Have you heard of the Aspen Institute? Across the country communities are using their public libraries in unique and exciting ways. From Makerspaces and robots to Farmers' Markets , libraries are transforming to meet the changing needs of their communities and continuing to serve as the center of learning and knowledge creation. The Aspen Institute describes a "new world of knowledge", with the public library serving as a "vital learning institution and engine for individual, community, and civil society development." While each of our communities will approach this new era differently, there are common benchmarks that can be utilized to ensure that the public library remains "the essential civil society space where this new America will make its democratic character." For more information, visit the Library of Michigan website<http://w3.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,2351,7-160-18668_58063_78067---,00.html>. http://w3.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,2351,7-160-18668_58063_78067---,0... Evette M. Atkin Continuing Education Coordinator Statewide Library Services Library of Michigan atkine@michigan.gov<mailto:atkine@michigan.gov> 517.373.3746