Special Edition
Special Edition
January 26, 2021
12 Rural Public Libraries Selected to Receive Funding to Offer Bilingual Exhibitions and STEAM Programming
The Space Science Institute's National Center for Interactive Learning (SSI/NCIL), the American Library Association (ALA), TPT - Twin Cities PBS, Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI) and Education Development Center (EDC) are pleased to announce 12 rural public libraries that will participate in a project to bring culturally responsive and gender equitable STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning to library patrons, especially often-underreached Hispanic/Latino populations. The project is generously funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Through the STAR Net STEAM Equity Project, library partners will each receive $15,000 over four years to participate in professional development activities, support community collaborations and purchase STEAM learning materials.
In partnership with library staff and their community collaborators, the project will empower tweens and their families to pursue equitable STEAM learning and career paths by leveraging their existing strengths, interests, and diverse cultures. Selected libraries will host the following traveling STEAM exhibitions and develop associated programs and outreach kits with their collaborators and community members.
Read the Full Press Release
Collaborators
The following libraries (and their community collaborators) were selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process. To view the geographical coverage for this project, please view the collaborators map above.
  • Berryville Public Library, Berryville, Arkansa
  • Safford City-Graham County Library, Safford, Arizona
  • Madera County Library, Madera, California
  • Montrose Regional Library District, Montrose, Colorado
  • Palm Springs Public Library, Palm Springs, Florida
  • Burley Public Library, Burley, Idaho
  • Blue Island Public Library, Blue Island, Illinois
  • Los Lunas Public Library, Los Lunas Public Library, New Mexico
  • Pioneer Library System Foundation, Norman, Oklahoma
  • Mt Angel Public Library, Mount Angel, Oregon
  • Hondo Public Library, Hondo, Texas
  • North Central Regional Library, Wenatchee, Washington
Full List of Libraries and Community Collaborators
Visit STAR Net's STEAM Equity Project Webpage
The STAR Library Network (STAR Net) is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country. STAR Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing “science-technology activities and resources” (STAR) and training to use those resources.
STAR Net is built upon a strong network of collaborators and partners, led by the Space Science Institute’s (SSI) National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL). Partners include the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office, Collaborative Summer Library Program, Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Education Development Center, Twin Cities PBS (TPT), Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI), University of Colorado, University of Virginia, Urban Libraries Council, American Society of Civil Engineers, and Cornerstones of Science. Funding is provided by the National Science Foundation, NASA Science Mission Directorate, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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