The main message is that there is a pressing need for public librarians and other supporters of public libraries to be:
Building upon the discussion of the key issues, the book offers proposals for professional, policy-making, and political strategies that can strengthen the public library and its ability to meet the needs of individuals and communities. The discussion and analysis in the book draw upon data and real world examples from the many studies that the authors have conducted on related topics, including libraries' outreach to increasingly diverse service populations and efforts to meet community needs through innovative partnerships.
As the intersection of politics, policy, and libraries has grown in importance and complexity in recent years, the need for a book on their interrelationships is long overdue.