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autumnleeves's review against another edition
3.0
Reading a book about the importance of social infrastructure, that both valiantly and frustratingly puts libraries on a pedestal, especially one written before the pandemic is ... a trip.
While imperfect and only skimming the surface of how race and class play into these problems, it is still full of some thoughtful and important information. I can't help but wonder how many of the ideas and projects mentioned are faring now. How much has been derailed, paused or abandoned?
Reading about the importance of libraries to that social infrastructure was on one hand a much-needed jolt of energy when I'm so burned out in this work I don't know why I'm in it. But on the other hand, it deifies libraries in a way that feeds our profession's problematic vocational awe, and the assumption that we can fill all the gaps left by a lack of social services. I'm sure there are libraries out there doing these amazing things for their community, but it hurts to know my library system will probably never be one of them.
While imperfect and only skimming the surface of how race and class play into these problems, it is still full of some thoughtful and important information. I can't help but wonder how many of the ideas and projects mentioned are faring now. How much has been derailed, paused or abandoned?
Reading about the importance of libraries to that social infrastructure was on one hand a much-needed jolt of energy when I'm so burned out in this work I don't know why I'm in it. But on the other hand, it deifies libraries in a way that feeds our profession's problematic vocational awe, and the assumption that we can fill all the gaps left by a lack of social services. I'm sure there are libraries out there doing these amazing things for their community, but it hurts to know my library system will probably never be one of them.
miss_jules's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
jakobitz's review against another edition
4.0
Palaces for the People provides us with an overview of social infrastructure and its vital role in creating and maintaining a harmonious society. Klinenberg makes a case for increased focus and funding in the institutions and places that foster and support positive social connection and interaction. As the digital world increasingly encroaches upon every aspect of society, Palaces for the People argues that only through face to face interactions with one another can we truly foster unity and grow as a healthy community. Libraries, parks, playgrounds, plazas and cafes are vital for ensuring a healthy and thriving democratic society. Within a US context, Klinenberg presents us with a timely read on how we can seek to unify as a people of commonalities, rather than continue to be divided by our differences.
chadstep's review against another edition
3.0
Really wanted this book to go for it, to do a Hail Mary pass on lifting up and pushing the ball down the field for the value of public spaces. Ended up soft-pedaling it with reminders of what society used to do together for the common good and how it is becoming a lost art. More passion, please!
sde's review against another edition
3.0
I heard the author speak at a conference, and he was very engaging. As I librarian, I am all for people who promote libraries as vital to the community! I also thought his study of the fate of neighborhoods with similar demographics but different sorts of social infrastructure during a Chicago heat wave was fascinating. That was the topic of a previous book of his, but he refers to it in this one.
He makes excellent points about social infrastructure and the building of community across different sorts of people as being vital to health, happiness, safety, and the economy. I completely agree that this factors need to be considered more in planning, development, and service programs. I just felt that he said it too many times or went off on tangents a bit. Think this may have been better as a long form article, such as in the New Yorker.
He makes excellent points about social infrastructure and the building of community across different sorts of people as being vital to health, happiness, safety, and the economy. I completely agree that this factors need to be considered more in planning, development, and service programs. I just felt that he said it too many times or went off on tangents a bit. Think this may have been better as a long form article, such as in the New Yorker.