Library plans expanded STEAM, VR and 3-D programming; staff to apply for $10,000 grant

Interim Director Penny told trustees the library will resume and expand STEAM programming aimed at youth — including coding, drones and 3-D printing — with some sessions posted by reservation and others open to walk-ins. The director said, “The steam programs are going to be coding, drones, and 3 d printing,” and described plans to teach both the end product and the preparatory steps needed for 3-D printing.

Magdalena recently attended a conference in New Mexico focused on small-library programming and will apply to a $10,000 grant for math-learning activities; Penny said Magdalena would complete the application and hand it to the incoming director for follow-up. The board also learned the VR system is now available more often — staff removed a prior afternoon-only limitation — and that, when demand is high, staff will impose a 15-minute time limit so more patrons can use it.

Trustees discussed outreach to older residents and community partners. Penny said she is contacting the senior center, Homestead and other local agencies to explore institutional library cards that would allow partner organizations to check out materials on behalf of their clients; a formal institutional-card policy is expected to come before the board at a future meeting. Penny also noted prior homebound service and said library staff hope a mobile cart route will include the library as a regular stop.

Discussion only: trustees and staff discussed programming expansions, grant application, and outreach partnerships. Direction/assignment: staff will complete the grant application and prepare materials to brief the new director; staff will continue outreach with senior partners and work to develop an institutional card policy for board consideration. Formal action: none taken at this meeting.