Civic Learning in the 21st-Century Library

In 2018, the state of Massachusetts passed a bill requiring Grade 8 and high school students to complete nonpartisan student-led civics projects––an inquiry-based, real world–oriented, civic action project. School and public libraries can play a key role in successful implementation of this new legislation by providing high-quality civic learning opportunities and resources for students and educators inside and outside schools. In response, from 2018 to 2019 the DKP, in partnership with the MLS, conducted a pilot project to identify key partner libraries––both public and school libraries (see the map)––and work with them to develop programming exemplars, field cases, and program resources, for library-based civic learning. From the pilot stage, we learned that there is a growing need for strong professional development opportunities for library-based civic learning, not only for librarians in Massachusetts but also for those nationwide. 

Pilot Cohort Libraries of the Young Changemakers in 21^st-century Libaries Project [2018-2019]

See how school libraries used the 10 Qs in their programs and activites below.