The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced Saint Paul Public Library as one of only 12 U.S. organizations to receive funding to create specialized, digital learning labs for middle and high school students. In partnership with the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department, the library learning lab will be designed to improve digital literacy and to engage young people in hands-on learning. These labs will help youth gain the 21st Century skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school, careers, and life today.
Many public libraries, in local cities throughout the country, partner with public television to expand their reach and provide even more resources to their local communities. This is exactly what The Saint Paul Public Library did to receive this grant. Throughout the planning process, the Library will develop a network of partners and advisors from the community including Twin Cities Public Television (tpt), the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota.
The Saint Paul Public Library received $100,000 in funding from IMLS and the MacArthur Foundation to plan and design the learning lab. The Library, the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, and Parks and Recreation Department will provide an additional $65,000 in in-kind support.
To read the press release on this grant, click here.