STAR Library Network

Engineers Week
2021-02-21 - 2021-02-27
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Imagining Tomorrow
COVID-19 has laid bare the critical work of engineers in creating a world safe from pandemics, climate change, cyber-attacks, and other daunting global challenges.
Engineers Week is a time to celebrate their important work and engage the next generation of innovators. Even with social distancing, you can make a difference.
During this week, your library will have the opportunity to:

Be a virtual role model
Celebrate engineers and their contributions
Share Chats with Change Makers

The Perseverance Rover Landing
2021-02-18
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The Perseverance Rover Landing
Perseverance will touch down on Mars on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at approximately 12:30 p.m. PST (3:30 p.m. EST). During landing, the rover plunges through the thin Martian atmosphere, with the heat shield first, at a speed of over 12,000 mph (about 20,000 kph). A parachute and powered descent slow the rover down to about 2 mph (three-fourths of a meter per second). A large sky crane then lowers the rover on three bridle cords to land softly on six wheels. Landing on Mars is hard. Read all about the rover’s harrowing entry, descent and landing.
Landing at Jezero Crater
The rover’s new home is Jezero Crater, a large impact crater about 28 miles wide (45 kilometers wide) just north of the Martian equator. Jezero once contained a lake, which scientists think is one of the most ideal places to find evidence of ancient microbial life. If life exists anywhere else in our solar system, chances are, it might be at Jezero Crater. The main question Perseverance is trying to answer is: Was there ever ancient life on Mars? To answer that question, the rover will collect and store the most compelling rock and soil samples for return to Earth by a future mission. Once on Earth, scientists can use a variety of sophisticated instruments, many of them too large and bulky to transport to Mars, to help answer this question.

Resources: ViewSpace Question & Answer Session
2021-02-10 12:30 - 13:30 UTC
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Resources: ViewSpace Question & Answer Session
This Q&A session gives libraries a chance to learn about and find creative ways to utilize ViewSpace in their spaces, on their websites, and combine with programming. ViewSpace is a web-based collection of digital interactives and videos highlighting the latest developments in astronomy and Earth science. ViewSpace gives you the opportunity to explore our planet, solar system, galaxy, and universe through videos that can be played on demand or as a looping exhibit and through digital interactives that allow you to explore objects and materials from different perspectives. Provided free with the support of NASA, ViewSpace is developed by a team of scientists, educators, and communication specialists who collaborate to ensure that content is accurate, up-to-date, engaging, relevant, and accessible to a wide audience.

2021 ALA Midwinter Meeting
2021-01-22 - 2021-01-26
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The ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits will take place online, January 22-26, 2021
Highlights include:

Symposium on the Future of Libraries, offering sessions on future trends to inspire innovation in libraries
News You Can Use with updates that highlight new research, innovations, and advances in libraries
Interactive author events
Awards celebrations
A Virtual Exhibit Hall with NEW! Presentation Stages and Keynote Presenters
Live Chats
Networking opportunities
and more!

Be sure to follow hashtag #alamw21 for all of the conference news before, during, and after the event!

2021 ASS Meeting
2021-01-10 - 2021-01-15
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237th MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY | VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE | JANUARY 10-15 2021
Learn How to Participate in the Virtual Meeting:
We are looking forward to the start of #AAS237 and have put together the following resources to help you prepare for the online environment.

View the iPoster Gallery
Tools & Resources
Slack Tutorial

Register by January 6th to reserve your spot!

Universal Design for Learning for Library Staff: Inquiry-Based, Active, Remote Learning Using UDL
2020-12-02 - 2020-12-03
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Universal Design for Learning for Library Staff: Inquiry-Based, Active, Remote Learning Using UDL
As library staff look ahead to summer 2021, they are beginning to consider how they will adapt summer reading plans to reach as many patrons as possible, whether virtual or in-person. Library staff have found themselves in a sea of tools and resources to facilitate virtual programming during the COVID-19 crisis to simulate the in-person environment, with each tool and resource producing a different result.
One methodology, if implemented properly, has the capacity to not only create inquiry-based, active, remote teaching and learning experiences, but also impact the in-person format. This methodology is called the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL focuses on providing patrons choice and agency while addressing their individual needs. This methodology supports self-regulation, improves engagement, and provides multiple means of expression.
Facilitators from Infiniscope and the STAR Library Network are pleased to discuss UDL with library staff and find ways that library staff can implement this methodology in their own library or online

2020 AGU Fall Meeting
2020-12-01 - 2020-12-17
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#AGU20 Fall Meeting will be one of the world’s largest virtual scientific conferences, with exciting programming and events. This will be our most diverse, engaging and dynamic Fall Meeting to date.
#AGU20 is scheduled from 1-17 December to accommodate over a thousand hours of virtual content to minimize conflicts while maximizing global engagement. Scientific program content will be available on-demand, with pre-recorded oral presentations and virtual posters available for attendees to view and peruse outside of the scheduled live Q&A sessions during the meeting.

