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G2S Project Code: 2016-PA-77217
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2016

Grantee
Library System of Lancaster County

Project Director
Director Name: Renee Christiansen
Director Phone: 717-207-0500
Director Email: rchristiansen@lancasterlibraries.org

General Information
Title: Lancaster Libraries Maker Toolbox
State Project Code: FC4100073532
Start Date: 07/01/2016
End Date: 06/30/2017
Abstract: Local Public Libraries and the bookmobile circulate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) Maker Passes enabling Lancastrians to be makers at make717 Innovation Center. Allowing youth, high-school students, post high school graduates, adults and social service agency clients with limited means gain access to a STEM maker focused environment. Libraries have trainings and workshops where attendees engage in hands-on STEM maker learning whereby they build 21st century skills required in the workforce of today and tomorrow.

State Goal: Create opportunities for libraries to enhance their capacity to provide 21st Century resources, services and programs to their communities.

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$48,970.00

$0.00

$10,742.91

$59,712.91

Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Education
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Activities
Activity Details
Title: Maker Toolbox - Content Activity - Lending*
Narrative:

Circulation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) materials at the countylibraries continue and residents from rural communities not yet tracked. Residents from neighboring counties traveledto acquire a pass at one of the libraries and visit the make717makerspace. A resident from one of Lancaster City Shelters has been visiting the makerspace and using the STEMpass with the purpose of entering a formal educational program to develop his skills.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 2,570
Average number of items circulated / month: 285
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No

Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ADAMSTOWN AREA LIBRARY
Address: 3000 NORTH READING ROAD ROUTE 272
City: ADAMSTOWN
State: PA
Zip: 19501
Name: COLUMBIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 24 SOUTH SIXTH ST
City: COLUMBIA
State: PA
Zip: 17512
Name: EASTERN LANCASTER COUNTY LIB
Address: 11 CHESTNUT DR
City: NEW HOLLAND
State: PA
Zip: 17557
Name: ELIZABETHTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 10 SOUTH MARKET STREET
City: ELIZABETHTOWN
State: PA
Zip: 17022
Name: EPHRATA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 550 SOUTH READING RD
City: EPHRATA
State: PA
Zip: 17522
Name: LANCASTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 125 NORTH DUKE ST
City: LANCASTER
State: PA
Zip: 17602
Name: Lancaster Public Library-East - Leola Branch
Address: 46 Hillcrest Ave.
City: Leola
State: PA
Zip: 17540
Name: Lancaster Public Library-West - Mountville Branch
Address: 120 College Ave.
City: Mountville
State: PA
Zip: 17554
Name: Library System of Lancaster County Bookmobile
Address: 1866 Colonial Village Lane, Ste. 107
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17601
Name: LITITZ PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 651 KISSEL HILL ROAD
City: LITITZ
State: PA
Zip: 17543
Name: Mainheim Community Library
Address: 15 East High St.
City: Manheim
State: PA
Zip: 17545
Name: Mainheim Township Public Library
Address: 595 Granite Run Dr.
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17601
Name: Make717 Innovation Center
Address: 1152 Clark St.
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17602
Name: MILANOF-SCHOCK LIBRARY
Address: 1184 ANDERSON FERRY RD.
City: MOUNT JOY
State: PA
Zip: 17552
Name: MOORES MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Address: 9 WEST SLOKOM AVENUE
City: CHRISTIANA
State: PA
Zip: 17509
Name: PEQUEA VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 31 CENTER STREET
City: INTERCOURSE
State: PA
Zip: 17534
Name: QUARRYVILLE LIBRARY CENTER
Address: 357 BUCK ROAD
City: QUARRYVILLE
State: PA
Zip: 17566
Name: Salisbury Township Branch Library
Address: 835 Houston Run Dr., Ste. 220
City: Gap
State: PA
Zip: 17527
Name: STRASBURG-HEISLER LIBRARY
Address: 143 PRECISION AVE
City: STRASBURG
State: PA
Zip: 17579

Activity Details
Title: Maker Toolbox - Instruction Activity - Programs*
Narrative:

The make717 makerspace presented programs at several county libraries on a 3D printer; Laser cutting; Soldering; Metal Lathe demonstration; and CNC Carvey demonstration. The various libraries were in the suburban and rura lareas of the county and welcomed out-of-county residents and included STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) items at the Summer Reading kick-off. Families, seniors, middle and high school age children attended the various programs made available.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 3
Average number in attendance per session: 26
Number of times program administered: 7

