Our Story

New Media Learning is a Marin County nonprofit based in Novato, California, with a 30-year history of connecting literacy, creativity, and technology. Founded by John MacLeod and Winifred Holt, the organization helps young people and communities build the skills, confidence, and access they need to learn and participate in a changing world. Its work brings together educators, libraries, schools, and community partners to expand opportunities in reading, media production, the arts, and emerging technologies. IN 2025 the scope and outreach of New Media Learning was expanded to include the work and projects of Dr. Anthony Chow of the San Jose State University Library School.

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Past and continuing projects reflect this commitment to learning through participation. FastForward, a publication written by young people for young people, gives students opportunities to interview leaders and develop journalism skills. Through XR Marin and its partnership with the Marin County Office of Education, New Media Learning has supported hands-on learning in immersive design and virtual reality. Its work at the South Novato Library’s maker and media space has offered youth and families opportunities to experiment, create, and explore new technologies. 

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Established in 2016, XRlibraries expanded this work into libraries and schools. More than 200 virtual reality systems have been deployed across California and Nevada, broadening public access to immersive learning. Another signature project, A Way Out of No Way, brought Marin City youth and professionals together to preserve the experiences of African American World War II shipyard workers through oral history, music, and immersive storytelling. The project earned Gold and Silver honors at the inaugural Anthem Awards in 2022, recognizing its contributions to education, art, culture, diversity, and collaboration. XRlibraries · Anthem

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Today, New Media Learning’s work also includes Reading Nation Waterfall and Book Ecosystems, connecting families, schools, libraries, and community partners to improve access to culturally relevant books and help children build home libraries. In 2026, the organization announced its selection as a Library of Congress Literacy Awards Successful Practices Honoree for this initiative.

 

Across its history, New Media Learning has pursued a consistent purpose: making learning accessible, creative, and rooted in community. We look forward to the global expansion of our projects while maintaining the sense of community