Webcast: Beyond Borders--Bringing Germany's Resilience and Remembrance Into Library Programming

Pack your curiosity and join us for this exciting new series with teacher-librarian Amy Brownlee as she journeys beyond Kansas borders to broaden her worldview and explore how history and culture can bring learning to life for young patrons. 

Together, discover how to take students on learning journeys--without ever leaving the library! Gain inspiration from Amy's experiences during teacher study trips to Germany, Ethiopia, and Washington, D.C., as well as from her adventures integrating comics and graphic novels into library programming. 

In this five-part series, you'll explore how travel and new learning adventures can transform the way history, culture, and creativity connect with student learners. Amy will share her place-based learning experiences and show how she turned her adventures into innovative programming, lessons, and collection development strategies—and how you can do the same. Feeling adventurous? You'll also learn how you can apply for your own travel-and-learn experience!

WEBCAST | Session 1
Beyond Borders Series: 
Bringing Germany's Resilience and 
Remembrance Into Library Programming  

How can a transatlantic teacher-study trip to Germany impact a school library program? View this recorded webcast at your convenience as Amy shares key learnings from her experience visiting three German secondary schools and a vocational training center. She will also describe how she designed literacy activities to highlight Germany’s strong culture of remembrance and resilience. A recommended book list will also be shared.

In this pre-recorded webcast, you will gain an understanding of:

• Comparisons between the education systems in Germany and the United States, and what we can learn from Germany’s strengths
• Germany’s resilience and commitment to creating a culture of remembrance for its citizens, with special focus on young people
• Resources, activities, and programs that can be employed in libraries to bring Germany’s vibrant history and culture to life for American students

If you are interested in the Beyond Borders: Leaning into Place-Based Learning Series, check out these sessions...

• Live Webinar: Leaning Into Place-Based Learning | 12/3/2025 | Register here
• Developing a Global Perspective: Lessons from Ethiopia | RECORDING | Available January 2026
• Bringing Washington, D.C.'s Historical Landscape into Your Library | RECORDING | Available February 2026
• Using Graphic Novels to Ramp Up Relevance and Engagement | RECORDING | Available March 2026

Guest presenter Amy Brownlee is a librarian and reading teacher for preK-12 students at Sterling USD 376. She was named the 2017 Kansas School Librarian of the Year and serves on the executive council of the Kansas Association of School Librarians. Amy writes for the American Association of School Librarians' Knowledge Quest blog. Her work has also been published by School Library Journal, Edutopia, and Teen Librarian Toolbox. In her 25+ year career, Amy has demonstrated her leadership by securing over $97,000 in grant funding and presenting over 40 national and regional workshop sessions. You can learn more about her work at BiblioBrownlee.weebly.com.

EVENT NOTES

Webcast Access | The webcast link will be accessible on the SCKLS website Training Videos and Handouts page on the date indicated--no registration is required. Explore this page of recorded SCKLS trainings to find helpful resources and content available to view at your convenience.