Enlightening and Inspiring Generations with Generations of Ideas

Middle-Schoolers Make Digital History

Event Date: 
Jun 22 2017 - 3:30pm

Area youth currently in grades 6 through 10 will have an opportunity to literally, "make history," in a unique program offered by the LaSalle Public Library. Partnering with the State of Illinois, via a grant from the office of Jesse White, Secretary of State, and with the premiere digital literacy organization, the News Literacy Project, the Library will offer area youth, 21st century digital literacy workshops. Theses workshops will teach technical skills, and using the News Literacy Project's curriculum, teach critical thinking related to information and journalism.

As a final project, participant "journalists" will produce an interview with an Illinois Veteran, for the Illinois Veterans' History Project.

The "Illinois Veterans' History Project," launched by Secretary of State, Jesse White, is a public archive, curated to create a permanent record of the names and stories of Illinois war veterans and civilians who served our state and country during war, so that the contributions of these individuals will not be forgotten. Using their newly acquired journalism skills, participants will develop questions, interview Illinois Veterans, and record the interview using digital audio/video technologies. The finished product will be uploaded to become a part of the permanent archive of the Illinois Veterans' History Project.

This program is totally FREE, but space is limited to 10 participants and registration is required. Sessions will be offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays; youth can choose which weekly workshop to attend, allowing for a flexible schedule. To register or for more information, please call the Library at 815-223-2341 or Message Us on Facebook. The Library is located at 305 Marquette, LaSalle and is ADA compliant and welcoming. Funding for this grant project was awarded from the U.S Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).