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G2S Project Code: 2017-TX-79399
State: Texas
Fiscal Year: 2017
Grantee
EL PASO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Susan Barnum
Director Phone: 915-212-3254
Director Email: BarnumSB@elpasotexas.gov
General Information
Title: Pop-Up Civics Lab
State Project Code: 478-18007
Start Date: 09/01/2017
End Date: 08/31/2018
Abstract: The El Paso Public Library create a Pop Up Civics Lab (PUCL) which is a mobile, multigenerational, bilingual library experience which introduces civic literacy to El Paso families. Each PUCL module has age-appropriate, bilingual materials and media on subjects relating to government, voting, citizenship, civil rights, American history and other related  topics. The PUCL was set up at locations around the city to engage with El Pasoans of all ages. The topics presented generated discussion between adults, children and teens in a safe, non-judgmental space that encourages critical thinking. Assistance on providing non-partisan civics information was provided by the League of Women Voters of El Paso.
State Goal: Goal 2: Access to resources and services to meet community and personal goals.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$25,963.00
$0.00
$0.00
$25,963.00
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to participate in their community.
Civic Affairs
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Civics Lab events
Narrative: The Civics Lab events started in February 2018. Each PUCL module has age-appropriate, bilingual materials and media on subjects relating to government, voting, citizenship, civil rights, American history and other related  topics. The PUCL was set up at locations around the city to engage with El Pasoans of all ages. 

The Lab was showcased at nine events at which at least 326 individuals participated. Events included in-house and community programs.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to participate in their community.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 0
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 36
Number of times program administered: 9


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: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: EL PASO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 501 N OREGON ST
City: EL PASO
State: TX
Zip: 79901
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
From the subrecipient: It was very heartening to have families come up to the Civics Lab, sit down and read together. This is one of the best outcomes, in my opinion. They were very open to just exploring the collection and sharing with one another. We had families read in both English and Spanish languages, sometimes in both! I was also glad to share different programs and apps relating to history and civics with patrons. Kids enjoyed the games the best, though some kids also enjoyed the apps that were rather picture-heavy (such as the Harriet Tubman app). Several individuals checked their voter registration status online using the El Paso County App. I was able to provide voter registration forms to several individuals in both English and Spanish. Books from the Civics Lab circulated regularly and all types of books were checked out from various age groups on different topics. Picture books were certainly a favorite, however, more in-depth treatments of history and civics were checked out as well.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:

Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
From the subrecipient: Electrical equipment, such as the iPads and the monitors do not function well in El Paso's extreme summer heat. These items are best used inside or during more clement weather. The batteries run down very quickly in higher temperatures. It's very important to have surveys in both English and Spanish. I also made sure that there was always a bilingual staff person available at these events. As mentioned above, including Conservative/Libertarian voices would have helped balance my own, admittedly Liberal/Progressive outlook.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: civics