Outside the Box

Deadline: May 15, 2014

Outside the Box is an innovative program that brings people together for free, fun community activities. Through a competitive application process, public libraries and their communities will be selected based on characteristics such as geographic and ethnic diversity, local leadership, and innovative ideas for events and community activities. This year, up to 20 U.S. communities will participate in Outside the Box, developed and funded by Redbox, and managed by OCLC in partnership with Project for Public Spaces. 

Program participants will create a shared community space and hold an initial kickoff event to introduce the gathering place, such as:

• Unused land outside the library becomes a small park, with benches and shade umbrellas, where people can read or visit outdoors.
• A library parking lot is turned into a public market space on weekends.
• A park next to the library is used for a concert or storytelling event.

Participants selected for Outside the Box will receive consultation and support on event and space design, event planning, and material selection selection of up to $5,000 in reusable materials provided by Redbox. Ideal applicants will complete free online training, brainstorm with their community, identify community partners, and host an Outside the Box community event between July – October 2014.

The application process is via a letter with the following information:

• goals, relevant activities, and needs
• summary information about the public library (service population, community makeup, etc.)
• a map of the location (site plans or a Google map view)
• a list of at least three community partners
• examples of events that will be held
• details from a community brainstorming/planning session, such as number of participants, survey reports, and ideas discussed.

For more information and to apply visit the website.