Rochester Central Library makes local history: First public library to send youth to nation’s capital
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~ Rochester, NY - This summer, nearly two dozen city youth embarked on a three-day educational trip to Washington, D.C. to explore historical sites and museums as part of the Rochester Public Library's flagship program, Safe to be Smart. Thanks to the support of the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library (FFRPL), the Konar Foundation, and Reynolds Library, this trip was made possible for students in the area.

The Safe to be Smart program aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life experiences by providing tangible opportunities for students. Mayor Malik D. Evans expressed his gratitude towards the organizations involved in making this trip a reality, stating that libraries are essential community resources that provide cultural and educational opportunities for young people and their families.

A total of twenty students participated in this year's D.C. trip, which included visits to various historical sites such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Library of Congress, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Howard University (a Historically Black College and University), and memorials honoring figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and WWII veterans.

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One student who participated in the trip, Zamaria Harmon, shared her experience at the Holocaust Museum as a highlight of her journey. She stated that it taught her about the hardships endured by Jewish people and inspired her to pursue a career that supports minority groups.

The Safe to be Smart field trip was originally planned before the COVID-19 pandemic but had been postponed for several years. Despite this delay, library staff remained dedicated to providing this valuable experience for program students. Their unwavering support allowed students to connect their school's Global Studies class with library studies through visits to historical sites in D.C.

George Carter, Senior Youth Services Assistant at Sully Branch Library and organizer of the educational field trip, emphasized the importance of exposing teens to new experiences and helping them build relationships while expanding their horizons and inspiring hope. He stated, "I'm a firm believer that if you don't have a plan for your children, someone else does, and it may not be a good one." Carter also shared his approach of taking students to museums and historical monuments after they read about them in books, stating that it helps bring their learning to life.

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The Safe to be Smart program provides programming opportunities for children and adolescents between the ages of 13 to 17 at various branch libraries in Rochester, including Wheatley, Lincoln, Sully, Maplewood, Arnett, and the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County on South Avenue. This program aims to provide positive educational experiences that students will remember forever.

With the success of this year's trip, the Rochester Public Library hopes to continue offering this opportunity for students in the future. The Safe to be Smart program is just one example of how libraries can serve as valuable resources for communities by providing educational opportunities and inspiring young minds.

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