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How public libraries became 'palaces for the people'

On today's show...

We begin with a library in Milbank expanding its programs to fit a changing community.

Tammy Wollschlager, director of the Grant County Public Library, talks about how her small-town library is helping neighbors be more neighborly (1:00 to 8:21).

Josh Easter with the South Dakota State Library discusses the programming that helps every South Dakotan access books (8:21 to 18:37).

The new PBS Independent Lens documentary "Free for All: The Public Library" explores the history of the American library. Its filmmakers preview how libraries have shaped communities and how communities have shaped libraries (18:37 to 43:01).

Learn more about SDPB's "Free for All" community screenings.

Plus, we return to a previous conversation about librarians and spycraft with author Elyse Graham (43:01 to 49:12). Find the full interview here.

Lori Walsh is the host and senior producer of "In the Moment."
Ari Jungemann is a producer of In the Moment, SDPB's daily news and culture broadcast.
Ellen Koester is a producer of In the Moment, SDPB's daily news and culture broadcast.