NASA@ My Library will fund STEM and astronomy programming
SHOW LOW, Ariz. (May 15, 2017) – In keeping with Andrew Carnegie’s observation that “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people,” Show Low Public Library has been awarded the prestigious NASA@ My Library grant. Show Low was one of 75 U.S. public libraries selected out of 513 applicants — and the only library in Arizona — through a competitive nationwide process to become a NASA@ My Library partner.
This grant-funded initiative brings STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and space (astronomy) learning opportunities to rural communities, with educational programs geared for all ages. Show Low Public Library has also partnered with Northern Arizona University, who will send professors in their astronomy department to facilitate workshops and discussions.
“Libraries are essentially ‘learning laboratories’,” said Kristen Erickson, director for science engagement and partnerships in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “Providing additional tools and resources enables a broader impact for communities, and we’re pleased to connect with libraries across the country to share our science.”
The library will receive NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) STEM facilitation kits, including a tablet computer pre-loaded with how-to videos, apps, educational games and other materials. The library will participate in the first phase of this 18-month project, with the opportunity to extend for an additional two-year period.
NASA@ My Library is led by the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute in partnership with the American Library Association Public Programs Office, the Pacific Science Center, Cornerstones of Science and the Education Development Center. Funding comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
For more information, call Library Services Manager Lisa Lewis at (928) 532-4073 or llewis@showlowaz.gov.