Community Dialogues to Support Equitable Programming
2020-10-29 13:00 - 14:00
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Community Dialogues to Support Equitable Programming, Access and Action in YOUR Library
Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. (ET), 2:00 p.m. (CT), 1:00 p.m. (MT), 12:00 p.m. (PT)
Community Dialogues are informal conversations with your community leaders and members that aim to uncover disparities in participation, identify new partnership opportunities, and begin planning for collaborative and creative solutions to equity concerns in your library and community. This interactive webinar will include a brief description of Dialogues and available resources, with most of the hour devoted to an open mic where you can ask questions and “dialogue about dialogue” with other library staff, including those who have led successful Dialogue programs. Prior to the webinar, please consider jotting down some thoughts about the following questions:

1) What audiences in my community are not making full use of library resources?
2) How does my library provide equitable and relevant programming for diverse audience segments? (Latinx, LGBTQ, Homeless populations, etc.)
3) Who in my community has the ear of the groups we wish to serve better?
4) Who are my go-to partners who could help plan and implement a Community Dialogue?

Community Dialogues to Support Equitable Programming, Access, and Action in YOUR Library
2020-10-29
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Community Dialogues to Support Equitable Programming, Access, and Action in YOUR Library
Community Dialogues are informal conversations with your community leaders and members that aim to uncover disparities in participation, identify new partnership opportunities, and begin planning for collaborative and creative solutions to equity concerns in your library and community. This interactive webinar will include a brief description of Dialogues and available resources, with most of the hour devoted to an open mic where you can ask questions and “dialogue about dialogue” with other library staff, including those who have led successful Dialogue programs. Prior to the webinar, please consider jotting down some thoughts about the following questions:
1) What audiences in my community are not making full use of library resources?
2) How does my library provide equitable and relevant programming for diverse audience segments? (Latinx, LGBTQ, Homeless populations, etc.)
3) Who in my community has the ear of the groups we wish to serve better?
4) Who are my go-to partners who could help plan and implement a Community Dialogue?

STEAM Learning in Public Libraries
2020-10-22
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STEAM Learning in Public Libraries: A “Guide on the Side” Approach for Inclusive Learning
“Guide on the Side” facilitation can open a new world of STEAM learning opportunities for your library patrons. A Guide on the Side elicits learners’ thoughts, ideas, and conceptions and encourages them to work together to build new understanding or skills for themselves. In this webinar, facilitators from the STAR Library Network will highlight their most recent article in the Association for Library Service to Children’s (ALSC) Children and Libraries (CAL) journal and give you “Guide on the Side” strategies, resources, and activities to help you engage your audience in STEAM exploration, whether you are conducting in-person or virtual programs. We will also discuss ways to tweak youth, adult, and family programs to be more inclusive for learners of various backgrounds, learning styles, and STEAM capabilities.

2020 ASTC Annual Conference
2020-10-17 - 2020-10-20
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2020 Annual Conference
October 17-20, 2020, with preconference workshops on October 16
New Frontiers in Science, Technology, Learning, and Community Engagement Toward a More Equitable Tomorrow
In October, leaders in science, technology, education, cultural institutions, community organizations, public agencies, and philanthropy will come together in Pittsburgh and online to explore new frontiers of science, technology, learning, and community engagement as we set course together toward a more equitable future.
SESSION INFO COMING SOON!

Culturally Responsive STEAM Programming
2020-09-15
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Culturally Responsive STEAM Programming: Engaging Latinx Communities in Rural Areas
In this webinar, attendees gain new ideas and understanding of how to offer culturally responsive programming to Latinx communities and build relationships safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This webinar, along with Closing the Gender Gap: Developing Gender Equitable STEAM Programs, is offered to make programming resources and promising practices from the STAR Net STEAM Equity Project: Enhancing Learning Opportunities in Libraries of Rural Communities broadly available. All library workers are welcome.
Webinar participants will learn about the importance of culturally responsive programming. You will also meet the STEAM Equity project librarian advisors, who will provide programming ideas and outreach strategies you can use to build relationships with Latinx communities in your area starting right now.

