Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Children's faces light up as they interact with items in the new creative learning space at the Barnwell County Public Library. This space was funded with a $10,000 grant.
The Barnwell County Public Library received a $10,000 grant to create a learning space with a focus on STEM education.
The Battelle Foundation provided the funding which was used to create a fun and inviting environment for the students of Barnwell County to learn, create, and play in. There is now soft seating, a STEM-themed rug, LEGO table, science exploration station, light table, mobile STEM station, and a STEM center to hold learning manipulatives purchased with the Battelle grant.
“Research has shown that children learn through play and this project focuses on STEM in a way that will develop communication skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of STEM principles. Seeing the children light up when they walk in our Children’s Room now is so exciting. Watching little minds at work give us great hope for or community in the future,” said library manager Amanda Daff.
LEGO education sets, Magna-Tiles, and Plexiglas blocks containing real insects have been some of the favorite items that young patrons have discovered since the implementation of the space, she said.
The library expects the long-term impact to be “exponential” for students ages K-12.
“We had 900 students attend programs at the Barnwell County Public Library and we expect this to increase when the word gets out about our amazing new STEM space,” said Daff.
Not only can patrons use the learning space during open hours, but the library will offer structured activities, craft programs, and story times using all the resources provided by the grant.
The Barnwell County Public Library, ABBE Regional Library System, and the Friends of the Barnwell County Libraries thanks the Battelle Foundation for helping teach and inspire the children of Barnwell County.
