• Session Description

• Learning Outcomes

• The When, the Where, the How Much

• Register to Participate

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Session Description​

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Libraries often communicate about their work using a single set of professional values and policy language. But in many communities, particularly rural regions such as Eastern Oregon, people interpret public institutions through different political narratives and cultural assumptions.

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Drawing on Arnold Kling’s “Three Languages of Politics” framework [PDF], this session explores how political communication in the United States often operates along three moral axes: oppression versus justice, civilization versus decline, and liberty versus coercion. When advocates rely on only one of these frames, conversations with community members who think in another political language often stall.

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This 2-part session introduces a practical messaging framework to help library leaders recognize these narratives and adapt their communication accordingly. Participants will explore how common library goals (e.g., access to knowledge, community institutions, intellectual freedom, and lifelong learning) can be expressed in ways that resonate with libertarian, conservative, and progressive audiences alike.

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Using examples drawn from rural communities and public institutions, attendees will practice reframing familiar library messages in multiple political languages in order to build broader community understanding, reduce polarization, and strengthen local support for libraries.

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Learning Outcomes

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Participants will:
 

1. Identify the three dominant political narratives and understand how these frames shape public conversations about libraries and other civic institutions.
    

2. Analyze how library messaging may unintentionally align with only one political narrative, limiting its ability to persuade audiences with different political perspectives.
    

3. Practice reframing library missions, services, and policies using multiple political narratives in order to communicate more effectively with diverse communities, including rural and libertarian-leaning audiences.
    

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The When, the Where, the How Much

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The training takes place over two days, from 10am to 4pm on Thursday, October 15 and 9am to noon on Friday, October 16. To participate, you must attend both days. The training will be held in the meeting room at the Southern Wasco County Library/Maupin City Hall, located at 507 Grant Ave, Maupin, OR 97037.

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Participation for any staff member from a LEO member library is free thanks to the Bonebrake Professional Development Fund; staff from non-LEO member libraries are welcome to participate, but will pay $125 to participate. Morning and afternoon coffee and tea service, with simple snacks, are included in your registration; lunch will be provided both days at the GSA rate of $19 per person per meal ($38 for both meals). When you register, we will ask about your dietary needs for lunch and our breaks.

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Looking for lodging? We recommend the following, all of which are about a 5 minute drive or a 20 minute walk from the library:
 

• The Imperial River Company, 304 Bakeoven Rd, Maupin OR — directly on the river

• The River Run Lodge, 210 Hartman Ave, Maupin, OR —smaller boutique lodge 

• Oasis Cabin Resort, 609 S Highway 197, Maupin, OR — rustic cabins
   

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Register to Participate

To participate, you may register using our registration form.

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Have additional questions? Feel free to reach out at info@librariesofeasternoregon.org.