We are proud to release the video recording of our lecture for librarians on “Engaging Beyond Our Walls: Libraries connecting communities through outdoor games and stories.” More than 900 librarians signed up for the original event on Sept. 26 hosted by WebJunction, and thousands more are expected to watch as part of professional development. We also published a learner guide with step-by-step instructions for libraries to get started making their own outdoor story games. Both are part of our three-year EBOW project to empower libraries to engage beyond their walls, supported in part by IMLS.

Description of the talk: Discover how libraries across the country are creating their own outdoor games and interactive stories that showcase local history, landmarks, and voices. These playful activities, often designed by library staff, include texting with murals, audio tours by Black feminist historians, ghost scavenger hunts, and “eye spy” quests for architecture and culture. These low-tech creations are part of a national project, Engaging Beyond Our Walls, which aims to connect libraries with their communities in innovative ways. Learn how over 50 towns and cities have already joined in, using free templates and training from the Playful City Lab of American University and the DC Public Library. Find out how these do-it-yourself tools can help libraries of all sizes tell their own stories and build stronger places. Whether you’re looking for a small or big project, this webinar will provide you with inspiration, resources, and real outcomes that can catalyze community engagement.

You can also view:

• Slides for the talk (PDF)
• Event guide by WebJunction
• Overview for libraries to this approach by WebJunction
• For professional development, interested librarians should watch the video through the WebJunction platform.

WebJunction is a longtime advisor to our project, and one of our primary distribution and training partners on our three-year IMLS grant. They reach tens of thousands of libraries a year.