THE LIBRARY AS A SPACE FOR WELCOMING, INCLUDING, AND PROMOTING DIVERSITY

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on the reading incentive actions proposed in some public municipal libraries in two countries: the United States of America, and New Zealand. We reflect on the role they play in building a culturally inclusive society, considering the following two axes: i) space, time and environment; ii) public, actions and recurrence. The study, of a documentary nature, is based on Cellard (2010). Data analysis follows Giardinelli (2010), Patte (2012), Petit (2016), Colomer (2007) and Hirschman (2009). Data suggest that it is possible to implement reading incentive practices that are aimed at welcoming people and including the community. Such practices require consistent and systematic public policies that foster library encounter and dialogue.