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G2S Project Code: 2014-MN-72011
State: Minnesota
Fiscal Year: 2014
Grantee
CLOQUET PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Lisbeth Boutang, Children's Librarian
Director Phone: 218-879-1532
Director Email: lboutang@arrowhead.lib.mn.us
General Information
Title: The River as Community
State Project Code: 87596
Start Date: 01/09/2015
End Date: 09/30/2015
Abstract: In a partnership between the Cloquet Public Library and Cloquet Area Alternative Middle and High Schools, students explored the St. Louis River and built greater awareness and knowledge of environmental issues. Students took part in the Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College’s annual St. Louis River Watch Congress. They learned about environmental issues through the Fond du Lac Reservation’s Environmental Program and studied the art and science of nature photography by working closely with a local photographer. The project culminated in a public photo exhibit that spotlighted the photographic achievements of the students.



State Goal: Increase access to library resources
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$2,529.35
$0.00
$2,176.00
$4,705.35
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
After-school activities
Outreach & Partnerships
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Students Study St. Louis River through Photography
Narrative: Twelve students (and two instructors) from the Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program learned about the significance and sustainability of the St. Louis River’s watershed through a 10-session course. Class sessions included: an orientation, a book discussion, a presentation by Fond du Lac Environmental Program personnel, attendance at the St. Louis River Watch Congress (a full-day event at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College), two photo classes on the basics of digital nature photography, a photo session at the St. Louis River, and a session for photo selection and matting. The course culminated in a public photo exhibit, attended by more than 300 friends,family and staff, spotlighting the photographic achievements of the students.The exhibit was displayed in the library for three weeks.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 10
Average number in attendance per session: 9
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Rural
For what age groups: 13-17 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: Yes: Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program.


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program/Cloquet Public schools
Address: 302 14th Street
City: Cloquet
State: MN
Zip: 55720
Name: CLOQUET PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 320 14TH ST
City: CLOQUET
State: MN
Zip: 55720
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important findings or outcomes from your project:
Six students completed the course, while six others attended class sporadically. Eight individuals participated in the final photo exhibit. 300 people attended the photography exhibit/reception.
Please briefly describe importance of findings:
The introduction of photography enhanced students’ learning and appreciation of the St. Louis River watershed as well as knowledge of camera use and photo composition. Students took pride in sharing their work with the community and their school.
What methods did you use to determine your findings? Check all that apply:
Participant Observation
Based on outputs, outcomes and/or other results, explain any significant lessons learned from these findings for either the SLAA or others in the LIS field:
Students and faculty appreciated the use of the library and other locations as alternatives to classroom instruction.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort:
No
Do you anticipate any change in the project's scope:
No
Do you anticipate any other changes in the project:
No
Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeThis project creatively engaged at-risk students in experiential learning. It built a strong connection between participants and the river through the medium of photography. By raising awareness of the environmental issues, it engaged students community-building and encouraged them to give voice to their stories through photographs.
Project Tags: expanded learning, photography