2025 Executive Institute

Shamichael Hallman is a civic innovator, author, and thought leader dedicated to strengthening communities through libraries, public engagement, and faith-based initiatives. As director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity at the Urban Libraries Council, he advocates for public libraries as vital civic infrastructure. His book, Meet Me at the Library, explores how libraries foster democracy and bridge-building.

A sought-after speaker, Shamichael has presented at top universities and library associations, with his insights featured by Sightline Institute, America Trends Podcast, and Jefferson Public Radio. He is the co-creator of the Bridgebuilding Resource Hub, a national initiative hosted by WebJunction that equips libraries with tools to foster community connections. The initiative recently secured a second round of funding to expand its impact and continue its work.

Previously, Shamichael championed the multimillion-dollar renovation of the historic Cossitt Library in Memphis, Tennessee, contributing to Memphis Public Libraries earning the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Holding a master’s in nonprofit leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and a 2023 Loeb Fellowship, he continues to innovate at the intersection of community, faith, and democracy.

Shamichael is building a North American conversation about how public libraries lead civic engagement, strengthen our democracies, inform anti-racism efforts, and drive stronger collective community action. His book, Meet Me at the Library, invites readers to rediscover libraries as vibrant hubs of democracy, dialogue, and civic engagement. Through his work, Shamichael aims to highlight the transformative power of public spaces to bridge divides, strengthen communities, and promote equity.

Pick up a copy of Meet Me at the Library or find it in a library near you.

In this Emmy-winning feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam. Bob's groundbreaking Bowling Alone research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.

Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly...What can we do about it?

The film's total run time is 1hr 39min.

The ARL Executive Institute is designed to engage research library executives in strategic decision-making and to provide a forum for confidential, peer-to-peer learning and conversation. This year’s Institute is focused on the unique role of research libraries in cultivating civic engagement. It will kick off with a screening of Join or Die on the evening of October 8, followed by a Q&A with filmmakers Pete and Rebecca Davis. Join or Die explores the well-documented consequences of decline in civic activity through the retrospective lens of Robert D. Putnam’s Bowling Alone. How can research libraries mobilize our own assets to foster greater civic engagement within our communities and networks?

On October 9, the Institute will continue with civic engagement experts in higher education, journalism, public libraries, and more, with a keynote address by the Urban Libraries Council’s Shamichael Hallman, author of Meet Me at the Library: A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy. Gabriel Lerner (Democracy Notes) and Cassie Haynes (Plot Twist Consulting) will co-facilitate this interactive experience.

The program will feature:

Expert panels
Small table conversations on actionable strategies to situate libraries in civic spaces and conversations, and to embed civic literacy and engagement in library work
Hands-on workshop that will equip research library leaders with a frame—and concrete tools—for telling the story of their institution’s civic role in a way that inspires internal allies, garners public trust, and unlocks new partnerships

Event Details

Commitment Fee: US$100

JOIN or DIE Film Screening

About the Institute

2025 Executive Institute Program Planning Task Force