Staff report
Grant funds awarded to the Buda Public Library have allowed for the creation of a “Do it yourself” space where people invent, explore and create.
According to a press release, the Buda library received roughly $14,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for the creation of a pop up makerspace.
The space provides a “hands-on educational experience” by utilizing a variety of tools and materials. The pop up makerspace is scheduled to begin traveling to several Buda area Hays CISD schools in November.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for the Buda Public Library and the Buda community. This program will provide opportunities for participants in middle school and high school to unleash their creativity and interact with technology to create real life solutions,” said Caitlin Foley, Buda Public Library Youth Coordinator, said in a statement.
The pop up makerspace will be maintained by library staff and rotated at Dahlstrom, Barton McCormick Middle schools and Hays High School.
“The access students will have to this makerspace and resources will allow participants to create solutions, generate content, and share information with each other,” Foley said. “We are very excited to begin this project and get this makerspace rolling.”
Dahlstrom Middle School librarian Ana Garcia said the makerspace will serve a need of providing “high-quality STEM programming for Buda middle school students.”
“Makerspaces are a wonderful way to incorporate this type of programming, and this grant will allow our students to access materials that they otherwise would not have,” said Garcia.
Materials for the makerspace are expected to arrive by the end of this month. They include circuits, Arduino kits, 3D pens, Raspberry Pis, robot starter kits, littleBits, and a button maker.
Celina McGee, Hays High librarian, said the makerspace project supports many skills taught in math, science and career and technology classes using “engaging, hands-on activities.”
“Student familiarity and confidence in these subject areas will follow them as they prepare for colleges and careers outside Hays CISD,” McGee said. “Participating in makerspace activities allows students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in a practical manner.”
Barton Middle School librarian Teri Eubank said she was excited about the possibility of having the Buda library provide students various opportunities to explore options associated with the makerspace.
“There is a very high interest in the STEM arena and this program that the library plans to bring to Barton Middle School will be extremely popular,” Eubank said.
