Celebrating Public Libraries
Penguin Talk discusses the impact of public libraries in the community
The second installment of this year’s Penguin Talks series featured Jennifer Giltrop (pictured above), Executive Director of Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRL), who spoke about the vital role of public libraries in building community. Held at the Vancouver Community Library on October 15, the event also celebrated FVRL’s 75th anniversary.
“They are living, breathing hubs of connection,” Jennifer said. “They are where the individual becomes community.”
FVRL serves community members across three counties and 4,200 square miles, with more than a dozen locations offering far more than books. Jennifer emphasized that today’s libraries are dynamic, active spaces that reflect the needs of their communities.
“We don’t shush people anymore!” she said with a smile.
Instead, libraries are gateways to equity, providing digital skills training, free WiFi, online homework help, and a wide range of other resources. Using data and personal stories, Jennifer illustrated the impact of these services—a man who found employment through library resources, an immigrant woman who discovered community, and a senior who found belonging.
"Libraries are belonging-builders,” she said. “They are welcoming spaces for people to gather without expectation or cost.”
Jennifer described how libraries have evolved from places where people simply consume knowledge to places where they create it. Whether offering tax form assistance, connecting patrons with social services, or hosting nurses, libraries continue to adapt to meet local needs.
Looking ahead, Jennifer said that while tools and technology will continue to change, the mission remains the same: to promote equity, opportunity, empowerment, and community strength.
Her presentation led to a discussion about how the library is expanding its reach, such as incorporating books in more languages, engaging residents through events, and increasing access with bookmobiles. Jennifer noted that FVRL is currently in a strategic planning phase, with more positive changes to come. But her advice for how the public can best support their local libraries right now?
“Use your libraries!” she said. “Ask your neighbors to use libraries and help your community understand all the services the library provides.”
Upcoming Penguin Talks
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