To find out more about this innovative model, see the Project Overview below, then download the file in the upper right hand corner of this page to learn about the project activities and outcomes as well as how to replicate this creative and successful project in your library. For a culmination of the project in photos, see the slideshow at the bottom of this page.
Project Overview
Developed from an LSTA grant to the Gail Borden Public Library, a Tapestry of Freedom spotlighted the faces, feelings and histories of freedom in an innovative multi-faceted collaborative project from February 2 through May 31, 2008. The goal was to promote harmony, respect and unity in the Elgin community.
The Elgin area’s diverse population embraced the community-driven-content displays, digital storytelling, replica log cabin, educational programs and concerts, lectures, author appearances, discussions, hands-on activities, collection development and Tapestry website.
The National Endowment of Humanities traveling exhibit Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation and a replica Lincoln Memorial on display April 17-May 30 were the pinnacle of the project. A heightened understanding of local, state and national roles in the pursuit of freedom continues to reach a wide audience through downloadable teacher resources, a wiki, videos and online quizzes.
The process of Tapestry was like weaving on a loom. The frame, a sturdy supportive structure, was the Gail Borden Public Library, community organizations and individuals. Fifty-four organizations and 154 individuals partnered with library staff to accomplish the goal to promote harmony, respect and unity. The warp created a pattern that consisted of commonly recognized national monthly themes – Black History in February, Women’s History in March, Cultural Diversity in April and Preservation in May, Veterans, Lincoln and the Civil War. Two overriding adornments that enhanced the Tapestry focused on the intergenerational needs of seniors and teens.
Freedom of Expression was designed to reach at-risk teenagers who frequent the library. Two part-time teen leaders were hired to execute art and film programs and recruited participants via peer-to-peer marketing. Throughout the four months, an intergenerational objective also brought teen students together for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Under the guidance and vision of librarian Sara Sabo and Elgin Academy’s media arts instructor John Fleener, 8th grade students interviewed, videotaped, scanned photos, added film footage and edited their videos of nineteen veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. This intergenerational component fostered a dynamic interchange, respect, and deepened understanding.
The weft intertwined through the warp as threads that strengthened the project’s fabric. These were colorful, educational and exciting programs, special events, exhibits and digital components. Videos and other productions are posted on the Tapestry website. Elgin: A Women’s City, by author and local historian E.C. Alft, was a collaborative project funded in partnership with the City of Elgin Heritage Commission and the Elgin Area Historical Society. Mr. Alft contributed stories of remarkable women while photographs were provided by the Courier News, the Elgin Area Historical Museum and individuals.
Library staff edited and cataloged the book. Published in print to celebrate Women’s History Month, it is available virtually in PDF format on the Tapestry website. In addition to the author talks, book signings, free copies at the reference desk, copies were given to schools, the museum, women’s organizations and the YWCA’s Leadership Luncheon. Mr. Alft and the Gail Borden Library staff won the Mayor’s Award on May 1, 2008 “for accomplishments that preserve and promote the heritage of Elgin.”
Qualitative and quantitative data proved that A Tapestry of Freedom was a remarkable venture that achieved the goal of promoting harmony, respect and unity, demonstrated via extensive press coverage, partnerships and word-of-mouth marketing that promoted the four-month project. The Tapestry plan can be easily woven by libraries throughout the U.S. so other libraries can actualize the opportunity for community building and celebrating local histories of freedom.
