Vision for Library Participation in October Programming 2026
In just a few years, Artificial Intelligence has exploded as a pervasive force in public and private life. Concerns ranging from day to day Large Language Model (LLM) use to its effects on our mental health, geopolitics, the economy, and the environment, have sprouted throughout the country.
As AI’s reach and effects expand, the public finds itself at a crossroads - let AI happen to them or take steps to help shape a technology already affecting their lives. The public missed this opportunity when social media was first popularized. The window for public participation in shaping how AI affects us - facilitated through public institutions - is still open.
Therefore, libraries are in a unique position to support the public in transitioning into a safe, intentional AI future.
Vision
Hundreds of library staff leading hundreds of conversations across hundreds of libraries nationwide, facilitating discussions that give communities a chance to intentionally think, discuss, and write about the AI future they want. AI stops being a technology that just ‘happens’ to the public, and becomes a technology aligned with communities’ vision of a desirable future.
Goals
Why ‘Unofficial’?
We want to be intentional with how we present our vision for events in October. As such, we are wary of building something that carries large expectations, or seems inaccessible for library staff and patrons. Rather, we are hopeful that October events smoothly scale. We are open to framing it as large, nationwide event and everything that would entail (eg. media opportunities, branding) should we build enough momentum.
Reasoning for October
Content