The SNF Dialogues  hosted a public speaking event that underscores libraries’ vital role in promoting civic engagement and strengthening democracy, scheduled for April 30th at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in New York.

The discussion was moderated by Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou, Managing Director of the SNF Dialogues, and the main speakers were Dr. Tony W. Marx, President and CEO of the New York Public Library (NYPL), and Dr. Ares Kalandides, Urban scholar and Academic Advisor at New York University, Berlin. An intervention was made by the architect of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), Francine Houben, Founding Partner and Creative Director of the Netherlands-based firm Mecanoo. Additionally, Ricci Yuhico, Managing Librarian for Young Adult Services at SNFL, and Kaelin Motsoasele (they/them), student and library page in the flagship Teen Center in the NYPL, shed light on the services the library provides to teenagers and young adults.  Last but not least, Kathleen Carrasco, Borough Director at the Bronx Neighborhood Library Networks in the NYPL, talked about the valuable contribution of the library to the local community.

The opinions expressed by SNF Dialogues participants, whether officially representing institutions or organizations, or themselves alone, at events, in articles, or in other audiovisual media are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) or iMEdD. Speakers’ remarks are made freely, without prior guidance or intervention from SNF. The factual accuracy of statements made by participants not employed by SNF or its affiliates is solely the responsibility of the participants or the institutions or organizations they represent.

Beyond Books: How libraries can serve the public

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Dialogues aim to develop new ways of thinking, build bridges of cooperation, and encourage creative public dialogue across geographic, social, and cultural limits.

Through live debates, events, and rich multimedia content, the SNF Dialogues foster the exchange of ideas, emphasizing the need for citizens to express themselves and communicate with each other, always rooted in values of equity and diversity.

The SNF Dialogues are free and open to everyone.

All discussions and their related content can be found at snfdialogues.org

The SNF Dialogues are curated and moderated by Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou and are held through journalism nonprofit iMEdD (incubator for Media Education and Development).

SNF Dialogues: Diverse opinions, new ways of thinking

The opinions expressed by the SNF Dialogues participants, whether representing officially institutions and organizations or themselves, are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) or iMEdD. Speakers’ remarks are made freely, without prior guidance or intervention from the team.