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G2S Project Code: 2016-CA-77123
State: California
Fiscal Year: 2016

Grantee
FRIENDS OF THE MARIPOSA LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Kathleen Bratt
Director Phone: (209) 742-5830
Director Email: kathybratt@earthlink.net

General Information
Title: Green STEAM
State Project Code: 40-8683
Start Date: 07/01/2016
End Date: 08/31/2017
Abstract: The Green STEAM Makerspace project offered free monthly workshops for both adults and children focusing on sustainability and the components of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). Adult workshops featured a short presentation followed by a hands-on, take home project related to the topic, which ranged from alternative energy to beekeeping to 3D printing. A children's program on the same topic as the adults' took place simultaneously in the children's room and consisted of a story followed by a project, such as solar-powered cars with wheels made from discarded CDs. Children's workshops were also held weekly in July and August. The Makerspace room was available for use by individuals or groups to use the equipment to create and explore. Materials and equipment were also available for checkout by Library patrons. Used and low-impact materials were incorporated as much as possible in keeping with the sustainability theme.

State Goal: Goal VII: Community Connections

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$14,000.00

$0.00

$19,330.00

$33,330.00

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

Activities
Activity Details
Title: 8 Makerspace programs
Narrative: Session totals are 800 minutes for 100 average. 1. Welcome to the Makerspace introduced the program and provided an activity. 2. Green Holiday workshop began with a PPT with tips for greening the holidays. Participants made holiday decorations from used materials, such as puzzle piece ornaments. Mariposa SPCA donated puzzle pieces. 3. During America Recycles Day Mariposa County Solid Waste & Recycling Manager spoke about the importance of recycling and presented an update on the solid waste, recycling and composting facility. Adult and children made recycled paper. Volunteers read a book about recycling to children. 4. Local artist Aubrey Simpson led a workshop on making jewelry from dichroic glass. During a 3 hours period format people came in and make a pendant. Ms. Simpson donated the materials and use of her kiln. 5. Renewable Energy 5. Renewable Energy: Brook Hannah, owner of Offline Independent Energy Systems, presented a program on solar power and other forms of alternative energy. Attendees made a solar powered night light from a jar and discarded Christmas lights. Children listened to the story "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind", made a sundial from a slab of wood sawn from a dead tree, and solar powered cars using used discard CDs as wheels. 6. Sustainability & Fashion Today Renee Sedoo, a designer of upcycled clothing, spoke about the fashion industry's impacts on the environment and human rights and showed examples of upcycled textiles. Attendees made bags from old t-shirts and flowers from wool sweaters, which were donated by the Mariposa SPCA. Children made t-shirt bracelets, headbands and bags. In another workshop Karen Dusek did a power point presentation on textile production on that date. Children made sock puppets. 7. Poetry & Story Writing Workshops: Fresno writer Tim Z. Hernandez and local cowboy poet Wendy Brown-Barry presented two separate writing workshops in their genres. Mr. Hernandez' workshop was funded by the California Center for the Book and the Poets' & Writers' Readings & Workshops Program. Participants received writing and publishing tips and tried their hand at writing poetry and prose. 8. Tim Bryant presented on beekeeping in the local area. Adults made cosmetics from honey and other natural ingredients, and children learned about bees, made a bee hotel from used coffee cans and receipt rolls, bee bookmarks from old book pages, and beeswax candles

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 100
Number of sessions in program: 8
Average number in attendance per session: 17
Number of times program administered: 8

Partner Information

Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
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: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Rural
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
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: Yes
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: MARIPOSA COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 4978 10TH ST.
City: MARIPOSA
State: CA
Zip: 95338
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: Saving the World's Rainforests
Narrative: Ken Jones, founder of A-Team for Wildlife, spoke about the state of the world's rainforests and some of the technology being used to protect them. The highlight of the program was the live macaws he brought with him. In Mariposa participants were invited to plant ginger rhizomes (a rainforest plant) to take home.

The others took place for the entire student bodies of the schools, making it too difficult to do a group project. (Individual classroom projects were planned, but the makerspace coordinator was out due to surgery and illness and unable to complete that portion of the program.)

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 112
Number of times program administered: 3

Partner Information

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: El Portal Library/Elementary School
Address: 9670 Rancheria Flat Rd.
City: El Portal
State: CA
Zip: 95318
Name: MARIPOSA COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 4978 10TH ST.
City: MARIPOSA
State: CA
Zip: 95338
Name: Red Cloud Library/Greeley Hill Elementary School
Address: 10332 Fiske Rd
City: Greeley Hill
State: CA
Zip: 95311
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: 3D Printing Workshops
Narrative: Ethan Stobbe, a local engineering student at UC Merced, taught two beginning workshops for adults on 3D printing using Tinkercad, a basic design program. He also presented two trainings to Library staff and volunteers. Anyone wanting to use the printer must take a class and sign a user agreement. Classes for children and teens are in the planning stages. One of the participants, a teen from El Portal, will be teaching a class at the El Portal Library in October. Designs will be saved on flash drives, brought down to Mariposa by the librarian and then picked up after printing. Twenty-three people signed up for the first public class and 20 for the second. Although a few did not attend, it shows a strong interest.

