Media Literacy Comes to Brooklyn Public Library
LA Times journalist teaches free workshops on how, why news is made
BROOKLYN, NY: The LAMP (Learning About Multimedia Project) and the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) are holding a series of free media literacy workshops during the spring. Designed to build critical thinking and basic media production skills, the workshops will be available to youth, parents and families at branches throughout the borough.
"We are thrilled to be working with the BPL to bring our unique brand of media literacy to a wider audience," said D.C. Vito, Executive Director of The LAMP. "We think it's really important for families to work together in learning how media shape our lives. At the same time, we know this can be a real challenge for families and schools that are already stretched thin, and so we're grateful for the opportunity to offer workshops for free."
Workshops will cover a range of topics within digital and media literacy, such as how and why news stories are reported in different ways, and how messages in advertising, television and other media can affect the way people think. Other workshops will cover Healthy Digital Relationships, teaching young people how to interact with others online, maintain privacy, grow friendships and use the Internet to find a job, go to school or get involved in local community issues. In some workshops, hands-on activities will also lead participants to create their own media projects.
"It is so important for our patrons to learn how to think critically about media," said Judy Kamilhor, Coordinator of Digital Literacy Outreach at Brooklyn Public Library. "That means that they not only need to know what questions to ask about what they see and hear in ads, movies, TV shows, music and the Internet, but they also need to know how to use those media to create their own media for learning and personal expression."
Workshop facilitators are frequently veterans of the media industry, such as Paul Brownfield, who spent a decade writing for the Los Angeles Times. "I think media literacy has never been more important as a concept for everyone," said Brownfield. "Working with young people through the Brooklyn Public Library to think about the technology and news they consume and live with, and interact with it in a different way, as The LAMP would have them do, is a very valuable mission."
A complete listing of workshops offered by The LAMP with the Brooklyn Public Library can be found on the events calendar at brooklynpubliclibrary.org and thelampnyc.org/programs. Interested parties should contact their library branch directly for more information.
About The LAMP:
The LAMP (Learning About Multimedia Project) is a non-profit organization bringing free media literacy workshops to youth, parents, families and educators throughout New York City as part of a grassroots effort to reform and improve media through education. Founded in September 2007 by community organizer D.C. Vito and Katherine Fry, Ph.D., professor of media studies at Brooklyn College, The LAMP's workshops have drawn over 700 participants at schools, community centers and library throughout New York City. Visit The LAMP online at http://www.thelampnyc.org.
About Brooklyn Public Library:
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is an independent library system for the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn. It is the fifth largest library system in the United States with 60 neighborhood libraries. BPL offers free programs and services for all ages and stages of life, including a huge selection of books in more than 30 languages, author talks, job search help, literacy programs, public computers and the largest WiFi network in the borough. BPL's eResources, such as eBooks and eVideos, as well as catalog information, are available to customers 24 hours a day at our website: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.
Contact:
Emily Long, Director of Communications and Development
The LAMP (Learning About Multimedia Project)
718-789-8170
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