NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Public Library is one of 10 libraries across the country chosen to participate in the Urban Libraries Council’s Civic Makers Lab for Youth (15-18) project, made possible by a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation.
The Civic Makers Lab concept is a peer-learning program that equips librarians to serve as civic learning facilitators, and empowers youth and young adults to be active contributors to their communities. The participating libraries will offer hands-on civic learning experiences that complement school education, and partner with community organizations and families to deepen civic impact.
“What an honor it is to be part of this cohort of libraries,” said Emily Painton, executive director and city librarian. “We regularly engage with youth about topics such as activism, individualism, volunteerism and stewardship. We look forward to building out those programs in order to inspire the next generation of thoughtful, compassionate, and participatory community members.”
The 10 ULC members selected, all with Carnegie branches, are:
1. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
2. Cleveland Public Library
3. Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP)
4. New Orleans Public Library
5. The New York Public Library
6. The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County
7. Queens Public Library
8. The Salt Lake City Public Library
9. San José Public Library
10. St. Louis Public Library
“Public libraries are uniquely situated to turn the tide on youth disengagement. We thank Carnegie for their investment in this work,” said Brooks Rainwater, president and CEO of the Urban Libraries Council. “These ten ULC libraries are already essential pillars of their communities. We hope these grants allow them to take their work to empower young people to the next level.”
“Andrew Carnegie’s investment in free public libraries was rooted in the belief that access to knowledge should be available to everyone,” said Ambika Kapur, a program director for education at the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. “The Civic Makers Lab carries a similar spirit forward, giving people hands-on opportunities to practice civic skills and lead change in their own communities, with librarians equipped to guide that work. We’re glad to support the Urban Libraries Council and the libraries in expanding what’s possible.”
The Library Foundation of New Orleans assisted with the grant application and will accept support funds totaling $25,000 on behalf of the Library for this grant.