The Maker & Creative Space Committee will plan, coordinate and implement the activities of the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) programs throughout the library system. From left: Teresa Reel, Head of Technical Services; Susan Pieper, Library Director; Suzy Yenser, Payne Branch Manager; Sara Molitor, Antwerp Branch Manager; Sue Deatrick, Head of Youth Services; Kirk Baker, Early Literacy Specialist; Ali McCauley, Assistant Director; Pam Kretz Oakwood Branch Manager; Michael Schweinsberg, OSU 4-H Development and Educator; and Michelle Stahl, Fiscal Officer.
Dr. Seleshi Asfaw, Board President of the Ann Sherry Foundation, presents the award funds to Susan Pieper, Director of the Paulding County Carnegie Library system and Ann Kretz, Branch manager of the Cooper Community Branch Library. The largest portion of the Maker & Creative Space and Books and Book Clubs & Programs funds will be expended for this branch library located in the Village of Oakwood.
The Ann Sherry Foundation has awarded generous funding to incorporate “Maker & Creative Spaces” into all branches of the Paulding County Carnegie Library (PCCL) system. In addition, the foundation has granted funds to enhance the book clubs and reading events sponsored by the Cooper Community Branch Library located in the village of Oakwood. Funds will be used to purchase 3D printers, robotic kits, rocket kits, logic and coding resources, and a variety of other resources to enhance the library’s science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) programming. The largest Maker & Creative Space will be developed at the Oakwood branch, but all locations will receive substantial resources for the patrons in the communities of Antwerp, Paulding and Payne.
Funds will also be used to enhance and expand the many book clubs, reading events, science clubs and other activities hosted by the Oakwood branch location. These programs reach almost all age groups in the Oakwood community and encourage reading and social interaction in a safe community gathering spot. Programs in the “Book Clubs and Programs” portion of the award include cooking clubs, science clubs, and book clubs for all ages.
The Board of Trustees of the PCCL has identified “Stimulating Imagination and Lifelong Learning: Reading, Viewing, Listening and Creating” as one of the service roles for Paulding County’s libraries. Through this objective, patrons will not only be able to enhance their leisure and adult learning time with library materials in a variety of formats, but all patrons will also be provided the opportunity to create and participate in hands-on learning through library resources and programs.
The Maker & Creative Spaces will provide resources for youth to learn new technologies and elements of computer science that will better prepare them for making career choices. According to Susan Pieper, Director of the library system, “Young people in Paulding County may not have the opportunity to experience creating, modelling and observing a 3D printer in action. They may not have a chance to be exposed to basic rocketry or robotics concepts. Thanks to this generous grant, the library system will be able to lead young people in a new direction that will stimulate their imaginations and encourage them to think of possibilities for their future.” The library will partner with OSU Extension in Paulding County for implementing the STEAM programs. “We are fortunate to have a great resource in Michael Schweinsberg, Extension Educator and 4-H Youth Development coordinator for Paulding County,” said Pieper. “Michael has a broad background in education and currently sponsors a robotics club in the county as well as provides instruction in a variety of technology programs in area schools.”
In addition to the technology aspects of the grant, there will be textile arts resources and fine-art resources to stimulate the creativity and imagination of all ages. “Learning how to thread a loom and weave a wall-hanging, or simply making a small potholder on a hand-held loom, requires a number of skills including counting, sequencing and critical thinking,” stated Pieper. There will be a number of print resources that will supplement the hands on projects.
Public libraries throughout the country have expanded their services to include community gathering and learning spaces. Through the acquisition of technology and computer science resources, the library will create a space where patrons can experience new ways to explore changing technology. In Paulding County access to 3D printers during open library hours will allow patrons to experience the technology that may be used in production lines in manufacturing and industry. Patrons may be inspired to further their knowledge by taking educational courses at Northwest State Community College. Young patrons in Paulding County will be better equipped to enter a workforce with new skills and basic knowledge of coding and emerging technologies.
Other resources to be included in the Maker & Creative Spaces are: rocket and robotic kits; building and construction sets; logic, reading and coding games; chemistry and science sets; art looms and painting supplies and sewing machines.
“Paulding County has one of the best rural library systems in the country,” shares Pieper. “This grant will make this great library better and on par with many larger library systems in the country. Paulding County residents should not be lacking for stimulating learning experiences just because they have chosen to live and raise their families in a rural community.”
The Cooper Community Branch Library located in Oakwood was the third branch to open in the Paulding County Carnegie Library system. Opening in 2000, the branch has become the hub and heart of the community, sponsoring programs and events throughout the year.
The Paulding County Carnegie Library system has been serving the citizens for Paulding County for over 100 years and provides current, relevant, compelling, authoritative resources for all ages through the three branches and a bookmobile.
The Ann Sherry Foundation is a nonprofit corporation whose primary focus is the support of innovative ideas in public education and community involvement. It also considers funding projects involving the improvement of international and intercultural relations and pressing social issues. The foundation does have a specific interest in Paulding County and has provided funding for a number of programs and events countywide.
For more information about the “Maker & Creative Spaces” and the “Book Clubs and Programs” projects contact Susan Pieper at 419-399-2032, or e-mail spieper@pauldingcountylibrary.org.
