Each April, community members are encouraged to celebrate National Library Week and this year’s theme “Connect with Your Library” is a great reminder to think about your library as a partner in your 4-H experience. Public libraries offer 4-H members the opportunity to connect with technology, ideas and classes, and books about their project area.

Some of the ways Public Libraries and 4-H can partner:

• Meeting room space for club activities
• Club promotion – ask the library to host a club open house to attract new members
• Community Service projects – ask club members to consider raising funds or volunteering on behalf of the public library

Libraries are also a natural partner in creating sparks of interest for project-based learning. When planning projects or exhibits 4-H leaders can encourage youth and their families to visit the public library, either in-person or online, to research books and media related to their project area. As youth learn to research and analyze project materials, library staff are trained to help youth research appropriate websites and materials. Library research skills offer life skill development related to problem solving, critical thinking and planning and organizing.

For more information about the services offered at your local public library, visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s public library directory at https://dpi.wi.gov/pld/directories/directory