2020 CAL Annual Conference
2020-09-10 - 2020-09-12
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2020 Annual Conference
The Colorado Association of Libraries Annual Conference is Colorado’s premier event for library staff from libraries of all types throughout the state. Attendees learn from one another and hear from current experts in trending fields. Additionally, participants can meet with vendors to check out their latest products and services and attend networking events to create new contacts and strengthen relationships.

GLOBE Observer Citizen Science Public Training
2020-09-03
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GLOBE Observer Citizen Science Public Training
Librarians and Library Lovers! Join the NASA GLOBE Mission Mosquito team for a special event for you and your patrons.
Meet author and scientist Lisa Gardener for a reading from Zika Zine. You’ll also learn about the making of this humorous and educational graphic novel for readers from k to grey. Then scientist Rusty Low will show you how to use the GLOBE Observer free mobile app to identify the mosquito larvae you find in your neighborhood. Leave ready to join the project and knowing where to find resources for the library and at home.
Download the GLOBE Observer app, register with your email, and bring your smart phone.

Closing the Gender Gap
2020-09-01
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Closing the Gender Gap: Developing Gender Equitable STEAM Programs
Are you interested in making your library programs more equitable, where all patrons can “see themselves” in your STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities? STAR Net is teaming up with the Emmy-award winning PBS SciGirls to explore the importance of gender equitable programs where all patrons can develop positive STEAM identities. Be part of the change in closing the gender gap by offering empowering programs and activities that strengthen girls’ interest and confidence in STEAM, and learn strategies that use the latest research in engaging all patrons in science learning.
This webinar will include an activity demonstration for you to follow along at home. To participate, please have the following household items handy.
At least three materials from this list:

Plastic wrap, tissues, paper towels, plastic bags, tissue paper, coffee filters, handkerchiefs
1 toy minifigure (LEGO, for example)
String or thread
Scissors
Tape
Paper and pencil

Earth Citizen Science with GLOBE Observer
2020-08-27
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Earth Citizen Science with GLOBE Observer
Any day can be Earth Day when you celebrate our beautiful home planet! A great way to show your appreciation for Earth is to participate in citizen science projects that help us all learn more about how the world works and how to keep it healthy.
Join us and learn about GLOBE Observer citizen science and resources to support your library programs. Hear from library staff about how they have involved their patrons in citizen science and learn about ways your community can participate safely and remotely.

Take Your Patrons to Mars
2020-07-07
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Take Your Patrons to Mars
NASA is about to launch the Mars 2020 mission – and now is the time to get your patrons excited! The Perseverance rover will launch between July 30-August 15, 2020, and will land on Mars in February 2021. Invite your patrons to participate in its journey! Hear from NASA Mars scientists, learn some activities you can conduct online or in-person, and make plans to hold your own virtual (or in-person) launch or landing parties!
During this webinar, we’ll be joined by Dr. Candice Bedford, who studies sedimentary and volcanic processes that provide insight into the ancient and modern geology of Mars. She is a collaborator on the Mars Curiosity Rover’s CheMin instrument, and a member of the SAND-E Mars analog mission science team. Her research has taken her to Mars analog sites in Iceland to participate in the SAND-E rover field trials.

2020 ALA Virtual Conference
2020-06-24 - 2020-06-26
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2020 Virtual Conference
Join ALA in this virtual space as we learn, grow, and most importantly, lean on our fellow librarians and library workers while we adapt and evolve in these changing times.
SESSION INFORMATION:
Working with Subject Matter Experts in YOUR Community – Promising Practices and Where to Start
Thursday, June 25, 2020 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM CT
The STAR Library Network, as part of the Space Science Institute’s NASA@ My Library Program, is excited to share lessons learned working with Subject Matter Experts from NASA, universities, schools and other organizations. What is a Subject Matter Expert? It’s someone in YOUR neighborhood who loves a particular topic. A Night Sky Ambassador who wants to share the night sky with your patrons. A geologist who wants to let you display their rock collection. Or even a retired engineer who worked on the Apollo mission and wants to chat! Learn how to take advantage of these (often free!) community resources in this session.
The STAR Net team will introduce its successful Community Dialogue Framework, a tool to learn more about your community, and the community members who want to work with you. We’ll also hear from libraries who have successfully worked with community members on programming, and get a taste of a new virtual scientist program that you could start in your library!
Event Highlights:

educational sessions available in an on-demand format
notable featured speakers
COVID-19 information for libraries
live chats with authors
live-streamed presentations
a virtual Exhibit Hall
networking opportunities with peers via social activities

Virtual Night Sky Programs for “Imagine Your Story”
2020-06-18
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Virtual Night Sky Programs for “Imagine Your Story”
Join STAR Net and the Lunar and Planetary Institute to hear stories about the constellations and night sky features in view this summer, and learn about ways that YOU can bring these “sky stories” to your patrons for the 2020 Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) summer reading theme, “Imagine Your Story.” We will demonstrate how to facilitate virtual programs about constellations and the night sky for your patrons using free, downloadable software (Stellarium) paired with interactive, low-material, at-home activities.

