F55Th Libraries of the Future: Beyond Books (Hybrid/In-Person)
In-Person | This course is completed
Presented by Jennifer Smathers, Associate Director, Monroe County Library System
The original speaker, Emily Clasper, Director of the Rochester Public Library, had a conflict.
Led by groups like Friends & Foundation of Rochester Public Library, the library of the future is evolving from a quiet book warehouse into a dynamic, high-tech community hub, social anchor, and center for digital equity. Far from obsolete in the age of search engines, libraries are filling critical gaps in today’s digital and social landscape. Modern libraries maximize space with collaborative worktables and shared workspaces, and now lend tools, instruments, fishing poles, sewing machines, and artwork. They’re also becoming proving grounds for AI literacy, helping patrons identify AI-generated content, use AI tools ethically, and understand algorithmic decision-making.