Two Truths and a Lie
Baltimore County Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Freedom of speech is protected by the U.S. Constitution, but what does it mean when the speech misleads or manipulates? In this workshop series, developed in collaboration with Deanna Troust of Truth in Common, participants explored the realities of disinformation and propaganda, their impact on communities and democracy and how to disrupt their influence. As a trusted, nonpartisan source for lifelong learning, the library played a vital role in strengthening media literacy by empowering participants to evaluate sources, recognize AI-generated content and engage in more informed, civil discourse. Attendees left more media-savvy, more connected to each other and more aware of the disproportionate impact of misinformation on marginalized populations.
Challenge/Opportunity
Dis- and mis-information plagues our society, impacting our ability to improve public health, maintain a stable democracy and build trust in institutions. The difference between fact and fiction isn’t clear to everyone. This uncertainty has strained relationships across our communities. During this three-week series held at three Baltimore County Public Library branches, participants came together to explore disinformation’s impact, learn how to identify propaganda, understand the local news ecosystem, validate sources and recognize bias through guided discussion. As a trusted organization, public libraries are uniquely positioned to strengthen media and information literacy to empower individuals to think critically, discern truth and engage in informed civil dialogue. All challenges for many people today.
Key Elements of Innovation
Each class in the three-week series was facilitated by Deanna Troust of Truth in Common and built on learning from the previous week. The first session introduced the difference between disinformation, propaganda and rumors and examined how and why falsehood spreads. Week two explored the local news ecosystem by featuring a local journalist sharing insights and practical tools for source verification. The final session focused on applied learning structured on listening, empathy and recognizing bias. Strategically held ahead of the 2024 election, the series was hosted at three demographically and politically diverse branches to promote inclusive participation and balanced perspectives. Designed to appeal to teens and adults with various political or sociocultural viewpoints, the series built skills to identify and evaluate mis- and disinformation and propaganda.
Achieved Outcomes
- Recurring programs that build on weekly content often face low retention, but Two Truths and a Lie achieved remarkable consistency, with all but five participants returning. Several even traveled to multiple branches to continue the conversation.
- Across the three courses, 234 total attendees participated, averaging 26 per session.
- Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive: “I loved that we could be almost in class—having weekly sessions with the same people made it a great experience.”
- Staff attendees reported a stronger grasp of the topic and greater confidence assisting customers navigating online information.
- The program’s success inspired new partnerships, including a three-week course with Johns Hopkins University on democracy and a statewide staff training series with Deanna Troust on navigating today’s information ecosystem.
