By Victoria Becker | Communications Associate
Announcing the relaunch of community learning hubs:
In accordance with CDC health guidelines and a rise in vaccination rates, we are reopening our community learning hubs, meeting people where they are with the resources they need most — whether it be in laundromats, storm shelters, and beyond. Read on to learn more about our latest updates.
Program Updates
Manufactured Housing Initiative
On June 26th, Libraries Without Borders US (LWB US) staff and the Park Plaza Cooperative launched the first in-person event for the Manufactured Housing Initiative, bringing WiFi connection, along with books, art materials, computers, and iPads loaded with educational and career-focused resources to the Park Plaza Cooperative's storm shelter-turned-learning hub.
The Park Plaza Cooperative is a resident-owned manufactured housing community (MHC) in Fridley, Minnesota and home to one of our Manufactured Housing Initiative pilot programs. Through this program, we target rural communities struggling to access reliable information, education, and cultural resources by repurposing non-traditional public spaces in MHCs.
In kicking off Park Plaza's storm shelter, LWB US staff also had the opportunity to visit and tour the Hillcrest Cooperative in Clarks Grove, MN. Thanks to the support of the Blandin Foundation, LWB US continues to transform spaces across rural Minnesota into hubs for learning and engagement.
ConnectED Technology Kits: San Antonio
When COVID-19 put a stop to in-person learning, we distributed ConnectED Tech Kits, (backpacks equipped with a laptop, hotspot, and curated educational resources) directly to community members.
See what LWB US staff, business partners, partner organizations, and community members have to say about their experience with the ConnectED Tech Kit Program at one San Antonio Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI) laundromat.
The Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI)
San Antonio Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI)
On June 10, LWB US San Antonio Project Coordinator Lisa Alvarenga, Senior Program Manager Azure Grimes, and Technology and Design Manager Julia Vallera reopened programs at our East side WALI laundromat, Laundry Rey’s, alongside partner organization BiblioTech.
Be on the lookout in the coming weeks, as more events make their return at oru San Anotnio WALI laundromat, Laundry Rey's.
Minnesota Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI)
Saint Paul community, join us July 17th at the newly established Saint Paul WALI laundromat, Beautiful Laundrette, where we will be hosting an "Introducing WALI" celebration with free tacos, games for kids, and community partners.
In-person events at Beautiful Laundrette include: a pop-up Housing Clinic weekly on Wednesday evenings with Neighborhood House and in-house summer tutoring for K-5th grade youth Tuesday and Thursday mornings alongside Reading Partners. In August, pop-up legal clinics will begin with the help of partners in legal aide services.
Thanks to the Saint Paul Public Library for co-hosting a virtual story time, West Side Community Organization for their partnership in Rent Stabilization day, and Wild Rumpus' participation in our Book Giveaway – our programming would not be possible without your support.
Baltimore Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI)
In June, LWB US and the Enoch Pratt Free Library hosted outdoor events at Hazlo International Foods, where Highlandtown community members could pick up free books and college and career advancement resources.
Community Hubs in Loíza, Puerto Rico
Our latest addition to the LWB US team, Puerto Rico Project Coordinator Moreno Sánchez has been closely collaborating with Link Puerto Rico and a number of community-based organizations in Loíza. Together, we are assessing the health and technology needs of three neighborhoods where we will set up broadband connectivity and offer health literacy programming, building on the model laid in the Sector la 23 y las Gardenia community center.
Thank you to US Ignite's Project OVERCOME and the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) for your support and collaboration in implementing these community learning hubs.
Thank you for your commitment to our work. With your support, Libraries Without Borders US can continue to reach communities where they are with the resources they need most.
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