In a recent government meeting, library officials announced the successful acquisition of a grant aimed at enhancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programming for children and teens aged three to 18. The initiative seeks to expand access to STEAM resources, particularly for students in underserved areas and homeschoolers lacking such materials at home.

The grant will fund approximately $37,500 worth of supplies, including robotics equipment and augmented reality tools, with an additional $8,000 allocated for advertising the program. Among the key items purchased are 30 augmented reality merge cubes, which allow students to engage with interactive scientific concepts through mobile devices, and Sphero Bolt robots designed to teach coding through hands-on experience.

The library plans to implement a classroom curriculum that can accommodate up to 30 students simultaneously, fostering an engaging learning environment. Younger children will benefit from Osbots, which introduce coding through color sequences, while older students will have access to 3D doodle pins for creating three-dimensional models without the need for large-scale printers.

Additionally, the library has secured a $10,000 Texas Reads grant, set to begin in September, which will support the 2025 summer reading program. This funding will facilitate visits from two authors: middle-grade graphic novelist Jason Platt and adult romance novelist Catherine Center, aimed at promoting literacy and encouraging reading among various age groups.

These initiatives reflect the library's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a love for learning within the community.