Book Review: Tactical Urbanism for Libraries: Quick, Low-Cost Ways to Make Big Changes

Abstract

Making the most out of limited resources is a familiar situation to many librarians. How do libraries spark significant change within the constraints of tight budgets, limited staff time, and red tape from within the library system and without? Munro offers a solution in tactical urbanism—hands-on, short-term approaches to improve a city, neighborhood, or library with minimal budget and oversight. A popular concept in cities, it includes whimsical projects like yarn bombing and pop-up parks, as well as practical fixes to overlooked problems, such as building a footbridge over an obstructed walkway. Although long-term strategies are integral to developing cities or libraries, tactics can be used to address immediate needs or can mark the beginning of a large-scale initiative.