For some of us, the thought of a library is a dark, quiet place filled with books and librarians issuing the obligatory “shhhhhhh”, but Natalie Hauff tells us things have changed so much. This daughter of Cuban refugees gives us insight into the changes in libraries that gives us the opportunity to be better versions of ourselves with new and modern updates. You can use the computer, obtain passes to the aquarium, borrow telescopes and even power tools as the learning experience goes far beyond the old version of paper pages of books. Libraries are adapting to the community they serve and making those connections to provide a place for all to learn by modern and interesting methods.
Natalie Caula Hauff is a Deputy Director of the Charleston County Public Library, where she directs innovative programs and services. Previously, Hauff spent almost a decade as a journalist, reporting on radio, TV and newspaper, and earned a Pulitzer Prize while reporting with a Post & Courier team on a series about domestic violence. She currently serves on the American Library Association's Public Awareness Committee, is the Chair of the Board of Director's of My Sister's House, a non-profit supporting victims of domestic violence, and serves as mentor and leadership coach. She is Cuban-American and lives in Wando with her husband, Chris, and 5-year-old son, Jonah. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx