Outside the Lines 2017

During the week of September 10–16, 2017, libraries from nearly every continent will participate in Outside the Lines (OTL), an annual showcase of library creativity and innovation. Outside the Lines was started in 2014 in Colorado by Anythink Libraries in collaboration with several Colorado library marketers and directors.

Many Colorado libraries participate in the event annually, each connecting with their community in fun and unexpected ways. Events in 2016 included several community block parties, a local brewery crawl, a crowd-sourced art installation, a book scavenger hunt, a street arcade, and other events in partnership with local businesses.

This year, the Colorado State Library will participate in Outside the Lines by holding a mini career fair called The Rest of Your Life Starts at the Library. The event, which will be held at the Colorado Department of Education on September 15, will lead a group of middle school students through four career stations, each with a connection to skills and experiences that kids can begin learning at the library. Questions about the event can be directed to Jacqueline Murphy, Senior Consultant for Public Libraries and Community Relations.

Career Stations

Drones

At the drone station, students will learn about being drone pilots, a new and growing career field. Representatives from a drone pilot company will be on hand to discuss this career path; they will also have small drones for practice flights in the lobby.

Cooking and Catering

This station will feature a local chef and caterer who got his start at the Denver Public Library, and who eventually went from living on the streets to cooking at the White House.

Music and Video Production

Staff from Arapahoe Libraries will be at this station to demonstrate video and music production technologies available at their libraries, and which have been used for professional recordings.

Careers in Libraries

Denver Public Library staff will be at this station to talk about the many types of jobs available in today’s libraries as well as future career opportunities in the profession.


We look forward to learning what other libraries are planning for Outside the Lines this September 10–16. Please consider sharing your library’s events by emailing Amy Hitchner or by posting on social media with the tag #getOTL.

Amy Hitchner
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