For immediate release | June 2, 2025

Explore invention and innovation with easily sharable, classroom-ready materials from the Library of Congress

book cover for Invention and Innovation (Discover and Learn with the Library series)

CHICAGO — A new publication in “Discover and Learn with the Library,” an educational series published by the Library of Congress in association with ALA Editions, the book publishing arm of the American Library Association, “Invention and Innovation” delves into a myriad of fascinating concepts, creations, visionary individuals, and vivid characters in the nation’s life over the centuries. Offering classroom-ready materials for teachers, librarians, and home educators working with grades 6–12, this resource is designed to support state curricula and teaching standards. It combines full-color facsimiles of primary sources from the Library’s unparalleled collections with source citations, information about the sources’ origins, teaching strategies, and guides to additional online resources. Offering a convenient way to integrate primary source material into classrooms and libraries, “Invention and Innovation”:

  • features perforated pages on each primary source for ease of sharing;
  • explores inventions and innovations in communication, transportation, agriculture, medicine, entertainment, health and beauty, and more;
  • profiles Benjamin Franklin, “Lady Edison” Beulah Henry, the Wright Brothers, Madam C. J. Walker, Dr. Charles Drew, Alessandro Volta, and many other historical figures;
  • provides materials for learners to explore a range of key STEM concepts, from inventive design processes and practices, to the characteristics and habits of mind that can support innovation, to the relationships between invention and society; and
  • provides a background essay, an in-depth usage guide, and a variety of teaching ideas and other tools for educators.

“Discover and Learn with the Library” reframes research as an engaging process that feeds curiosity, creativity, and change, while preparing students for the future by developing their critical thinking skills. The goal of the series is to help educators identify the most compelling and relevant items for their students from the Library’s extensive collections, help them integrate primary source materials into their instruction, and provide them the flexibility to customize the materials to meet the unique needs of their students. Learn more about the series. Learn more about the series in the Library of Congress’s digital booklet.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.

“Discover and Learn with the Library” is a product of the Library’s Center for Learning, Literacy, and Engagement. The center connects public audiences with Library collections to produce dynamic experiences that value curiosity, model research, and celebrate community. As part of the center, the Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives Office works to engage, inspire, and inform educators, librarians, early researchers, and literacy champions about the Library’s resources. The Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives Office administers the Library’s Teaching with Primary Sources Grant program and the Library of Congress Literacy Awards program, develops content for teachers, and facilitates in-person and online professional development opportunities for educators and school librarians.

ALA Editions publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA Editions authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at editionsmarketing@ala.org.

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.

Contact:

Rob Christopher

Marketing Coordinator

American Library Association

ALA Publishing & Media

editionsmarketing@ala.org