Urban Design Partners’ Post

📖 🚀 Introducing the Civic Librarian Project — a new, open-access course from UMSI that empowers librarians to create civic technology: https://myumi.ch/N679M Supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the project builds on librarians' expertise by giving them a toolkit to design community solutions and partner with local government. [Featuring Cliff Lampe, Scott TenBrink, Kristin Fontichiaro, Randy Riley, Erin Buitendorp, MA, LPC, Heidi Butler, Jeffrey Smith and Julie Cruz]

Wesleyan’s campus radio station, WESU, has launched Engage Radio, a new program to highlight the community engagement work of the university, its partners, and residents from across the greater Middletown community. “We thought Engage Radio would be a great way to highlight the work of partners that we’re connected to, [and] in a really tangible way, highlight the work of many of our student volunteers, faculty, and staff,” said Clifton Watson, director of the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships (JCCP) and co-host of the program. https://lnkd.in/eJK_4X-8

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/SMQ7UNm #newblogpost

Meet  StatusHub at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in San Antonio next week! Come see us at booth E1 to chat about the features and benefits of having a status page for education organizations. #EDUCAUSE24 #HigherEdTech #EDU24

In this episode of Libraries Transform Texas, Wendy Woodland, Director of Advocacy and Communications at the Texas Library Association, chats with Gloria Meraz, State Librarian and Director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Together, they discuss the proposed accreditation rules for public libraries and TSLAC's 2025–2029 strategic plan. Gloria also shares valuable insights into budget priorities and highlights the transformative role libraries play in fostering education, economic growth, and community connections in the digital age. ow.ly/gNcn50Uv3oy

📚 Libraries: The Heart of Community and Storytelling 📚 At The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast, we believe that libraries are more than just buildings filled with books. They’re vibrant centers of learning, inspiration, and community. Libraries offer: 🌱 Access to Knowledge: For many, libraries provide free resources and opportunities for growth—opening doors to new ideas, cultures, and voices. 📖 Support for Literacy and Learning: Libraries nurture a love of reading and learning from a young age, empowering future generations to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers. ✨ Preservation of Stories: From board books to YA novels, libraries preserve the stories that shape our lives. They hold the power to share diverse perspectives, inspire change, and foster empathy. We’re proud to champion children’s literature and storytelling, and we’re grateful for the pivotal role libraries play in making stories accessible to all. #Libraries #Storytelling #Literacy https://lnkd.in/gCtuTaUP

Up for some social studies PD this weekend? Check out this conference, in person for the NY folks, or virtually. I'll be speaking about how to re-imagine social studies activities for k-6, moving away from harm and to celebration. https://lnkd.in/euATG2an

Earlier this month at Thrive Regional Partnership's 2024 Tri-State Summit in Chattanooga, Cherokee Regional Library Director Lecia Eubanks (pictured 2nd from right) joined a panel discussion called "Connected Communities: The Transformational Power of Digital Equity." Alongside representatives from Tech Goes Home Tennessee, the Georgia Technology Authority, and Signal Centers, Inc., Eubanks made a strong case for the role of public libraries in addressing digital equity. Speaking to City and County Managers, Development Authority Directors, and other local government officials from Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, Eubanks highlighted how public libraries are often overlooked in conversations about digital access. She shared how, with the support of Georgia Public Library Service, the Cherokee Regional Library System has made a significant impact on the residents of Walker and Dade Counties—providing free internet, access to technology, and digital skills training to those who need it most. These services have been crucial in communities where reliable digital access can be hard to come by.

For Vibes, a Dayton Democracy Fellow, democracy isn’t just an idea—it’s a bridge. From basic needs to bold new systems, every step is about building connections that strengthen our communities. Through projects like Heart Connectz and their work in Dayton’s vibrant arts scene, Vibes proves that change begins when we show up for each other. Discover how they’re using democracy to put Dayton on the map: https://lnkd.in/guqh5hG5