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#20 – Can Enoch Pratt Free Library Become Baltimore’s Town Square? | Chad Helton
Season 10 · Episode 20

#20 – Can Enoch Pratt Free Library Become Baltimore’s Town Square? | Chad Helton

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter · Rob Lee

April 14, 202547m 6s

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Show Notes

President & CEO Chad Helton lays out how Baltimore’s flagship public‑library system is reinventing itself for a 21st‑century city.

  • Small‑town roots to big‑city stacks—what shaped his collaborative leadership style
  • Building a “library for everyone”: equity, free access, and programs that change lives
  • Community engagement that goes beyond books—tech hubs, social‑service partners, street‑level outreach
  • Roadblocks (funding, perception, politics) and the wins that keep the team moving
  • A blueprint other public libraries can borrow to stay vital in the digital age

Want a clear look at civic leadership and the future of public knowledge spaces? Press play.


The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore)


Host
: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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Topics

Enoch Pratt Free LibraryChad Helton interviewpublic library leadershipBaltimore community anchorequitable information accesslibrary innovation programscommunity engagement strategies21st‑century librariescivic leadership Baltimorelibrary transformation