This September, the Foundation is proud to present a three-part Media & Information Literacy Series at the Brookwood Library in Hillsboro, bringing nationally respected educators, journalists, and researchers together to help community members better understand today’s complex media environment.
The series – free and open to the public – reflects the Foundation’s commitment to lifelong learning and to equipping people of all ages with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world in which information often arrives to us embedded with more and more layers of adaptation, distancing it from the original source.
Series Schedule
Wednesday, September 16 | 5:45-8pm | Trust Me Documentary Screening and Discussion
The opening program features a screening of the award-winning documentary Trust Me, followed by a conversation with Rosemary Smith, Executive Director of the Getting Better Foundation and impact producer of the film, and David LaPorte, PhD, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota and Oregon state advocate for Media Literacy Now.
Wednesday, September 23 | 6:30-8pm | Journalist Ethics & Practice
Laura Gunderson, editor of The Oregonian/OregonLive, will provide an inside look at modern journalism, discussing how reporters gather facts, verify sources, and build public trust through responsible reporting.
Wednesday, September 30 | 6:30-8pm | Media Literacy in the Age of Digital Platforms
The final session features Lee Shaker, PhD, Chair of the Department of Communication at Portland State University. His presentation will examine how social media, digital platforms, and emerging technologies are changing how people consume information and participate in public life.
Investing in an Informed Community
The Library Foundation of Hillsboro supports programs that expand access to knowledge, encourage lifelong learning, and strengthen civic engagement. By presenting this Media & Information Literacy Series, the Foundation is investing in skills that help people make informed decisions, participate thoughtfully in their communities, and confidently navigate today’s rapidly changing information environment.
Media literacy is a fundamental civic skill. Whether evaluating a news story, interpreting information shared online, or understanding the role of artificial intelligence in communication, informed citizens are better equipped to contribute to a stronger, more connected community.
Building Skills for an Information Age
Media and information literacy is the ability to access, evaluate, analyze, create, and communicate information effectively. These skills empower people to recognize misinformation, understand journalistic practices, evaluate sources critically, and engage thoughtfully in civic life.
Through this series, participants will explore the challenges and opportunities created by today’s evolving media landscape while learning practical strategies they can apply in their everyday lives.
