The document discusses plans for a Learning Lab at the Nashville Public Library that will engage youth through new media, arts, and technology. It will bring together experts to design a culturally relevant space that bridges physical and digital worlds. The library has identified a 2,667 square foot adjacent space to remodel for seamless integration with the existing teen center. Progress includes forming a steering committee, gathering youth input through surveys and focus groups, and prototyping activities like writing, music, gaming and making. Lessons learned so far include excitement over diverse collaboration but challenges in linking physical and online spaces and determining adequate funding. Next steps within 6 months are to finish prototypes, space design, name the space, create promotional materials, and finalize

1. Learning Labs Grantee Convening
Team Nashville
February 12 - 13, 2013
Washington, D.C.

2. Project Information
Our Vision
We envision a plan for a Learning Lab at Nashville Public Library that
will enable us to powerfully engage an increasingly diverse youth
population in Nashville in learning with new media and related arts. By
marshaling together the insights and expertise of youth, community
organizations, librarians, educational and architectural consultants and
technology experts, we propose to plan a space of youth activity and
learning that is culturally and socially relevant, that draws on the
distinctive strengths in media and the arts within Nashville, and that
productively and imaginatively bridges—in its design—physical and
digital spaces.

3. Project Information
Project & Community Partners

4. Project Information
Physical Space Location
With a successful teen center in place at its Main
Library, the library has identified a 2,667 square-
foot space immediately adjacent to the 7,412
square-foot center that can be remodeled for
seamless integration with the existing space.

5. Making Progress: Space Design

6. Making Progress: Youth Engagement
• Steering Committee
• Surveys
• Focus Groups
• 1-on-1 Interviews
• Prototypes

7. Making Progress: Structured Activities
• Writing
• Music
• Gaming
• Making

9. Lessons Learned
Excitement:
“ I think the most exciting thing for me has been being
at the table with so many people with diverse
backgrounds who all have an interest in kids and want
to make this the best experience we can for the teens
of Nashville.” Dr. Kevin Leander

10. Lessons Learned
Challenges:
• Bridging the Physical and Virtual Spaces
• Articulating the project to potential funders
• Determining amount of funding needed

11. Lessons Learned
Wish we’d known:
• Full 18 month planning period is needed!

12. What’s next?
Goals in the next 6 months?
• Complete Prototypes
• Complete Space Design
• Name for Space
• Promotional Materials
• Finalize Budget