AI Literacy Pilot with NYC’s Public Libraries

A partnership with New York City’s public library systems to ensure that communities across all five boroughs can access thoughtful and comprehensive AI literacy education

NYCEDC is working to prepare all New Yorkers for an economy where artificial intelligence (AI) is widely adopted, advancing Goal #3 of our New York City’s AI Advantage report: to develop a diverse AI-ready workforce. Central to this effort is expanding “AI literacy” and educating New Yorkers so that they are able to clearly explain how AI technologies work and impact society, as well as to use them in an ethical and responsible manner.

To make this vision a reality, NYCEDC launched an AI literacy pilot in partnership with three of our city’s most trusted and accessible public resources: our library systems.

Leveraging a train‑the‑trainer model, NYCEDC, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), The New York Public Library (NYPL), Queens Public Library (QPL), and global AI literacy nonprofit Day of AI are developing tailored resources and educating select library staff about AI and AI literacy. Trained staff will then have access to modular AI literacy curricula, and be better prepared to educate library patrons on how to navigate AI—ensuring communities across all five boroughs can access thoughtful and comprehensive AI literacy education that covers both the risks and opportunities this technology presents.

Pilot Goals:

• Lower barriers to digital literacy through education and access to library resources
• Empower library staff to educate patrons about AI through new and existing digital equity programs
• Train/Upskill ~100 staff members across NYC’s public library systems, so staff can lead trainings and answer questions for patrons throughout the five boroughs
• Demystify AI for New Yorkers to increase their understanding of how AI technologies work and impact society, and how to use them responsibly

By cultivating AI literacy in trusted public spaces, we are collectively creating an inclusive, citywide foundation for AI literacy and helping every New Yorker confidently participate in a rapidly changing economy.