More Than Books: Building Community at the Library

Local expert Troy Glover shows us why social infrastructure is the invisible glue that holds a community together. Through the lens of public libraries, this episode uncovers how these everyday spaces are actually "palaces for people," quietly helping to transform strangers into neighbors and isolated individuals into thriving communities. As Waterloo Region grows toward becoming home to one million people by 2050, this episode asks a crucial question: will we invest in the social infrastructure that turns a growing population into a connected community, or will we let our social fabric fray?THANKS TO OUR GUESTSTroy Glover, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of WaterlooNathan Stretch, Senior Manager of Community Development and Insightsat Kitchener Public LibraryCristina McLaren, Manager of Library Services for the Region of Waterloo LibrariesADDITIONAL RESOURCESWaterloo Region Community Foundation’s 2025 Vital Signs reportGehl Institute report on social infrastructureActivateYourNeighbourhood.ca CREDITSJay Harrison, Host/ProducerKaryn Atkins, Writer/ReporterDeren Atkins, EditorShrijith Ramaswami, EditorDavid Harmes, Executive Producer/EngineerMUSIC courtesy of Epidemic SoundMain theme music - Rocket Jr: High TechTransition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level UpThis show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. Follow Midtown Radio for more local [email protected] Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand