Place-Based ​Learning in ​Public Libraries

• Place-Based Education (PBE) is an ​approach to learning that takes ​advantage of geography to create ​authentic, meaningful and engaging ​personalized learning.
  

• An immersive learning experience ​that puts people in local heritage, ​cultures, landscapes, opportunities ​and experiences,and uses these as a ​foundation for the study of language ​arts, mathematics, social studies, ​science and other subjects.
  

• Community Collaboration:
  
• Libraries are natural community hubs, and place-based learning ​can facilitate collaboration between educators, students, and local ​organizations. This collaborative approach enriches the learning ​experience by bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
  
• Environmental Awareness:
  
• Place-based learning in libraries can incorporate environmental ​education by encouraging students to explore the natural ​surroundings of their community. This fosters a sense of ​environmental stewardship and sustainability.
  
• Enhanced Critical Thinking:
  
• Engaging with local issues and challenges encourages critical ​thinking skills. Students can analyze, evaluate, and propose ​solutions to problems directly relevant to their community, ​fostering a deeper level of critical thinking.
  
• Personalized Learning Opportunities:
  
• Libraries provide a wealth of resources that can be tailored to ​individual learning needs and preferences. Place-based learning ​allows for personalized exploration and research based on the ​interests and learning styles of the students.
  
• Lifelong Learning Skills:
  
• Place-based learning encourages the development of lifelong ​learning skills. By engaging with the community and using library ​resources, students cultivate skills such as research, ​communication, and problem-solving that are applicable beyond ​the classroom.
  

Strategies for integrating place-based learning into library programs:

• Local History and Archives: Develop programs that explore the local history and archives available in the library. This could involve guest speakers, ​interactive exhibits, or guided tours of historical documents and artifacts.
  
• Community Storytelling Events: Organize storytelling events where community members share their personal stories and experiences. This can help ​create a sense of community identity and connection.
  
• Community Research Projects: Encourage students to conduct research projects that address local issues or explore aspects of the community. Provide ​resources and support in the library for their research.
  
• Outdoor Learning Activities: Take advantage of outdoor spaces around the library for learning activities. This could include nature walks, bird watching, ​or other activities that connect students with the natural environment.
  
• Local Author Workshops:Host workshops or author talks featuring local authors who have written about the community or its history. This provides ​insights into local perspectives and encourages literacy.
  
• Civic Engagement Programs: Create programs that involve civic engagement, such as community service projects or partnerships with local ​organizations. This allows students to actively contribute to the betterment of their community.
  
• Mapping Projects: Undertake mapping projects that help students understand the layout of their community. This could include creating maps of local ​landmarks, historical sites, or natural features.
  
• Local Art and Culture Exhibits: Showcase local art and cultural exhibits within the library. This could include visual art, performances, or displays that ​celebrate the cultural richness of the community.
• Environmental Science Programs: Develop programs that focus on environmental science and sustainability. This could involve studying local ​ecosystems, organizing clean-up events, or collaborating with environmental organizations.
• Community Interviews and Oral Histories: Facilitate projects where students interview community members and record oral histories. This helps ​preserve local stories and perspectives.
• Geocaching and Scavenger Hunts: Design geocaching or scavenger hunt activities that encourage participants to explore the local area. This adds an ​element of adventure to the learning experience.
• Local Business Tours: Arrange tours of local businesses, allowing students to learn about the economic landscape of their community and understand ​how businesses contribute to the local economy.
• Cultural Exchange Programs: Establish cultural exchange programs with nearby communities, providing students with the opportunity to learn about ​different perspectives and traditions.

Here are some potential partners for public libraries to enhance place-based learning ​opportunities in their communities:

1. Local Organizations and Nonprofits: Collaborate with local nonprofits, community ​centers, and organizations that share similar educational goals. They can provide ​resources, expertise, and support for various programs.
   
2. Schools and Universities: Partner with schools and universities to create joint ​initiatives. For example, libraries can host after-school programs or workshops in ​collaboration with educators.
   
3. Government Agencies: Work with local government agencies to align library programs ​with community needs. Agencies such as health departments, social services, and ​workforce development can offer valuable resources.
   
4. Cultural Institutions: Engage museums, art galleries, historical societies, and theaters. ​Joint events or exhibits can enrich learning experiences and foster community ​connections.
   
5. Professionals and Experts: Invite professionals from various fields (e.g., scientists, ​artists, engineers) to lead workshops or give talks. Their expertise can inspire and ​educate library patrons.
   
6. Businesses: Partner with local businesses to offer workshops on entrepreneurship, ​financial literacy, or vocational skills. Businesses can also sponsor library programs.
   
7. Community Leaders: Collaborate with community leaders, including elected officials, ​neighborhood organizers, and activists. They can advocate for library services and ​help shape community-focused programs.
   

Creative Placemaking Technical Assistance: Creative ​placemaking integrates arts, culture, and design activities ​into efforts that strengthen communities.

Getting Smart: Place-Based Education project with a blog ​series, social media campaign, podcasts and publications ​to support implementation.

Promise of Place: a project of Center for Place-based ​Learning and Community Engagement in collaboration ​with Place-based Education and Evaluation Collaborative ​(PEEC)

Teton Science Schools Place-Based Education: ​approaching place through the lens of the ecological, ​cultural and economic perspectives of a community.