Success Stories
Examples from around the U.S. (and across Wisconsin) showing how schools, libraries, and community partners help families build practical AI literacy—always with Human → AI → Human review and local context.
Libraries & Community Partners
Chicago Public Library: Citywide AI Safety Workshops
CPL partnered with the AI Safety Awareness Project to run free public sessions across multiple branches—covering benefits, risks, and hands-on demos, including senior-focused events.
Learn more More sessionsBranch Classes: “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence”
Neighborhood branches hosted open community classes: what AI can/can’t do, live demos, and forecasting exercises—an easy, replicable format for civic spaces and school PTO nights.
Learn moreUrban Libraries Council (ULC): National AI Programs Scan
ULC, CTG-UAlbany, and IMLS published a report + interactive map of AI programming in U.S. public libraries—great for finding peer examples and contacts.
See the scan Case studiesMcGill Library (Canada): 3-Part AI Literacy Series
An academic-community model with sessions on AI Literacy, Ethics/Bias, and Research—format translates well to public libraries, museums, or community centers.
Overview Guide (CC BY-NC-SA)PTA / PTO & Parent Education
California State PTA: Parent Guidance on AI
State-level PTA articles and webinars help families understand opportunities and limitations of AI—local PTA units can adapt content for family nights.
How families can use AI Are we ready?PTO Today + Trend Micro: Family Tech Talk
Turnkey, expert-led parent nights delivered via Zoom—covers online risks and safety in “an AI-driven world.” Easy lift for PTOs with limited capacity.
Program info Sample sessionChallenge Success: “Purposeful Parenting in an AI World”
Research-grounded parent workshop focused on wellbeing, learning, and practical AI guidance—bookable by schools and PTAs.
Workshop detailsOther Community Examples
ULC: Leadership Brief on Mis/Disinformation
A concise leadership brief on how libraries are addressing mis/disinformation and building resilient communities—useful talking points for city councils and community boards.
Read the brief (PDF)Milwaukee Public Library: “ChatGPT Unlocked”
Beginner-friendly classes for adults, repeated across branches so more families can attend; focuses on safe, practical use.
Learn more Additional sessionAppleton Public Library: “AI for Everyday”
Jargon-free workshop series with hands-on demos; also partnered with local orgs to support entrepreneurs and caregivers.
Learn more Chamber spotlightMiddleton Public Library: “AI in Action”
Hands-on community workshop on everyday AI use and prompt practice, promoted widely to reach parents and caregivers.
Event page Events calendarBrown County Library + UW–Green Bay: “What is ChatGPT?”
Library–university panel answered community questions, addressed concerns, and demonstrated everyday applications of AI.
Event listing UWGB newsWiT4Girls + Franklin Public Library: “Hour of AI”
Nonprofit–library collaboration bringing families into a youth-friendly AI exploration event (part of Code.org’s Hour of AI).
Program page RegisterWisconsin Literacy: AI Through an Equity Lens
Statewide adult-ed webinar on practical AI with an equity lens—format districts can adapt for PTO evening webinars.
Event details Events calendarTech Days Wisconsin: AI PD that Reaches Communities
Free/low-cost PD (e.g., “What Does AI Mean for Our Future?”). Library staff bring learnings back to host local AI classes for the public.
Series site Recordings & slidesHow to Replicate This Locally
- Co-host with your public library, PTA/PTO, parks & rec, or chamber.
- Choose: 60-min family night, multi-branch workshop series, or webinar.
- Use our Family Night Agenda for a plug-and-play plan.
Hi [Name],
We’re planning a one-hour Family AI Night with hands-on demos, safety guidance, and take-home tips. Would you (library/PTA/organization) co-host at [location] on [date window]? We’ll use DPI’s agenda, ensure privacy guardrails, and provide a parent handout. Thanks! — [Your Name], [Role], [District]
- Attendance + % families trying a demo station.
- 1-minute exit poll: “Confidence using AI safely?”
- # of partner co-hosts; requests for follow-up sessions.