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: All Ages
6-12 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: Yes
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: ADAMSTOWN AREA LIBRARY
Address: 3000 NORTH READING ROAD ROUTE 272
City: ADAMSTOWN
State: PA
Zip: 19501
Name: COLUMBIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 24 SOUTH SIXTH ST
City: COLUMBIA
State: PA
Zip: 17512
Name: EASTERN LANCASTER COUNTY LIB
Address: 11 CHESTNUT DR
City: NEW HOLLAND
State: PA
Zip: 17557
Name: EPHRATA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 550 SOUTH READING RD
City: EPHRATA
State: PA
Zip: 17522
Name: LANCASTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 125 NORTH DUKE ST
City: LANCASTER
State: PA
Zip: 17602
Name: Lancaster Public Library-West - Mountville Branch
Address: 120 College Ave.
City: Mountville
State: PA
Zip: 17554
Name: Make717 Innovation Center
Address: 1152 Clark St.
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17602
Name: MANHEIM COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Address: 15 EAST HIGH ST
City: MANHEIM
State: PA
Zip: 17545
Name: MANHEIM TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 595 GRANITE RUN DR
City: LANCASTER
State: PA
Zip: 17601
Name: MILANOF-SCHOCK LIBRARY
Address: 1184 ANDERSON FERRY RD.
City: MOUNT JOY
State: PA
Zip: 17552
Name: QUARRYVILLE LIBRARY CENTER
Address: 357 BUCK ROAD
City: QUARRYVILLE
State: PA
Zip: 17566
Name: STRASBURG-HEISLER LIBRARY
Address: 143 PRECISION AVE
City: STRASBURG
State: PA
Zip: 17579
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Maker Toolbox - Instruction Activity - Presentation/Performance*
Narrative: The school librarians from all 16 districts within Lancaster County requested a tour and left the make717 makerspace with the knowledge about acquiring the passes and guidelines for their uses. One school has a laser cutter but once graduated, it became inaccessible to students. This project changed that. The members of the Girls Science Camp at the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) arranged a visit and is now encouraging the girls to return with their families to demonstrate the various options available to all when they visit.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person

Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 90
Number of presentations/performances administered: 6
Average number in attendance per session: 10

Partner Information

Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
Unemployed
For what ethnicity types: Asian
Black
Hispanic
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: COCALICO SCHOOL DISTRICT
Address: 800 S. 4th St., PO Box 800
City: Denver
State: PA
Zip: 17517
Name: Columbia Borough School District
Address: 200 N. Fifth St.
City: Columbia
State: PA
Zip: 17512
Name: Conestoga Valley School District
Address: 2110 Horeshoe Rd.
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17601
Name: Donegal School District
Address: 1051 Koser Rd.
City: Mount Joy
State: PA
Zip: 17552
Name: Eastern Lancaster County School District
Address: 669 E. Main St.
City: New Holland
State: PA
Zip: 17557
Name: Elizabethtown Area School District
Address: 600 E. High St.
City: Elizabethtown
State: PA
Zip: 17022
Name: Hempfield School District
Address: 200 Church St.
City: Landisville
State: PA
Zip: 17538
Name: Lampeter-Strasburg
Address: 1600 Book Rd., PO Box 428
City: Lampeter
State: PA
Zip: 17537
Name: LANCASTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 125 NORTH DUKE ST
City: LANCASTER
State: PA
Zip: 17602
Name: Make717 Innovation Center
Address: 1152 Clark St.
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17602
Name: Manheim Central School District
Address: 281 White Oak Rd.
City: Manheim
State: PA
Zip: 17545
Name: Manheim Township School District
Address: 450A Candlewyck Rd.
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17601
Name: Penn Manor School District
Address: PO Box 1001
City: Millersville
State: PA
Zip: 17551
Name: Pequea Valley School District
Address: 166 S. New Holland Rd., PO Box 130
City: Kinzers
State: PA
Zip: 17535
Name: SACA Broadcasting Corporation
Address: 453 S. Lime St., Ste. D
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17602
Name: School District of Lancaster
Address: 251 S. Prince St.
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17603
Name: Solanco School District
Address: 121 S. Hess St.
City: Quarryville
State: PA
Zip: 17566
Name: Warwick School District
Address: 301 W. Orange St.
City: Lititz
State: PA
Zip: 17543
Name: YWCA Lancaster
Address: 110 N. Lime St.
City: Lancaster
State: PA
Zip: 17602

