The Belen Public Library has been selected through a nationally competitive application process to be part of NASA@ My Library, an education initiative created to increase and enhance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underrepresented in STEAM education.
“Belen Public Library is one of just 60 libraries nationwide to be part of this initiative, and we’re thrilled to have been selected,” said Kathleen Pickering, the library’s Director. “We look forward to introducing STEAM concepts to our younger patrons and to exploring the universe together with people of all ages during our public programs in 2021 and 2022.”
As a NASA@ My Library partner, the Belen Public Library will hold public programs that explore National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) science and technology, specifically around NASA’s newest next-generation telescope launch (fall 2021), the first telescope images (spring 2022), and as part of the Collaborative Summer Library Program (summer 2022). More information, including a program schedule, will be available in the coming months here at our website.
As part of this initiative, the Belen Public Library will receive training and resources to implement NASA events and programming, access to a university Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support patron engagement, and $1,600 for programming expenses. Facebook pledged an additional $10,000 to enhance and expand STEAM programing at the Belen Public Library in conjunction with NASA@ My Library.