For the People Leftist Library Project (FTP) has developed a toolkit to encourage public library defenders to conduct local People’s Assemblies (PA). A People’s Assembly (PA) involves a facilitated gathering where all community members discuss key community issues and collectively problem-solve and decide how to address them.

In the space created by PAs, everyone’s voice, thinking, experiences, ideas, and visions receive equal hearing and value. The PAs empower every participant to exercise their agency and power. Accordingly, PAs are a form of direct participatory democracy that places unwavering trust in those assembling.

Library defenders can conduct a PA to advocate, organize, and mobilize for their local public library. Ultimately, PAs are effective strategies for identifying and addressing the issues most impacting a library institution, its staff, and—perhaps most importantly—its patrons. For example, PAs can address issues related to hyper-policing in public spaces, book bans, and accessibility. Facilitated properly, PAs can uplift and empower communities to co-create their ideal local library.