• Oceana, Michigan

  Libraries as a technology hub

  Posted by DrRon Suarez on August 17, 2025 at 9:26 pm

  show how better Internet is more than infrastructure: it’s about regenerative, local prosperity. Here’s a step-by-step approach tailored for Pentwater, Michigan and its library as the hub:

  1. Position the Library as a Trusted Community Convenor

  • Libraries are seen as neutral, inclusive spaces where citizens, businesses, and nonprofits all feel welcome.

  • Frame the library as a partner in digital literacy and economic resilience.

  • Suggest a “Community Conversation Series” hosted at the Pentwater Township Library, with the first topic: “How Better Internet Can Power Pentwater’s Local Economy.”

  2. Craft an Invitation That Resonates with Stakeholders

  When inviting different groups, highlight what’s in it for them:

  • Citizens: Affordable, reliable Internet → online work, telehealth, learning.

  • Businesses: Digital tools + e-commerce → more customers, local visibility.

  • Unions: Job training + worker empowerment with better digital access.

  • Nonprofits: Stronger outreach, fundraising, and service delivery.

  • Local Government: Broadband as a backbone for economic and community resilience.

  📨 Example phrasing:

  “Pentwater has a unique chance to connect our community’s needs for better Internet with regenerative economic opportunities. Join us at the library for a community conversation where neighbors, businesses, unions, and nonprofits will share ideas on building a more connected, prosperous future together.”

  3. Structure the Event Like a Study Circle

  • Opening (10 min): Welcome from the library, intro by Broadband Institute (why broadband = regenerative economy).

  • Case Story (10 min): Example of community broadband boosting local businesses (from Michigan or another town).

  • Breakout Conversations (30 min):

    • Citizens: “What do we need broadband for in daily life?”

    • Businesses: “How would better Internet grow our customer base?”

    • Nonprofits & Unions: “How does connectivity help us serve members better?”

  • Report Back & Shared Vision (20 min): Groups share highlights → co-create a “Pentwater Digital Vision Board.”

  • Next Steps (10 min): Invite people to form a Community Internet Working Group to explore cooperative solutions.

  4. Integrate Regenerative Economic Framing

  • Emphasize that local ownership of broadband → keeps money circulating in Pentwater instead of flowing to national ISPs.

  • Connect broadband to other regenerative initiatives: tourism, local makers/artists, farmers’ markets, renewable energy.

  • Highlight Commons-Based Peer Production: neighbors helping neighbors, building together, rather than waiting for outside corporations.

  5. Follow-Up Actions

  • Create a shared contact list / mailing list for all participants.

  • Share a summary document (with citizen quotes + local aspirations).

  • Invite attendees to an ongoing community broadband group (possibly on your Community Internet platform).

  • Seek small grants from local community foundations or Rotary/Lions to fund continued sessions.

  6. Practical Outreach Steps

  • Partner with:

    • Pentwater Township Library board

    • Local Chamber of Commerce

    • Oceana County Economic Alliance

    • Rotary/Lions Club chapters

    • Local school district superintendent

  • Use flyers in the library, notices in the local paper/radio, and social media (Facebook community groups are strong in small towns).

  ✅ Why this works:

  You’re not selling “Internet infrastructure.” You’re sparking a community conversation about prosperity, fairness, and resilience — with the library as the safe convener.

  DrRon Suarez replied 1 day, 19 hours ago 1 Member · 0 Replies

  • Library
  • Tech Hub
• 0 Replies

Log In to Reply