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SKOWHEGAN — The Skowhegan Free Public Library children’s section has been chosen to receive a Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation grant in the amount of $5,000. The foundation specifies all funds must be spent on books, audio books, CDs and DVDs for the children’s collection.
Youth Services librarian Angie Herrick wrote the grant last fall, stating a need for STEM- (science, technology, engineering, math) related materials.
Much of the current children’s non-fiction section is dated, and funds are tight. According to a report put out by Georgetown University, Americans should expect to see a 26% increase in STEM job fields in the next 10 years. This grant should allow the library to buy new materials bolstering the current collection without taking money away from the small book budget the library sets aside for children’s materials.
The library would like to be able to provide these new and reliable resources to engage young learners in STEM fields. Items on the wish list include coding and technology books, math and science series, Lego design books, and lots of educational DVDs for all ages.
The Skowhegan Library Youth Services librarian has been working with the Maine State librarian’s STEM liaison, Christina Dorman, and early literacy children’s specialist Stephanie Schott to ensure quality materials are selected. New items should begin appearing on library shelves in February.
