Contact: Evan Ottenfeld - eottenfeld@urbanlibraries.org

Initiative empowers young adults ages 18-24 to be active contributors to their communities

WASHINGTON, DC - The Urban Libraries Council is proud to announce the 10 recipients of its Civic Makers Lab for Adults grant, an initiative that equips librarians to serve as civic learning facilitators, and empowers young adults ages 18-24 to be active contributors to their communities.

The following ULC member libraries will each receive a $15,000 grant for the work:

1. Boise Public Library
2. Central Arkansas Library System
3. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
4. El Paso Public Library
5. Indianapolis Public Library
6. Las Vegas Clark County Library District
7. Mesa Public Library
8. Pasadena Public Library
9. St. Louis County Library
10. Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

The program will help young adults acquire civic knowledge and skills through experiential learning acquired through action, building new pathways into their communities rooted in curiosity, connection, and problem-solving, rather than partisanship.

“It’s more important than ever for our young leaders to see libraries as safe, inclusive spaces where they can dream, explore, and ask questions. That’s how we help create the community leaders of tomorrow,” added Brooks Rainwater, President & CEO of the Urban Libraries Council. “At a moment when civic education is often politicized, or nonexistent, libraries can play a defining role in strengthening civic health through hands-on, real-world learning.”

The libraries selected will use the grant to implement young adult civic learning experiences such as simulations, community design challenges, project-based civic action, and civic awareness campaigns, including a small pilot project and a larger project.

The project was made possible due to the generous funding of an anonymous civic-minded funder.