Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life (2018) by Eric Klinenberg

The library is by far one of my most favourite places in the community. Along with the local art gallery/museum, I can’t image what my hometown would be like without them. It’s no surprise then that, Palaces for the People, struck a cord with me. Whether the library, the garden, soccer pitch, local cafes, our schools, places of worship, or simply the sidewalk; these places that bring us together with those we share common space with are often forgotten when it comes to planning, and paying for our cities. More than anything, this read reminded me of how social infrastructure levels fields of power, and affords each and every citizen an opportunity to be considered equals. Bringing us together, to build and re-build community, these spaces are undervalued, under funded, and under recognized. Palaces for the People is a great read for anyone who is looking to further understand the value of the social infrastructure all around them, and to encourage each and every one of us to connect with our neighbours and fellow citizens more often than we do.