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Pass visitors are willing to learn and achieve regardless of their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) background knowledge. Adults and young adults increase their skills in operating technical equipment and hi-tech software. Pass users feel a sense of accomplishment after trainings. One mother's testimony, "I would say that the STEM Maker pass has allowed my 14 year old son and I to have a new experience at a maker space that we would not have necessarily had with out it. He and I learned how to use 3D printers and watching him make something for the first time brought a smile to my face as well as his. He was so proud of his first 3D creation, as was I. We hope to take more orientation sessions for other equipment and spend more time at the Make 717 space. I am delighted for the library pass for introducing us to a place that I know my son will continue to enjoy." Library staff are motivated to offer more STEM events. Feedback from attendees were positive, with statements such as "do this again" and "great way to spend time with my family." Library patrons discover and borrow the new STEM books. Local officials increase their awareness in the relevancy and value of public libraries. A neighboring county library system contacted us making inquiries about the project. When asked how they found out about it, they replied that their county commissioner learned about the project from a Lancaster county commissioner. Community residents increase their social network and engage in life-long learning. At one library maker fair, one of the make717 trainers gave mechanical advice to a couple of Mennonite women who were there with their yarn spinning equipment. Libraries experience an increase marketing their STEM events and resources with community agencies or organizations. A retired senior having not been in libraries for 20 years read an article about the laser cutting event and was completely amazed with what libraries offered to the public now, and asked if he could attend the event. Community agencies or organizations increase their knowledge of how local libraries support 21st century learning. It became known to us that one visitor to make717 with a STEM Maker pass is a resident of a downtown Lancaster city shelter. The gentleman is a frequent borrower of the pass and has signed up for trainings, and has completed his own projects. He is now in the process of building his portfolio so that he can apply for the Design program at a local university in another year, and just recently has been accepted at a community college.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Passes introduce users to a place/environment they may have considered unattainable. Adult caregivers have been purposeful in the borrowing of the passes in order to expose their children to a hi-tech makerspace. Firsthand experience is key to increasing and supporting the development of 21st century skills. Through hands-on experience, with practice of trial and error, teens and others have developed more job skills that employers and businesses require. Officials tend to think libraries function as they did 10-15 years ago and just loan books. By changing their perspective (as we have done through this project), officials are better able to see and know how libraries directly support student and adult learning. Accomplishing something, participating in a training, watching how something is done and then putting that into practice - all contribute to a person's self-confidence. Confidence gained causes one to try to do more, thereby improving one's self-worth. Successful library patron engagement and patron requests made to a library for more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) related events indicate a supportive clientele who are more likely to attend and financially support events that appeal to them. Library events support family together time and out-of-school learning for students. Having current and relevant STEM books ensures that residents of the county have their interests and curiosities met. Lancaster county residents invested in STEM learning will seek out learning opportunities where they are; and agency staff learn about library resources that will benefit the well-being of their clients. Community building is happening at the libraries. For adults and seniors, the events provide opportunities for social networking and life-long learning. There is a sharing of ideas between the makers and participants. Residents experience the success of knowing that others are interested in what they are doing. People feel good that they spend time doing something worthwhile.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Unless a library has and can commit to fully operating a makerspace with equipment valued in the thousands, a budget for continued maintenance on that equipment, and employ qualified and knowledgeable staff that can keep abreast of all the new tech equipment and software, libraries need to find unique ways to still stay in the game with makerspace initiatives. Locally in the county, there is a dedicated makerspace, operated by educators who are experts in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) fields, and have trainers with skills perfected through years of schooling and work. This project enabled us to approach and partner with community "mover and shakers" and those who may not have given much thought to how libraries could support STEM learning. Those individuals now see what and how libraries contribute. The circulating STEM Maker Passes have opened up a new world for library patrons. They fulfill their curiosity, learn new skills, enjoy operating hi-tech equipment, and found meaning and purpose in their lives. A supportive network exists for 21st century learning opportunities and rewarding experiences in the combination of the availability of the STEM Maker Passes and the STEM events.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
Everything about the project scope remains the same -- passes circulate, library STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) events happen, and library books are added to support STEM interests. One new activity we have discussed with our partner make717, is to enhance our work together by possibly establishing regular "library STEM maker camps" at the makerspace. Knowing that science camps offer scaffolding type learning, we think that holding camps on 3D printing, on laser cutting, on electronics, etc. will positively add to our efforts to support youth 21st century skill building. In addition, we will consider offering camps for special groups, for example, STEM Maker pass visitors who are on the autism spectrum and English Language Learners. That is on our radar, though we know that it is going to take some time. We will need others to help us. We foresee the "library STEM maker camps" being coordinated and offered much sooner.
Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: STEM, making, education