STAR Net’s STEAM Equity Project Pre-Application Webinar
2020-06-16
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STAR Net’s STEAM Equity Project Pre-Application Webinar
This free webinar is for library workers interested in bringing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programming to their libraries. Learn more about the STAR Library Network’s STEAM Equity Project, a grant offering that will help public library workers in small and rural communities offer outstanding, culturally responsive STEAM programming and exhibitions for their patrons, especially often-underreached Latino populations. Twelve public libraries will receive $15,000 over four years (winter 2020 – summer 2024) to participate in professional development activities, support community partnerships and purchase STEAM learning materials.
In this session, you will meet the STEAM Equity project partners, learn about the project timeline and how to apply to become a participating library, and learn about STEAM programming that you can bring to your library today. This project will have a unique two-step application process: we are asking interested libraries to submit a short Notice of Intent (NOI) now to determine eligibility and a full application later in the year. The deadline for submitting an NOI is July 20, 2020. The STEAM Equity Project is offered by the ALA Public Programs Office and Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services, in collaboration with the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (project lead), Twin Cities PBS (TPT) and their SciGirls program, the Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI), and the Educational Development Center (EDC).

Sky Stories
2020-06-01 - 2020-08-31
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Constellations: Science and Stories in the Sky
Summer is the finest part of the year for stargazing because it offers warm nights and the beauty of the Milky Way running straight overhead. The constellations we see have been passed down to us across generations with patterns that reflect different stories from around the world.
As part of STAR Net‘s Sky Stories campaign, the American Museum of Natural History’s own Carter Emmart demonstrated how to identify the constellations and introduce you to a few of these stories while exploring some of the science behind the familiar patterns in the sky.
This live OpenSpace webcast was brought to you by the STAR Library Network’s NASA@ My Library program in partnership with the Lunar and Planetary Institute, the American Library Association, and the American Museum of Natural History.

Virtual Programs 101: Behind the Scenes with STAR Net
2020-05-28
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Virtual Programs 101: Behind the Scenes with STAR Net
Are you gearing up to conduct virtual programs at your library and looking for tips, guidance, strategies, and resources? Join the STAR Library Network for a “behind the scenes” look into how we facilitate our own virtual programs – the STAR Net Webinar Series! While nothing can replace a face-to-face interaction, virtual programs can open up new opportunities for learners that may not have access to the library’s in-person resources. They can also allow your library staff to still engage with regular patrons during the COVID-19 crisis. During this webinar, we will have an open and honest conversation about how we consider audience needs for webinars and choose a platform that is right for them. We’ll also discuss managing inevitable technical problem and creating a warm, welcoming environment where people feel comfortable learning. We’ll save plenty of time in this webinar to hear from YOU – we want to hear what helps you stay engaged while viewing a webinar and what strategies, tips, or resources have you found useful in conducting virtual programs at your library!

Bringing the Stories of the Skies to Your Library
2020-04-09
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Bringing the Stories of the Skies to Your Library
The 2020 Collaborative Summer Library Program, Imagine Your Story, provides plenty of opportunities to tie STEAM into your library’s summer programming, including any virtual or digital programs that your library may now be offering. The starry skies have plenty of fascinating stories to tell; all you need are resources and strategies for bringing them to life!
Join STAR Net, Christine Shupla (Lunar and Planetary Institute), and Elizabeth Nicolai (Anchorage Public Library) for this 1-hour webinar that will help you connect constellation legends and myths into your programs by learning about the stories – both fact and fiction! – of specific astronomical objects, constellations, and planetary bodies. We will also cover hands-on activities that your patrons can do at home and online platforms and digital resources that you can utilize to conduct virtual programs. This webinar will conclude with a group discussion (via chat) about how your library is pivoting for their summer STEAM programming.

