LEWISBURG — The Village of Lewisburg is dedicated to increasing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and programming throughout the village. One way this is being accomplished is by the introduction of a Makerspace at Brown Memorial Library.
According to Library Director Mary Lakes, a group of village representatives — from different organizations throughout Lewisburg — got together to integrate more STEAM programming in the village. They formed a committee of community leaders to brainstorm and organize different events and ways to bring in STEAM education.
Village Manager Jeff Sewert added, this effort was the brainchild of Mayor Marsha Jones, who really spearheaded the organization and initial planning.
STEAM education has been brought into the First Friday event in the Village of Lewisburg, but the real accomplishment was the formation of a Makerspace at Brown Memorial Library.
They received a grant through Darke Rural Electric Cooperative Inc. in the amount of $1,000 to start this new endeavor. With this grant, they will be purchasing start up equipment for the Makerspace.
“STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM education has really taken off. Most people don’t have access to those sorts of materials, they’re kind of costly for an average person who will only use them a few times,” Lakes said.
Librarian Pam Dittner added, different organizations – including Tri-County North and other school districts – can take a field trip to Brown Memorial Library to use this new space. Even adults are welcomed into the Makerspace.
Village representatives – including the Mayor and different council members – are a part of the planning group for the Makerspace. According to Sewert, it is important for the village to partner with the library and support it in numerous ways.
“We have one of the greatest gems of the community, which is this library. We have to partner [with them] and collaborate. I think this is another feather on our cap, partnering with the library. This here is huge. [The library] is one of our most treasured gems. It is important that we [support them] 100 percent,” Sewert said. “It is our best kept secret here in Lewisburg.”
In the future, Lakes would like to see the Makerspace grow with additional grant money to house more than the basic equipment.
“I would like to establish an entire room for it,” she said. “Right now, we’re kind of limited on space, but I would hope to in the future. I would like to have more pieces of equipment – a 3D printer, people can do video editing, photography, robotics, [and more].”
