Reflections

The culmination of a three-year project, Beyond Glass Cases: Reflections takes a look back to more fully explore our partners’ creative processes in telling their stories about the Library Company of Philadelphia’s holdings and practices. Each past Beyond Glass Cases project will be represented in the gallery through videos and photographs. Reflections will also directly solicit input from our visitors about the broader questions raised by Beyond Glass Cases, including the most fundamental one: What role should libraries and museums take in addressing social justice issues?

Reflections will also directly solicit input from our visitors about the broader questions raised by Beyond Glass Cases. Click below to hear the replies we received. We will regularly update the responses throughout the run of Reflections.

If you haven’t taken our anonymous survey and would like to do so, we would love to have your voice! The questions you will be asked are below.

Call our hotline number: (267) 715-1584

Audio production and consultation by Rowhome Productions.

Beyond Glass Cases: Reflections will be on view from Tuesday, March 18-Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Survey Responses

QUESTION 1:

What is gained and what is challenging about the Library Company or other libraries and museums undertaking projects that openly critique American history or even the institutions themselves?

QUESTION 2:

Should libraries and museums strive to strike a balance in displaying collections that tell both positive and critical stories about history? Should controversial or offensive items ever be placed on public display, or should they be brought out only by specific request?

QUESTION 3:

Do you think that the Library Company or other libraries and museums should engage in conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion?  Has your opinion on this changed in the last few years?

QUESTION 4:

Should building community be an important aspect of the Library Company’s mission? For example, should we continue to collaborate with partners such as artists, musicians, and community activists? What are the advantages and disadvantages of creating these partnerships?

QUESTION 5:

If you participated in a Beyond Glass Cases program, such as a workshop, listening session, or public event, did you feel your experience was worthwhile or that your participation was respected and acknowledged? If not, what would have made the experience better for you?

QUESTION 6:

This hotline is one way to gather public opinion about the Beyond Glass Cases project specifically and Library Company exhibition practices in general. What other ways can we solicit feedback?

QUESTION 7:

Do you have any additional comments you would like to share?