Beg, Borrow, and Steal…
2020-03-12
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Beg, Borrow, and Steal… Multi-generational STEAM Programming Ideas for Our Planet: EARTH
This April, Citizen Science Month and the 50th anniversary of Earth day will coincide, leading to a world of opportunities for STEAM engagement at your library. By hosting Earth science programs that are age inclusive, you can help patrons see your library as a place for engaging family learning. Join the STAR Library Network and guest presenter Jenny Shonk (Finger Lakes Library System, NY) for this sixty minute webinar that will showcase hands-on, multi-generational programming ideas with an Earth science twist. In addition to going over tips, ideas, and resources, we’ll also turn to you – the audience – for a facilitated discussion so that we can all “beg, borrow, and steal” multi-generational programming ideas, resources, and expertise from each other!

Community Dialogues for Our Planet: EARTH
2020-03-10
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Community Dialogues for Our Planet: EARTH
Thank you for committing to participate in a Community Dialogue in support of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. Community Dialogue’s were developed by the STAR Library Network to encourage libraries to reach out to leaders (and movers and shakers) in their communities to enact positive change across multiple community organizations. This webinar will help you understand the basics of Community Dialogues, explain the research project the STAR Net team is conducting on the model, and provide information about (minimal) required reporting for these events.

Our Planet: EARTH
2020-02-20
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Our Planet: EARTH
April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! The STAR Net team is celebrating this momentous occasion with the Our Planet: Earth campaign, focusing on citizen science and Earth science opportunities during the whole month of April. Join us to learn about free hands-on STEM activities, programming ideas, how to harness the power of teens in environmental advocacy, and ways your library can take action for a sustainable world!

Grappling with Unconscious Bias in the Library Setting
2020-01-21
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Grappling with Unconscious Bias in the Library Setting
The STAR Library Network is thrilled to welcome Ava Holliday and Aparna Rajagopal, Founding Partners of The Avarna Group (theavarnagroup.com), to help us kick-off the 2020 STAR Net Webinar Series with a special 90 minute webinar on a very important topic: unconscious (or implicit) bias. No matter how good our intentions may be, we are all susceptible to forming social stereotypes about certain groups of people outside of our own conscious awareness. The library setting is a place of equitable and inclusive lifelong learning, and by better understanding unconscious bias and the role it plays in our libraries, we can better serve our communities.
In this 90 minute webinar, guest presenters from The Avarna Group will introduce the framework of unconscious bias to describe some of the challenges that well-intentioned people who are doing good JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion) work face. This webinar will examine ways that bias manifests in two lenses: our individual thoughts and actions, and also within specific aspects of your library, including programming, the built environment, collections, and more. Webinar participants will walk away with a more clear understanding of how unconscious bias functions and how to identify and mitigate it.

235th AAS Meeting
2020-01-04 - 2020-01-08
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235th American Astronomical Society
The AAS was established in 1899 and based in Washington, DC. Our membership of about 7,700 individuals also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe.
Impact
The AAS seeks to increase public support for scientific research, improve science education at all levels, attract young people to careers in science and technology, and make evident the connections between science, technology, and prosperity.

Bringing Inspiration to Multiple Generations: Apollo in Real Time
2019-12-17
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Bringing Inspiration to Multiple Generations: Apollo in Real Time
Note: This webinar was hosted by NASA’s Johnson Space Center
Join us for this FREE NASA Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) interactive webinar targeting informal educators (librarians, museum staff, Solar System Ambassadors, etc.) as they interact with Ben Feist, a Data Visualization Software Engineer working with our Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Ben will share information about his career path to NASA as well as information about bringing inspiration to multiple generations through his work to bring together pictures, videos, transcripts and more to enable all of us to experience Apollo in Real Time. The presentation will last approximately 40 minutes followed by an optional ~15-20 minutes of Q&A.

How Public Libraries can Bridge the Middle School STEM Gap
2019-12-12
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How Public Libraries can Bridge the Middle School STEM Gap
Note: This webinar was hosted by Urban Libraries Council (ULC)
STEM-related jobs are the fastest growing segment in our economy. Yet, many youth lack access to quality STEM programming and exposure to STEM career opportunities, limiting their opportunity to learn, explore and prepare for life. With support from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, ULC launched the Partners for Middle School STEM initiative to help public libraries build innovative STEM programs and partnerships to reach underserved youth. Join us for a webinar on December 12 to hear from the libraries in this initiative’s Learning Cohort, discover general lessons learned from this project and pick up tips for enhancing your library’s STEM programming.
Presenters
Jennifer Blenkle, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Urban Libraries Council
Brooks Mitchell, Education Coordinator, Space Science Institute
Kelsey Hughes, Adult and Teen Services Specialist, Prince George’s Memorial Library System
Kelsey Williamson, Children’s Department Manager, Pioneer Library System
Isaac Huffman, Library Director, Mount Vernon City Library
