The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter | #20 – Can Enoch Pratt Free Library Become Baltimore’s Town Square?

#20 – Can Enoch Pratt Free Library Become Baltimore’s Town Square? | Chad Helton

April 14, 2025 / 48:23/S10 E20 Download MP3

President & CEO Chad Helton lays out how Baltimore’s flagship public‑library system is reinventing itself for a 21st‑century city.

Small‑town roots to big‑city stacks—what shaped his collaborative leadership style
Building a “library for everyone”: equity, free access, and programs that change lives
Community engagement that goes beyond books—tech hubs, social‑service partners, street‑level outreach
Roadblocks (funding, perception, politics) and the wins that keep the team moving
A blueprint other public libraries can borrow to stay vital in the digital age

Want a clear look at civic leadership and the future of public knowledge spaces? Press play.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

Photos:

Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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Rob Lee

The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.

Chad Helton

Chad Helton is a seasoned library professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in both public and academic libraries.

The Enoch Pratt Free Library is the free public library system of Baltimore, Maryland.