BOISE— Boise Public Library has been selected for a $15,000 grant as part of the Civic Makers Lab for Adults initiative from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC). The grant, which was awarded to only 10 libraries in the U.S., supports the City of Boise’s Youth Roadmap, promoting civic engagement, hands-on leadership experiences, and a stronger sense of belonging among Boise’s young adults.
Librarians at Boise Public Library will serve as learning facilitators, helping young adults ages 18-24 gain civic knowledge and skills through action. The learning experiences, which will take place in 2026 and 2027, include simulations, community design challenges, project-based civic action, and civic awareness campaigns.
“This grant advances the goals of our Youth Roadmap by empowering young adults with valuable civic skills and knowledge, creating a more active and engaged community in Boise,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “The City of Boise, and our Library, is proud to be selected as a grant recipient, and we’re excited to support the next generation of city leaders.”
“Young Boiseans want to contribute meaningfully to our community, and this project will give them the opportunity to create a space for listening, experimenting, and change at the Library,” added Library Director Jessica Dorr. “We look forward to helping the community leaders of tomorrow as they improve and strengthen how the Library serves our youth today.”
The Civic Makers Lab for Adults program will be led by Boise Public Library Principal Librarian Erin Kennedy, Idaho’s 2023 Librarian of the Year. Erin has significant experience working with both teens and college students through library outreach focused on intellectual freedom and civic awareness.
