Fairfax Community Library Awarded Grant for Hands-On Summer Science Programs

Hands-On Science Grants Awarded to 14 Libraries
Fourteen public libraries have received grants to provide high tech summer programming for children and teens in support of the Collaborative Summer Library Program theme, Science.
These awards are made possible through the Vermont Community Foundation's Innovations and Collaborations grant program. The grant, written by Susan O'Connell of the Craftsbury Public Library in collaboration with Mara Siegel of VTLIB, is to develop innovative scientific programs, train science educators, and bring these programs to libraries around the state. Vermont Makers, a community that encourages projects blending the arts, sciences, and technology, is spearheading the curriculum development, with the help of UVM's College of Engineering and Mathematical Science Department and the folks from the Champlain Maker Faire.
Each of the 14 libraries selected for the grant will host two programs, chosen from the following topics: E-textiles, E-Origami, Toy Hacking, Squishy Circuits, and Creature Creations. Each program will come with the necessary curriculum and materials which will become property of the library for future use. To learn more about the programs available, please see:
Creative Creatures: Solar Powered Plastic Fantastics
Toy Hacking: Because Your Toy is More Fun on the Inside!
From Space Suits to High Fashion: A Hands-on Introduction to E-textiles
Squishy Circuits: Building Circuits with Conductive Play Dough
Tape, Paper, Circuits: E-origami
All of the curricula will be available free online to all libraries by the end of the summer.
The grant recipients are Aldrich Public Library, Barre; Bennington Free Library; Castleton Free Library; Charlotte Library; Craftsbury Public Library; Fairfax Community Library; Groton Free Public Library; Jericho Town Library/Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Underhill; Poultney Public Library; Quechee Public Library; Arvin A. Brown Public Library, Richford; Warren Public Library; Westford Public Library; and Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston.
Congratulations to all!!!
Mara Siegel
Continuing Education Coordinator
Vermont Department of Libraries