Benefits of Co-Location

  1. Cost-effectiveness: Co-location allows for the sharing of resources and infrastructure, reducing the overall construction and operational costs for both housing and library facilities.
  2. Enhanced community services: Integrating public libraries into affordable housing projects, the residents gain increased access to important community services, including educational programs, job resources, and cultural activities.
  3. Social cohesion: Libraries serve as communal spaces that foster social interaction and community engagement. Co-location encourages residents from diverse backgrounds to interact, strengthening social ties and building a sense of belonging.
  4. Health and well-being: Access to library resources and community programing promotes lifelong learning, mental stimulation, and social support. Contributing to improved mental and physical health for the well-being of residents.
  5. Addressing housing affordability: Co-location helps address the shortage of affordable housing by efficiently maximizing land use and leveraging public assets to provide housing options for low-income individuals and families.
  6. Promotion of sustainability: Integrating sustainable design principles and practices into co-location projects can reduce environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to the creation of more resilient communities.
  7. Mitigation of urban sprawl: Providing affordable housing options in suburban areas, co-location help’s combat urban sprawl, promoting compact, walkable communities and reducing reliance on cars for transportation.
  8. Destigmatize public housing: Co-locating affordable housing with libraries helps destigmatize public housing by forming mixed-income neighborhoods that foster a sense of place among residents.