The project aimed to raise awareness of the topic of Fake News and to promote and develop critical thinking among participants. Participants included Year 6 school children and other members of the local community.

The library team worked with researchers from the University of Liverpool and Dundee University who specialise in fake news and information literacy.

The library team worked with staff from a local theatre and primary school and two arts facilitators (Mud and Thunder). Three workshops with children from Treorchy Primary School were arranged. The pupils then conducted their own research and created an exhibition which was displayed in the library. A Community Conversation about Fake News was organised and participants worked with Mud and Thunder to produce a short film and audio recording. A film premiere night was held in the local theatre to show the film which was followed by a group discussion about Fake News.

Two booklets were produced, one offering information on Fake News and another based on the research by the primary school children. A website has also been created (see further information).

Project evaluation showed that pupils had a greater awareness of fake news after the workshops. It benefitted the school by helping them engage with the wider community, which they had not had opportunity to do since the pandemic.

Staff gained confidence in managing long-term projects and trying new and ambitious ideas. They are already planning a new collaboration with the Human Library. They also developed a positive partnership with the local theatre which will be taken forward.