a video conference, hosted by a Tortoise editor, that takes place at the advertised time of the event. Digital ThinkIns are new to Tortoise. Now that our newsroom has closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, we feel it’s more important than ever that we ‘get together’ to talk about the world and what’s going on.

The link to join the conversation will be emailed to you after you have registered for your ticket to attend. When you click the link, you enter the digital ThinkIn and can join a live conversation from wherever you are in the world.

If you have any questions or get stuck, please read our FAQs, or get in touch with us at memberhelp@tortoisemedia.com

What is a Tortoise ThinkIn?

A ThinkIn is not another panel discussion. It is a forum for civilised disagreement. It is a place where everyone has a seat at the (virtual) table. It’s where we get to hear what you think, drawn from your experience, energy and expertise. It is the heart of what we do at Tortoise.

Digital ThinkIn: Libraries after lockdown, what next?