Toy hacking, squishy circuits, E-origami – these are just some of the summer activities being offered for kids at Vermont public libraries this summer. Fourteen libraries around the state are partnering with Vermont Makers, the University of Vermont, the Vermont Community Foundation and others to transform the libraries in to maker spaces this summer.
The program is called "Vermont Makers and Libraries: Sparking a Culture of Innovation" and will feature "hands-on STEAM-y (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) projects," according to Vermont Makers' STEAM-e-ZINE.
"The libraries are each offering two of the five modules: Creative Creatures, Squishy Circuits, Toy Hacking, E-Origami and E-textiles," a UVM announcement states. "Participants will learn how to use digital and physical tools to help strengthen their deductive reasoning, logical thinking and problem-solving skills ... Modeled after hacker spaces, a maker space is a place where young people have an opportunity to explore their own interests, learn to use tools and materials and develop creative projects."
Public libraries in Bennington, Barre, Charlotte, Craftsbury, Castleton, Fairfax, Groton, Jericho, Poultney, Quechee, Richford, Warren, Westford and Williston are participating. Each workshop is three hours long and led by a local instructor trained by Vermont Makers founder Jennifer Karson. The complete schedule is available on STEAM-e-ZINE.
