The Ministry of Culture and Local Government Denmark:
Involving citizens in the future planning of local libraries
Libraries are changing. In order to plan the library of the future for local needs, local citizens must be engaged in a qualified dialogue. A dialogue that the Ministry of Culture and Local Government Denmark wanted to initiate – especially with members of the public who do not use the library.
PLUS Agency planned a different type of citizens’ meeting in four municipalities around Denmark to discuss the library of the future and get ideas and suggestions.
Over five different activities, the invited citizens were given the opportunity to form their opinions by talking to each other and reflect on their need for information, culture and communal activities.
The activities ranged from riddles based on fiction novels to budget prioritization and picking abstract photos to describe their thoughts and dreams.
Following this, the citizens were prepared to discuss with the Minister of Culture as well as the Chairman of Local Government Denmark’s Cultural, Business and Planning Committee.
A large number of citizens, from school pupils to pensioners, were invited.
Over five different activities, the invited citizens were given the opportunity to form their opinions by talking to each other and reflect on their need for information, culture and communal activities.
The activities ranged from riddles based on fiction novels to budget prioritization and picking abstract photos to describe their thoughts and dreams.
Following this, the citizens were prepared to discuss with the Minister of Culture as well as the Chairman of Local Government Denmark’s Cultural, Business and Planning Committee.
The activities were so successful that the Ministry of Culture decided to roll them out to libraries all over the country so they could hold their own citizens’ meetings.
We at PLUS agency adapted the activities into a plug-and-play dialogue kit that the libraries could download. Complete with instructions and printable files of all the materials.
With the dialogue kit in hand, each library can hold a complete workshop that takes between 60-90 minutes, from welcome and introduction to summing up.
The workshop is designed for 5-40 participants.
We at PLUS agency adapted the activities into a plug-and-play dialogue kit that the libraries could download. Complete with instructions and printable files of all the materials.
With the dialogue kit in hand, each library can hold a complete workshop that takes between 60-90 minutes, from welcome and introduction to summing up. The workshop is designed for 5-40 participants.
We are specialists in participatory conferences, large meetings and how to activate your internal communication.
Our approach is based on extensive knowledge about adult learning and dramaturgy.
