SHAMICHAEL HALLMAN

CIVIC & SOCIAL IMPACT STRATEGIST.
AUTHOR. PODCAST HOST.

SHAMICHAEL HALLMAN

Work

Shamichael Hallman is a visionary leader in civic health and community development, currently serving as the Director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity at the Urban Libraries Council. In this role, he champions the vital role of libraries as essential city infrastructure—connecting diverse communities, enhancing public safety, and driving economic opportunities for underserved populations.Shamichael’s new book, Meet Me at the Library, is now available through Island Press. In it, he explores libraries as powerful “sites of encounter,” showcasing their unique role in creating spaces for shared experiences and connection across diverse backgrounds. This groundbreaking work highlights Shamichael’s forward-thinking approach to libraries as vibrant, accessible resources that are fundamental to civic life.A recent Loeb Fellow ('23) at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, Shamichael has shared his expertise through guest lectures across New England, emphasizing libraries’ transformative potential for social impact and civic engagement. His decade-spanning career includes managing the multi-million-dollar redesign of the historic Cossitt Library, which led to Memphis Public Libraries earning the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Science. His TEDx talk, “Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community,” garnered international acclaim for its insights into libraries’ evolving roles in society.

In addition to his work with libraries, Shamichael serves as a Teaching Fellow for the University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy, where he mentors leaders in nonprofit management and social enterprise. Honored among the Memphis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Shamichael’s awards include the Ovation Award Nominee for Collaboration and ASECS’s Innovative Course Design award at Christian Brothers University.Shamichael’s thought leadership has been featured in The Fourth Bluff, PressReader, and The Agenda with Steve Paikin. With top skills in public speaking, leadership, and business analysis, his career reflects a unique blend of strategic vision, dedication to public service, and a commitment to fostering equitable, impactful community spaces.

America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. How do we create spaces for people to come together—to open our minds, understand our differences, and exchange ideas?Shamichael Hallman argues that the public library may be our best hope for bridging these divides and creating strong, inclusive communities. While public libraries have long been thought of as a place for a select few, increasingly they are playing an essential role in building social cohesion, promoting civic renewal, and advancing the ideals of a healthy democracy. Many are reimagining themselves in new and innovative ways, actively reaching out to the communities they serve. Today, libraries are becoming essential institutions for repairing society.Libraries have a unique opportunity to bridge socioeconomic divides and rebuild trust. But in order to do so, they must be truly welcoming to all. They and their communities must work collaboratively to bridge socioeconomic divides through innovative and productive partnerships.Drawing from his experience at the Memphis Public Library and his extensive research and interviews across the country, Hallman presents a rich argument for seeing libraries as one of the nation’s greatest assets. He includes examples from libraries large and small--such as the Iowa’s North Liberty Library’s Lighthouse in the Library program to bring people together to discuss important topics in a safe and supportive space, to Cambridge Cooks, an initiative of the Cambridge MA Public Library that fosters social connection by bringing people together over shared interest in food.As an institution that is increasingly under attack for creating a place where diverse audiences can see themselves, public libraries are under more scrutiny than ever. Meet Me at the Library offers us a revealing look at one of our most important civic institutions and the social and civic impact they must play if we are to heal our divided nation.

SHAMICHAEL HALLMAN

Speaking

Speaking Engagements

Prior Speaking

SHAMICHAEL HALLMAN

Projects

Project Team
Landscape Analysis of Bridging Activities in Public Libraries in the U.S. | Libraries as Bridges x IREX

Team Mentor
Detroit City of Design Challenge
Guiding teams in the process of developing community tech hubs that support residents' needs.

Founding Member
Libraries as Bridges
A learning network focused on understanding, advancing, and evaluating how libraries build social cohesion,
promote civic renewal, and advance the ideals of a healthy American democracy in the 21st century.

Organizer
Community Backpack + School Supply Giveaway
This project, in collaboration with community partners, has delievered over 10,000 backpacks and school supplies to students through the city of Memphis.

Co-Organizer/Session Chair
PassionTalks2018
Passion Talks offer speakers an opportunity to give short talks about their work, faith, passions, and dreams. Each talk is between 10-15 minutes, and will be followed by 5 minutes for Q&A.

Keynote Speaker/Mentor/Documentarian (short film)
Hack 2019 Uganda
The Indigitous #HACK is a global hackathon where participants around the world gather to solve problems facing their communities. #HACK convenes people from all backgrounds to use their skills, gifts, and expertise to impact the world.

Co-Organizer)
Code for the Kingdom’s Global Hackathon (2016)
In 2015, Code for the Kingdom hosted the first ever faith-inspired Global Hackathon Weekend in 12 cities across the world simultaneously. It was a tremendous success with hundreds of participants creating over one hundred new technologies addressing significant issues confronting society, community, families, and spiritual life. In 2016, we expanded Code for the Kingdom’s Global Hackathon to even more cities.

SHAMICHAEL HALLMAN

press

Daily Memphian
Two Memphians Selected for Harvard FellowshipSmithsonian Magazine
How Memphis Created the Nation’s Most Innovative Public LibraryThe Urban Activist
More than a place to read: Memphis Library’s innovative transformationThe Commercial Appeal
Memphis shows off Cossitt Library, Fourth Bluff Park projects to peer citiesDaily Memphian
Cossitt Library manager looks beyond booksThe Center for Social Impact
Alumni Case Studies - Creating inclusive public spaces in Memphis, TNLifeway
Faith Leads Tech explores how faith drives technology, innovationWMC Action News 5
Collierville churches stepping up with backpack, school supply giveaway for students

Libraries as Civic Bridges Workshop

In this engaging 30-minute session, Shamichael Hallman, author of Meet Me at the Library, shares insights on how libraries are transforming communities through civic engagement, innovative programming, and thoughtful design. This info session serves as the first step in determining if the Libraries as Civic Bridges workshop is the right fit for your library's needs. Perfect for library staff, board members, Friends of the Library groups, and library foundation members, this session offers a high-level introduction to key themes and strategies to strengthen your library's impact.Sign up for a free information session on December 16th at 1:00pm ET

SHAMICHAEL HALLMAN

Contact

Get in touch with Shamichael via email, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

• Email
• Twitter
• LinkedIn