More Voices in Lund: The Public Library a Democratic Space

Abstract

Lund Public Library's project, More Voices in Lund, demonstrates how libraries support involvement in democracy, especially in a changing and polarized world. The library serves as a trusted hub and meeting place where everyone is welcome. Through this project, we explore how our concepts Lund Talks, Lund Listens, Clued In, and Youth Talks are used in the library as different formats to encourage open conversations, learning about society, sharing opinions, engagement, and cocreation with residents. The library's mission to provide access to information, digital guidance, and literacy support is the foundation of the work which include talks with politicians, voter-information sessions, and co-created events, with special attention given to first-time voters, people with disabilities, national minorities, and residents whose first language is not Swedish. The project is developed with local groups, the youth department, and inspiration from other libraries. By transforming how the library is used and building new partnerships, it positions democracy as a lived, daily practice while reimagining the library as a civic arena for dialogue, debate, learning, and engagement. The project demonstrates how libraries transform services to foster inclusion, participation, freedom of expression, and community connection, while offering a model for democratic resilience through inclusive, community-driven practices.