Afterschool/Out-of-School

Libraries and museums help our communities support children's learning and development.

MacArthur Foundation logoPartnership: Learning Labs
In support of President Obama's "Educate to Innovate" call to action, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services are working together to create 30 new youth learning labs in libraries and museums across the country.

Partnership: National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards
Formerly Coming Up Taller, these awards recognize outstanding community arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America’s young people by providing them with learning opportunities and chances to contribute to their communities.

Search the Awarded Grants database for grants to afterschool/out-of-school programs (issue areas have only been assigned to grants awarded since FY 2009)

Afterschool/out-of-school content on the IMLS Web site:
Eating summer lunch at the Elmhurst Branch of the Oakland Public Library.
Blog: Pilot Project Serves Free Summer Lunch to Kids in Libraries

June 17, 2013 09:53 AM
In conjunction with summer reading programs, the “Summer Lunch at the Library” program will serve free healthy lunches in public libraries throughout California to keep kids’ bellies and minds nourished. Read More

 
Girl reading books in library
Blog Post: Meeting the Needs of 21st Century Teens

May 3, 2013 12:32 PM
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Summit on Libraries & Teens was the first conversation point in a yearlong National Forum that continues with a virtual town hall meeting on May 21. Read More

 
Blog Post: The Power of Nature in Garfield Park

April 3, 2013 03:59 PM
In this video, community member Tiara Livingston and Director Eunita Rushing discuss how teen programs at the Garfield Park Conservatory inspires and educates youth in the community. Read More

 
Blog Post: Caring about Kindergarten at the Long Island Children’s Museum

March 27, 2013 09:51 AM
A bilingual summer program at the Long Island Children’s Museum helps children of immigrant families prepare for kindergarten. Read More

 
Blog Post: The Important Role of Libraries in the Hours After School

March 5, 2013 01:27 PM
Learning Labs and conferences like the Teens and Libraries Summit showcase how libraries provide expanded learning opportunities for kids after school. Read More

 
Blog Post: Growing a Strong Middle Class

February 20, 2013 02:42 PM
Libraries and museums are taking leadership roles in their communities and tackling tough problems. Read More

 
Expanded Learning
Blog Post: Out-of-School Takes Center Stage

February 13, 2013 07:42 AM
New resource highlights the positive outcomes of learning after school and during the summer. Read More

 
photo of a boy using tools at Maker Faire
Blog Post: Makers on the Move in Libraries and Museums

December 20, 2012 03:08 PM
Maker spaces are part of a growing movement of hands-on, mentor-led environments that encourage entrepreneurship and unleash the inner inventor in all of us, particularly children. Read More

 
logo afterschool alliance
Blog Post: Libraries and Museums as Afterschool Allies

October 18, 2012 12:10 PM
Public libraries are undergoing a 21st century makeover, evolving into destinations for hands-on, collaborative and informal learning. With their museum and community partners they are taking a more active role in supporting children's learning and development in the hours after school. Read More

 
Connected Educator Month logo
Blog Post: Ready for Back-to-School? Begin the Year as a Connected Educator!

August 9, 2012 09:52 AM
Did you know that August is Connected Educator Month? Find out how the Department of Education is connecting educators of all disciplines and levels collaborate online—it’s not too late to participate! Read More

 
Blog Post: National Medal Video: Brooklyn Museum

July 3, 2012 12:43 PM
Arnold Lehman, director of the Brooklyn Museum, sits down with visual artist Virginia Ines Vergara to discuss how the museum has helped her build confidence as a teacher and an artist. Read More

 
Blog Post: National Leadership Grant Video: Whitney Museum of American Art

June 28, 2012 04:28 PM
Danielle I. Linzer, the Whitney Museum of American Art's manager of access and community programs, explains the IMLS-funded study of the impact of teen programs at four contemporary art museums. Read More

 
MetroTrends logo
Blog Post: Children’s Services at Public Libraries: A Port in the Storm

November 10, 2011 09:41 AM
In a recent analysis of utilization of children’s services at public libraries in the top 100 metropolitan areas, IMLS found that attendance at programs and circulation of children’s materials were lowest in areas with the highest levels of child poverty and children of immigrant parents. Read More