Suffolk Public Library is introducing an opportunity for those in the community to share a skill or even just an interest with others in an informal, fun, and low pressure environment. Suffolk’s Free Skool tagline is “everyone can learn, everyone can lead” and it is driven by community interest and participation. All ages are encouraged to stop by during any designated Free Skool night and Free Skool Fairs to learn something new.
Free Skool has roots in the DIY community and is an education program that really relies on community involvement and can be found in cities all over the country. Through Suffolk Public Library’s Free Skool, they will offer free classes, projects, and events in an informal environment that encourages learning and exploration. Free Skool classes are presented by community members of all ages and abilities, not just teachers or experts. Suffolk is fortunate to have a community of talented and skilled individuals. The library’s goal is to connect these individuals with others interested in developing their abilities.
In the Free Skool model, classes are proposed, designed, and executed by members of the community. Free Skool participants might find themselves attending a program one week and leading one the next. Because community members are facilitating the programs, the topics are reflective of community interests. Class listings for Free Skool programs in other cities include film making, loan basics, baking bread, mushroom hunting, and an introduction to permaculture. Chances are that if someone invests the effort into developing a skill there will be others who would like to learn it as well.
Free Skool will run all summer long with events nearly every week. Sessions will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. alternating between library locations. In addition to regularly scheduled Free Skool nights, the library will host a Saturday Free Skool Fair at both Morgan Memorial and North Suffolk locations. All dates are listed below.
Thursday, June 22 at North Suffolk, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 29 at Morgan Memorial, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 8, Fair at North Suffolk, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 13 at Morgan Memorial, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 20 at Chuckatuck, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 27 at Morgan Memorial, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 3 at North Suffolk, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 12, Fair at Morgan Memorial, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 17 at North Suffolk, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Those interested in leading a Free Skool class can complete the interest form located on the Suffolk Public Library’s website. As dates are assigned classes, specific topics will be announced on the library’s online calendar.
To learn more about the Suffolk Public Library, visit www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com. Follow the library on Twitter @SufPubLib and check for updates on Facebook at Facebook.com/SuffolkPublicLibrary.