Chico Public Library, Inc. receives S.T.R.E.A.M. Programming Grant

Chico Public Library, Inc. (CPLI) of Chico has received a $12,271 grant from The Tocker Foundation to fund robotics programs and Science Technology Reading Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STREAM) related collection development. First established by the Chico Women’s Study Club in 1975 and later incorporated as Chico Public Library Inc., the nonprofit organization provides free public library services to Chico and Wise County residents. During its 40 years of service, Chico Public Library (CPL) has established itself not only as an information resource and a traditional lending library but also, through the provision of technology and educational programming to patrons of all ages, as a resource whose existence is essential to the community's well-being.

Tocker Foundation grant funds will be used to expand current robotics offerings that were made possible through 2015 collaborative grant funding. CPL’s success with the LEGO WeDo educational system, which introduces children ages 7-10 to the concepts of engineering and programming through robotics, prompted the library to expand into the LEGO WeDo 2.0 and Mindstorms EV3 robotics curriculum for students of all ages. Those tools will facilitate student investigations into science, technology, engineering, and math concepts while developing real-world knowledge and skills vital to success in today’s world. WeDo 2.0, EV3 equipment, and Android-based tablets will enable us to pick up where the original WeDo equipment leaves off by removing the limitation of USB-tethered robots and allowing students to create autonomous robots that can be controlled using Bluetooth enabled mobile devices. CPL’s experience with its current STREAM activities has shown that adults find those opportunities to be just as engaging for adults as for students, so this project will ultimately provide our community with a well-rounded program capable of moving patrons of all ages through beginner, intermediate, and advanced robotics courses. In addition, grant funds will be used to enhance the library's nonfiction collection with the purchase of STREAM-related reading materials.

The Tocker Foundation, which supports small rural libraries serving a population of 12,000 or less, seeks to assist libraries in making services more accessible to individuals who by reason of distance, residence, handicap, age, literacy level or other disadvantage are unable to receive the benefits of public library services. Foundation grants are distributed to assist libraries to serve as community centers, information resources and provide literacy and bilingual programs. In addition to programming and collection development, the Tocker Foundation provides funding for library automation, digitization of historical documents, computer access, and library shelving and furniture.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Chico Public Library, Inc. relies heavily on the support of volunteers, community partnerships, and donations to fulfill its mission of providing free and equal access to educational, informational, recreational, and cultural resources, and promoting the use of the library to every member of the community through a diverse collection of materials, media and programs for all ages. For more information on how you can support the library, please visit chicopubliclibraryinc.com or call Michelle Slonaker at (940) 644-2330.