This Civic Engagement Month, the South Carolina State Library invites you to explore the power of participation with a curated selection of books dedicated to the foundations of our democratic society, civic renewal, and community participation.
Civic Engagement Month On the Shelves
On the Shelves
Teaching History, learning citizenship: tools for civic engagement
Teaching History, Learning Citizenship: Tools for Civic Engagement stands out from other books for several reasons. First, it provides ready-to-use lesson materials on important historical topics, already likely to be part of the history curriculum. Primary sources are modified for young readers, with graphic organizers and ideas for other instructional support. Lesson materials are presented in a way that allows teachers flexibility in the way lessons are designed"-- Provided by publisher.
Does local government matter? : how urban policies shape civic engagement
Introduction. Government programs matter: political learning, policy feedbacks, and the policy-centered approach -- The participatory impacts of county government means-tested and universal social programs -- City government and neighborhoods: intentional empowerment and reactionary mobilization -- Community policing: a reform policy for police responsiveness -- City government, economic development incentives, and business influence -- The impact of development incentive policy reform: a case study -- Policy-centered theory and urban programs: community effects in a global context.
The American legal system and civic engagement: why we should all think like lawyers
The citizens task -- The citizen's obstacles -- Conventional guidance -- The law's tools and traditions -- The citizen as juror -- Inescapable differences -- Guidance from the law -- Conclusion : about responsibility.
A guidebook for socially responsible and civically engaged youth
This guidebook is designed to lead socially responsible and civically engaged youth through the process of utilizing a variety of methods to uplift their communities. While using this guidebook, youth will review case studies of youth in action, participate in interactive and engaging activities, and identify ways to elevate their voices and civic identities.
We are the ones we have been waiting for : the promise of civic renewal in America
In September 2011, two leading civic engagement advocacy organizations headed, respectively, by Robert Putnam and Peter Levine released a joint report showing that a region's level of civic engagement was a strong predictor of its ability to recover from the Great Recession. This finding confirms what advocates of civic engagement have long hypothesized: that strengthening the networks between government and civil society and increasing citizen participation results in better government and better community outcomes. However, citizens concerned about the economic crisis need more than just deliberation or community organizing alone to achieve these outcomes. What they need, according to Peter Levine, is a movement devoted to civic renewal. Deliberative democracy-the idea that true democratic legitimacy derives from open, inclusive discussion and dialogue rather than simple voting-has become an extremely influential concept in the last two decades. In We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For, Peter Levine contends that effective deliberative democracy depends upon effective community advocacy. Deliberation, he shows, is most valuable when talk and debate are integrated into a community's everyday life. To illustrate how it works, Levine draws lessons from both community organizing and developmental psychology, and uses examples of successful efforts from communities across America as welll as fledgling democracies in Africa and Eastern Europe. By engaging in this type of civic work, American citizens can meaningfully contribute to civic renewal, which, in turn, will address serious social problems that cannot be fixed in any other way.
Public libraries and their communities : an introduction
This is the first public library text to look at the administration of the public library as essentially different from that of other library types. It also emphasizes the crucial nature of advocacy, promotion, and marketing and demonstrates how each public library can identify and meet the needs of its own particular community.
Ask, listen, empower: grounding your library work in community engagement
This important resource provides targeted guidance on how libraries can effectively engage with the public to address a range of issues for the betterment of their community, whether it is a city, neighborhood, campus, or something else.
Recipe for mindfulness in your library: supporting resilience and community engagement
This collection of stories --recipes, if you will -- explore a wide range of approaches in which librarians integrate mindfulness into their teaching, collections, services, programming, spaces, partnerships, and professional development.
Teaching Life Skills in the School Library
Leading Students to Their Future after High School -- Beginning Early with Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-3 -- Expanding Those Beginning Lessons: Moving Forward in the Middle Grades 4-6 -- Surviving While Teaching: The Challenge of Junior High, Grades 7-8 -- Reaching Out to High School Students, Grades 9-10 -- Last Chances: Working with High School Students, Grades 11-12 -- The Real World: What to Expect After Graduation.
Civic Engagement and the future of American citizenship
Lack of civic knowledge, ignorance about the U.S. Constitution, and general ambivalence about education threaten the fiber of this nation. The remedy to this malaise, advocated in various ways by a diverse group of contributors, is a well-rounded, liberal education that prepares citizens to participate in a free republic.
The good citizen: a history of American civic life
An epic study of citizenship in America spans three centuries and explores how the United States, having passed through three distinct eras of citizenship, appears to be moving into a fourth one. 15,000 first printing.
Thomas Jefferson and the education of a citizen
A book of essays on the writings ofThomas Jefferson, which hold endless fascination for Americans and...for thoughtful people worldwide.
Becoming a U.S. citizen : a guide to the law, exam & interview
For a green card holder, taking the next step to U.S. citizenship offers a host of benefits. But the application process itself can be long and confusing. With Becoming a U.S. Citizen, you can save months, or even years. Best of all, you'll know that you are taking each needed step in the most efficient way. Becoming a U.S. Citizen also shows how you may be able to take advantage of special benefits and procedures if you have a disability, are in the military, or are the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
Upcoming Event
South Carolina State Library Set to Host the Institute of Museum and Library Services-Sponsored Freedom Truck
September 1, 2026, 11:00 AM
The South Carolina State Library (State Library) is set to host the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)-sponsored Freedom Truck in September. The Freedom Truck is a custom-built, fully mobile museum housed in a semi-truck, offering exhibits that bring America’s history to life in an accessible and engaging way. Visitors are welcome to experience the Freedom Truck for free on September 1 and 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.