InnovateUS 
The following is a press release issued by the New Jersey State Library on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Trenton, N.J. – September 21, 2026 – The New Jersey State Library (NJSL), an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University, has been awarded a $299,250 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for Engaging Communities with Artificial Intelligence (AI). NJSL will lead a three-year, multistate initiative called CivicAI, designed to help members of the public understand, use, and engage with AI. Partners include the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, the Montana State Library, and InnovateUS, a project of The Governance Lab (The GovLab).
The CivicAI project will develop and test a replicable model for helping residents use artificial intelligence for civic participation and community problem-solving. The initiative will combine free, mobile-first AI learning with hands-on programs at selected public libraries in New Jersey, Hawaiʻi, and Montana, giving people practical skills to navigate government services, understand public information, advocate for their needs, and work with others to address local challenges.
A central part of CivicAI is a free, eight-part mobile course developed by The GovLab that teaches people how to use generative AI as a practical civic tool. Delivered in short lessons that can be accessed on a mobile phone, the course will be adapted, translated, tested, and evaluated with library communities across the participating states.
CivicAI is designed for people with little or no prior technical experience and starts with the things people are actually trying to do in their lives and communities. Participants will learn how AI can help them make sense of government information, navigate services and benefits, communicate with public officials, organize with neighbors, and develop ideas for solving local problems. The goal is not simply greater familiarity with AI, but greater civic capacity to use and shape these tools responsibly.
“Public libraries have long served as trusted community hubs for learning, access to information, and civic engagement,” said Jen Nelson, New Jersey State Librarian. “As artificial intelligence increasingly influences how people learn, work, access information, and interact with government and their communities, libraries have an important role to play in ensuring that people have the knowledge and confidence to use these tools effectively and responsibly.”
“Hawaiʻi is excited to be a part of this important project to help our communities not only learn about artificial intelligence but also invite them to consider the possibilities for how AI could be used for good,” said Stacey A. Aldrich, Hawaiʻi State Librarian.
“Libraries across the United States, along with the communities they support, are eager to discover how AI can be harnessed to address both personal and societal challenges,” said Jennie Stapp, Montana State Librarian. “We are excited to join forces with other state libraries and InnovateUS to launch this collaborative program that promises to deliver an innovative AI learning course that is immediately applicable. This partnership is designed to empower residents from communities large and small to use AI effectively to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”
“AI literacy should mean more than knowing how to use a new technology,” said Beth Simone Noveck, Director of The Governance Lab. “People should be able to use AI to understand government, navigate services, advocate for themselves and work with others to solve problems in their communities. CivicAI combines free, accessible learning that people can use on their phones with the trusted convening power of public libraries, so that more people can develop the skills and confidence to use AI to participate in civic life and shape how these tools serve their communities.”
Through CivicAI, selected public libraries in New Jersey, Hawaiʻi, and Montana will test and refine the curriculum, modules, and learner assessment tools with community members. The project will also include community needs workshops, where community members will work with libraries and project partners to explore how AI can be used to address local challenges and generate community-informed project ideas. All project resources and a public-facing report highlighting key findings and lessons learned will be freely available to help other state libraries and public libraries replicate the CivicAI model in their own communities.
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About the New Jersey State Library
The New Jersey State Library (NJSL), an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University (TESU), connects people with information and resources through its service to libraries, state government, TESU staff and students, and NJ residents, including those with special needs. NJSL provides support for public, school, academic, and special libraries, and continues to promote services for learners of all ages, including key areas of continuing need such as digital literacy, business outreach, workforce development, summer reading programs, and services for the visually and physically impaired, among others. For more information, visit www.njstatelib.org.
About the Hawai’i State Public Library System
The Hawai’i State Public Library System’s mission is to inspire curiosity and create opportunities for all to read, learn, and connect. We value and welcome all. We are courteous, helpful, knowledgeable, and dedicated to serving our communities. For more information, visit https://www.librarieshawaii.org/.
About the Montana State Library
The Montana State Library (MSL) helps all Montana organizations, communities, and Montanans thrive through excellent library resources and services. For more information about MSL, visit http://msl.mt.gov.
About InnovateUS
InnovateUS is a free online learning platform that equips public sector professionals with the skills they need to serve their communities in the digital age, with a focus on data, technology, and AI literacy. InnovateUS is an initiative of the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University and The Governance Lab (GovLab).