Outside the Box
Developed and funded by Redbox, and managed by OCLC in partnership with Project for Public Spaces, Outside the Box was an innovative program that brought people together for free, fun entertainment events in their local community. When people connect, communities benefit—and as trusted community anchors, public libraries were central to Outside the Box efforts.
Through a competitive application process, 22 libraries and their communities were chosen for the 2014 program based on key characteristics such as geographic diversity and community demographics, local leadership, and innovative ideas for events and community activities. Participants selected for Outside the Box received:
- training on placemaking principles and planning community-wide events
- consultation and support from OCLC and Project for Public Spaces on event and space design, event planning and material selection
- selection of up to $5,000 in reusable materials provided by Redbox.
The creative library staff, volunteers and community partners planned and hosted fun, free events that ranged from kayak lessons, to arts and craft activities, to kite flying, to harvest fairs, and—of course, movies!
In addition, Redbox sponsored special movie nights for all the communities who applied for the 2014 Outside the Box program. These 20 additional libraries were sent a traveling movie kit—including an inflatable movie screen, projector, and sound equipment—and coupons for free Redbox movie rentals, to use for their special movie night event.
Outside the Box was a partnership of:
