The National Park Service supports libraries and librarians in-person and online. The wide range of resources available at NPS.gov can help capture the imaginations and deepen the curiosity of library patrons.
Librarians may use historic sites found on the National Register of Historic Places to make meaningful programs by connecting book topics with historic places, including local historic sites. Programs grounded in a real historic place take advantage of a patron's existing knowledge or emotional connections. The result can be a powerful library experience.
Storytime with Historic Places
Take library patrons on a journey of the imagination in a storytime about heritage and historic places that matter.
More Library Resources
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Public Libraries to Public LandsGolden Gate Nat'l Recreation Area offers programs and field trips to connect local communities with public parks and public libraries.
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Teach Island of the Blue DolphinsExplore history and science in the classic book, Island of the Blue Dolphins, through the real Channel Islands National Park reader's guide.
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Lesson Plan: Carnegie LibrariesKnowledge for all! In these activities, investigate the architecture and Gilded Age philanthropy that made America's Carnegie Libraries.
National Register of Historic Places Interactive Map
- Use the interactive map to find historic places and view the nomination forms or information about each place. Use this resource to begin creating an outline for a storytime with a historic place.
Multimedia:
The Park Service offers multimedia resources that may be used in library programming. Search the National Park Service Multimedia Database to find for photos, videos, and audio files in the public domain from parks or historic sites to enrich your programs or displays in the library.
Multimedia Resources
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YouTube VideoFreedom's Fortress: Escape to FreedomEmpowered by a legal loophole, thousands of enslaved Africans escaped and found refuge at a Union-held Fort Monroe.
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YouTube VideoMLK and the Vietnam WarIn this video, King talks about his thoughts on the Vietnam War.
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Buffalo Soldiers on the FrontierAs the US moved westward in the 19th century, Black cavalry regiments, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, were stationed on the frontier.
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Building the Alaska HighwayDuring WWII, three units of Black engineers were sent to Alaska and Canada to construct the 1,500-mile ALCAN Highway.
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Sesame Street Explores National ParksTravel with fun-loving Muppets Elmo and Murray from Sesame Street to two of America's most popular national parks.
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America's Greatest ClassroomsThe National Park Service has a new website, designed just for YOU! This short video showcases how it can help you in the classroom.
Last updated: June 21, 2021