PCJ #75: Summer 2009 issue

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Contents of our Summer 2009 issue
Libraries at the Heart of Our Communities by Wayne Senville There's been a dramatic change in the mission of libraries across the country. No longer just static repositories of books and reference materials, libraries are increasingly serving as the hub of their communities, providing a broad range of services and activities. They are also becoming important "economic engines" of downtowns and neighborhood districts.
	Are We There Yet? by Jim Segedy, FAICP, and Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICP Taking on the tasks identified in your community's plan may be a little like riding in the back seat of a car for a road trip where you don't know the landmarks. That's where benchmarks and indicators show their value.
Learn to Speak So People Will Listen by Elaine Cogan Planning commissioners can be of great service in speaking to community groups and organizations. Some tips to help you become a more effective speaker.
	The Nine Circles of Planning Commission Hell by Ric Stephens Planning commission hearings can sometimes bear an uncomfortable resemblance to the descriptions in Dante's epic poem. But there are ways to escape, explains PCJ columnist Ric Stephens.
Planetizen Update The Editors of Planetizen highlight six books of special interest to citizen planners.
	CircleTheUSA Three reports from the first leg of PCJ Editor Senville's travels: -- how the adaptive reuse of an old factory is key to a Vermont town's future. -- why a city in upstate New York has eliminated downtown parking requirements. -- a look at the connections between college and community in a small western Pennsylvania city.

Recent Back Issues:	Special Focus Issues:
Spring 2009: Getting the Density You Want | Growing Safer: Improving Roadways for Everyone | Dialing for Citizens | Learning to Enjoy Your Service on the Commission | and more	Winter 2006: Bright Ideas: 21 creative planning-related ideas & programs you should know about
Winter 2009: Managing Stormwater Runoff: A Green Infrastructure Approach | Taking Low Impact Development from Research to Regulations | The ABC's of Transit-Oriented Development | and more	Fall 2005: This Land Is Your Land: on "takings" and property rights, and how planners can respond
Fall 2008: Pattern Books: A Planning Tool | GIS & Planning | Where Do We Want to Go? | and more	Fall 2004: Back to School for Planners: on the impacts of school location, and the relationship between planning and school boards
Summer 2008: Greenways | Developing at the Edge | An Introduction to Charrettes | and more	Spring 2004: Sphere of Influence: water and its impacts
Spring 2008: Car Sharing | Revisiting Ex Parte Contacts | Chairing the Commission | and more	Fall 2003: Planning for Historic Preservation: an introduction to historic preservation planning
Winter 2008: Downtown Futures: continuing a series of reports from planners across the U.S., focusing on downtown issues	Winter 2002: Opening the Door: planning for affordable housing
Fall 2007: Crossing America: a series of reports from planners across the U.S. | Bypass Highways | and more	Spring 2000: The Promise of America: an historical look at 10 successes & 10 failures that having affected America's cities