About the City Library Collective
Purpose and Mission
Through collaboration, coordination, and listening, the City Library Collective encourages, supports, and learns from each other in order to solve problems faced by all public libraries.
What is the CLC?
The City Library Collective (CLC) was formed in order to provide time and resources for similar-sized libraries (serving population sizes of 30,000-100,000) to solve shared problems and reach shared goals. From Superior to Beloit, La Crosse to Manitowoc, CLC members are working together to address common issues and use collective knowledge and experience to improve their organizations and services to their communities.
The CLC determines annual priorities based on member needs and through consensus. These priorities become projects, and members, supported by the project manager, drive the discovery, data, and decision making.
To learn about the its impact, check out the City Library Collective’s 2023 Annual Report!
WiLS currently serves as the project manager of the City Library Collective.
Members
History of the Collective
The CLC launched its collaboration in the spring of 2021 with eleven founding members. WiLS has worked with members to co-design and develop the collective from the start. In November 2021, the CLC initiated its first major large-scale project to position public libraries as Recovery to Resiliency Centers in their communities. This project is generously supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and administered by Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction.
Want to connect with us?
Contact the project managers at citylibrarycollective@wils.org for more information.