By Eileen Saam, Children’s Services Librarian
Thanks to grant funding from TechGirlz—a nonprofit program of Creating IT Futures that provides free, fun, interactive workshops—the library now offers new ways to support engaging, hands-on learning for middle school girls.
Recent additions in the library’s new Creative Studio include 3D printers, toolkits to dismantle and assemble computers, Edison Robots that can be used for coding education, and high-quality microphones for podcasting.
At popular programs hosted this fall, students had the opportunity to explore Tinkercad, a 3D-design web app for designing and printing things like jack-o-lanterns and Calavera skulls.
TechGirlz programs (for girls in grades 5-8)
One goals of this grant is for the library to serve 100 girls through TechGirlz workshops by March 1, 2023. Please sign up and help us get to 100! High community participation in these programs will help us secure more grant funds for similar programs in the future.
Register now:
- January 16, 1:30-4:30 pm: TechGirlz: Programming Edison Robots Using Python
- January 19, 4:00-6:30 pm: TechGirlz: 3D Custom Stamps: Slicing + Design Using CAD
- January 24, 4-6:30 pm: TechGirlz: Intro to Podcasting (Part 1)
- February 7, 4-6:30 pm: TechGirlz: Intro to Podcasting (Part 2)
- February 10, 2:30-5:30 pm: TechGirlz: Programming Edison Robots Using Python
The mission of TechGirlz is to inspire middle school girls to explore the possibilities of technology to empower their future careers. TechGirlz accomplishes this mission by partnering with different organizations like Oak Park Library, to offer free, fun, interactive tech workshops.
Tech Wednesday (for kids in grades K-5)
Tech Wednesday is another technology-focused program hosted at the Main Library. It is designed for elementary students, with most programs taking place in the Children’s Services Area and some programs in the Creative Studio. Past programs include Squishy Circuits, Build a Brushbot, Sphero Mini Robots, Explore New Apps, and Scratch Coding. Register now for:
- January 18, 3:30-4:45 pm: Tech Wednesday: Code a Robot (Grades K-2)
- January 18, 4:45-6:00 pm: Tech Wednesday: Code a Robot (Grades 3-5)
Look for more Tech Wednesday and TechGirlz programs in the coming year! We can’t wait to see you!
And thank you for your feedback!
Close to 100 people responded to our October survey designed to help shape future Creative Studio programs and workshops. We can’t wait to get to work on what’s next!
About Eileen
Eileen Saam is a children’s digital learning librarian who loves discovering new things, learning from others, and sharing with children the joy and wonder of books. One of her favorite things to do at the library is to help children, families, and teachers find books and digital resources that delight and inspire them.
