California Humanities, in collaboration with the Califa Group, is expanding its Library Innovation Lab (LIL) nationally, extending a California-grown model for community connection and cultural understanding to libraries in California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
What began as a statewide effort is now evolving into a broader national partnership — one that brings together humanities organizations and public libraries to help communities better understand one another through shared stories, cultural expression, and dialogue.
The initiative is supported by California Humanities, a partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Califa Group, and is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (Grant RE-256614-OLS-24).
“At the heart of this work is a simple idea: what we share matters,” said Rick Noguchi, president and CEO of California Humanities. “Libraries and the humanities are essential to a healthy democracy — creating space for reflection, dialogue and shared understanding. This partnership demonstrates how connection, culture, and community can be strengthened not only in California, but in communities across the country.”
From California roots to national reach
Since 2018, the Library Innovation Lab has worked with public library staff across California who are seeking new ways to connect with immigrant and newcomer communities.
Through a nine-month cohort experience, library professionals explore the unique histories and cultures of their communities and co-create programs that center the voices of residents — from storytelling events to cultural gatherings — that reflect lived experiences and build trust.
The program blends professional development with real-world application, giving participants the tools, support and resources to design programming that is both locally relevant and sustainable.
Over time, that work has added up: 84 libraries across California have participated, creating more than 2,000 programs attended by over 100,000 people. Participants frequently describe a deeper sense of connection — not only to their libraries, but to one another.
Now, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the program is entering its next phase. In partnership with the Califa Group, Illinois Humanities and PA Humanities, LIL will support new cohorts of library professionals across three states, expanding both its reach and its impact.
Libraries as spaces of belonging
At its core, the work is about redefining what libraries can be — not just places for information, but spaces where communities see themselves reflected and feel a sense of belonging.
In Sonoma County, the program has strengthened relationships between libraries and the communities they serve:
“The Library Innovation Lab has shown how powerful collaboration between libraries and the humanities can be when we center the lived experiences of our communities,” library representatives said. “It’s helping us build relationships that make our outreach more meaningful and lasting.”
In Illinois, the Gail Borden Public Library District has seen how this approach transforms public space:
“When libraries and the humanities unite, we transform public spaces into cultural anchors,” the district said. “This work ensures that immigrant communities see their stories reflected and that libraries remain vibrant centers of connection.”
In Pennsylvania, library leaders are also using the program to deepen community connection and engagement in different regions of Dauphin County.
“This partnership has reinforced two essential truths: libraries serve the people and are guided by the people. It also highlights that diversity in voices, experiences, and expertise is vital to innovation,” said Maria Lagasca Dauphin County Library System, library manager.
Strengthening connection in a divided moment
As communities across the country navigate questions of belonging, identity and public investment, this partnership highlights the role libraries and the humanities can play together.
“The partnership between humanities and libraries through the Library Innovation Lab benefits everyone,” said Veronda J. Pitchford, assistant director of the Califa Group. “It allows libraries to respond to the needs of immigrant communities while creating opportunities for people to connect and learn from one another. At a time when division is often amplified, libraries show what it means to come together.”
Since its launch, the program has demonstrated that when communities are invited to share their stories — and see those stories valued — stronger, more connected relationships follow.
“The Library Innovation Lab is an important opportunity for us to connect our network and expertise in the public humanities with our library partners to strengthen both their reach in their communities as well as impact the larger community ecosystem,” said Robert White, senior director of program of Illinois Humanities. “Through intentional community-centered design, our partnerships with libraries can deepen to build more opportunities for people to connect, interpret, and make meaning in community with each other.”
About California Humanities
California Humanities is a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. We connect Californians to ideas and one another in order to understand our shared heritage and diverse cultures, inspire civic participation and shape our future. Learn more at www.calhum.org.
About the Califa Group
Califa Group is a nonprofit library consortium that supports libraries through innovation, collaboration and professional development, helping expand access to knowledge and community resources.
About Sonoma County Library
Sonoma County Library serves residents across Sonoma County through a network of branches, mobile services and community-centered programs that support lifelong learning and connection.
About Alameda County Library
Alameda County Library provides services across multiple communities through neighborhood libraries and specialized outreach programs, creating inclusive spaces rooted in creativity, curiosity and empathy.
About Gail Borden Public Library District
The Gail Borden Public Library District serves a diverse community in Elgin, Illinois, offering cultural programming, exhibits and services that reflect and celebrate its global population.
About Indian Trails Public Library District
The Indian Trails Public Library District serves residents across several Illinois communities, providing access to resources, educational programming and welcoming spaces for community engagement.
About Dauphin County Library System
The Dauphin County Library System provides quality service through eight library locations. Its mission is to build community and transform lives by connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. We are committed to promoting access to information, reflecting our diverse community through services, eliminating barriers, and upholding human dignity.
