Category: Travel

Book Lover's D.C.: four essential places to visit in washington, D.C.

1/29/2026

Library of Congress Reading Room

I never tire of visiting Washington, D.C. There is so much to see and do, and the city is constantly growing and changing. Each time I visit, there are new monuments and museums to explore.

The city is a delight for lovers of history, architecture, art, science, and museums. There is truly something for everyone. As a book lover, there are four places I highly recommend to my fellow bibliophiles.

1. The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress isn’t just the world’s largest library, it’s a museum and archive housed in a spectacularly beautiful building. See books from Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection, view a Gutenberg Bible that was one of the first books ever produced by a printing press, get your reader’s card and step into the spectacular Reading Room, and marvel at the architecture.

The library hosts special events and exhibits, so there is always something new to discover.

2. Planet Word

The Planet Word museum focuses on the intricacies and joys of words, languages, and books. Even the inside of the elevator has a bookish theme. The interactive exhibits keep visitors of all ages engaged, and the gift shop is equally delightful. Visiting Planet Word is a fantastic experience sure to please any lover of language and literature.

3. The DAR Library and Museum

Connected to Constitution Hall, which is Washington, D.C.'s largest concert hall, the DAR Library and Museum is a lovely place to spend time. The library specializes in genealogy and history.

When I visited the museum, there was a special “Jane Austen’s World” exhibit featuring clothing and accessories of Austen’s time period.

There was also a display case featuring a gown and shoes worn by Marian Anderson. The Anderson exhibit was right inside the door and stopped me in my tracks. I was awestruck by this display that captured such an important part of Civil Rights history.

4. Folger Shakespeare Library

Fans of the Bard won’t want to miss a trip to Folger Shakespeare Library, which features museum exhibits, a gorgeous reading room, and a literary-themed cafe. There is also a performance space where plays are performed.

Anytime I travel, I make a point to look for libraries, bookstores, and any literary-themed locales that I can visit. Washington, D.C. is full of wondrous possibilities, and I always leave enriched, enlightened, and looking forward to my next visit.

0 Comments

"Beyond Borders" webinar series

12/17/2025

0 Comments

I am excited to partner with the South Central Kansas Library System (SCKLS) to present a five-part webinar series called "Beyond Borders." Episodes are being released Nov. 2025-March 2026 and available to watch on demand on the SCKLS website.

Two episodes have already dropped, and I hope you'll consider taking 30 minutes out of your day to watch a webinar and learn about how you can integrate new learning adventures into the library. (You must register with your email address to view the video.) Each episode includes access to slides with links to resources and recommended book lists.

Ready to view:

Coming soon...

0 Comments

Teacher institute explores White House history

7/31/2025

0 Comments

USD 376 district librarian Amy Brownlee toured the White House and visited other notable sites in Washington, D.C., as part of the fully-funded White House History Teacher Institute.

The five-day program involved 29 teachers from 22 U.S. states who participated in lectures, discussions, activities, and field trips. The goal was to inspire teachers with knowledge and activities that can be transferred to lessons that make history come alive for their students.

While in D.C., Brownlee visited the Decatur House, Frederick Douglass’s former residence at Cedar Hill, the National Portrait Gallery, and The People’s House interactive museum. Lectures from historians and a panel discussion with White House residence staff members provided an engaging learning experience.

“We had an after-hours, VIP White House tour with the staff curators and got to spend extended time in the space soaking in the beautiful settings and history,” Brownlee said. “I especially loved seeing the White House Library. They even had a great collection of contemporary children’s books.”

Brownlee was selected for the program through a competitive process with over 250 applicants. The institute is sponsored by the White House Historical Association, a private, non-profit organization founded by First Lady Jackie Kennedy in 1961 for the purpose of preserving and sharing White House history.

Brownlee sits at a replica of the Resolute desk at the Oval Office exhibit at The People's House, a Washington, D.C., museum focused on the inner workings and history of The White House. (courtesy of Amy Brownlee)

Brownlee works with Florida teacher Ashlee Highfill on an activity during her week at a teacher institute put on by the White House Historical Association. (photo by Thom Goertel for the White House Historical Association)

Brownlee is pictured under the presidential seal in the White House. (photo by Thom Goertel for the White House Historical Association)

During her free time, Brownlee visited Georgetown, the DAR Museum and Library, Planet Word museum, the Library of Congress, Folger Shakespeare Library, and the International Spy Museum. She also attended an Army Band jazz concert on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

“The whole institute was outstanding, and I loved meeting teachers from all over the country and learning about their work,” Brownlee said. “The experience renewed my love for American history and gave me a new appreciation for the White House as a symbol of our country that serves as a home, office, museum, and international stage.”

0 Comments

Librarian selected for Study Trip to Germany

3/10/2025

0 Comments

I was surprised and elated to learn that I have been selected for a teacher's study trip to Germany this summer! The official press release is below.

Amy Brownlee, district librarian and reading teacher for USD 376 Sterling, KS, has been selected to participate in the Atlantik-Brücke 2025 Transatlantic Study Trip to Germany. She is part of a group of 15 educators from the United States who will visit Munich, Chemnitz, Dresden, and Berlin on the fully-funded, 10-day trip.

Brownlee will visit schools, cultural sites, and museums, and meet with German decision-makers from the fields of politics, media, business, and education. According to their website, “Atlantik-Brücke has offered these study trips for over 30 years and has in the process welcomed hundreds of American teachers from various regions of the United States to Germany.”

“I am excited to meet German teachers and learn about modern Germany,” Brownlee said. “Most of my knowledge of the country is from a historical perspective.”

Brownlee earned a bachelor's degree from Bethany College and a master's degree from Emporia State University. In 2017, she was named Kansas School Librarian of the Year. She was a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship recipient chosen for the Ethiopia for Teachers study trip to Africa in July 2010. Last summer, Brownlee took part in a National Endowment for the Humanities teacher institute. During her 25-year career, she has secured over $94,000 in grant funding and given over 40 workshop presentations.

0 Comments

PD with Perks: Travel and Learn

2/3/2025

0 Comments

I am excited to share an article I wrote that was published by Edutopia. In PD with Perks: Travel and Learn, I share some amazing professional development experiences I've had through National Endowment for the Humanities and Fulbright-Hays programs.

The article includes tips for applying to these and similar programs and along with a list of travel and learn PD programs and how to discover new opportunities.

If you love to travel and learn, you'll want to take a look.