As soon as the grinder/extruder is delivered, (it is back ordered, and a delivery date has not been provided by the company.) volunteers will make filament from used PLA plastic utensils donated by the Yosemite National Park concessionaire.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Combined in-person & virtual

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 240
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 13
Number of times program administered: 4

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: 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: Economic Not Applicable
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: Yes
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: MARIPOSA COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 4978 10TH ST.
City: MARIPOSA
State: CA
Zip: 95338
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: Summer Programs for Children
Narrative: The Library offered makerspace programs plus a movie on Saturdays from July 8 through Aug. 19. (The July 22 program was cancelled due to the town being evacuated for the Detweiler Fire, but will be offered at a later date). Each one was followed by a movie. Participants could attend either the activity or the movie or both. Programs included: Soap Science, Solar Powered Robots (using discarded soda cans), Food Science (slime, milk clay and other gooey stuff), Fun with Fiber (spinning, felting & weaving sheep's wool and popsicle stick looms, Recycled Toys (CD spinners, videotape wands, travel tic-tac-toe), and Paper Play (cancelled.) Participants could take recipes and instructions to try at home. These programs were very popular.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 120
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 18
Number of times program administered: 6

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: Rural
For what age groups: All Ages
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
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: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: Yes
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: Yes: The activities were advertised for all ages, although some were more suitable for children. The movies were children's movies.

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: MARIPOSA COUNTY LIBRARY
Address: 4978 10TH ST.
City: MARIPOSA
State: CA
Zip: 95338
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: Green STEAM Makerspace Corner
Narrative: Subject matter of books and other materials that were acquired were related to the overall themes of this project--sustainability and S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and math). Both adult and children's materials were purchased. Books are available at the main library, at branch libraries and through inter-library loan.

Supplies were purchased with the sustainability and S.T.E.A.M. themes in mind. Each presentation/workshop included an activity based on the workshop topic. Purchases included a 3-D printer and grinder/extruder for making filament from used plant-based plastic utensils. (The extruder manufacturer was not able to keep up with orders, but it is to be shipped within a few months.) A ventilation system for the printer was purchased by the Friends of the Mariposa Library and Sierra Telephone. The FOL also purchased a sturdy table for the printer. We also purchased sewing machines, looms, woodworking equipment, solar powered robot kits and other robotics supplies, cutting implements (scissors, Exacto knives, protective gloves, cutting mats etc.), a button maker and related supplies, bottle cutters, blenders and miscellaneous tools and ingredients. The Mariposa SPCA donated numerous items and the County Landfill and Recycling Center provided recycled items as needed. Local residents donated fabric scraps and other items.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Combined physical & digital

Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 1
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 66
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Attendees reported learning about specific topics that they could use in the future, such as ideas for upcycling used clothing. All reported learning something new about sustainability. 90% said they were very likely and 10% said they were somewhat likely to put what they learned into practice. While the percentage of attendees actually completing a survey was small, anecdotal feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Many participants were introduced to the concept of sustainable living on a personal level for the first time.Others had adopted some sustainable practices, but were unfamiliar with others.Many took home recipes and instructions for further experimenting at home and asked to be notified about future Makerspace programs.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Due to numerous challenges faced by Library staff in 2017, some of the projects were not completed in the time frame initially proposed. These challenges included: 1. The unexpected and sudden retirement of a full-time senior staff member, leaving the remaining two people, including the Makerspace coordinator, to take on an additional workload for 9 months. 2. The absence of the head librarian for about 10 weeks while on personal leave, which further increased the work load of the senior staff. 3. The absence of the Makerspace coordinator for 3 weeks due to a broken wrist, surgery and bout with the flu. 4. The evacuation of the town and Library for 6 days due to the Detweiler Fire. Therefore, one significant lesson learned is to assume there will be roadblocks and plan with that in mind. Also, if an idea, such as making space available to the public for creative use of equipment and supplies, does not have a positive response, go with what works, such as more structured classes. Go back to the other idea if and when there is a demand for it. Flexibility is a key element in both planning and implementation. Also, since people are often reluctant to complete surveys and don't provide much in the way of useful comment when they do, anecdotal feedback seems to be a better way of determining the success or failure of a program.
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:
Yes
Explain:
The Friends of the Library will continue to support Makerspace and other Library programs. Private and community foundations and other local funding sources will also be approached for Makerspace supplies, as needed, although supplies were purchased with this grant with the idea of continuity in mind. New Library personnel have been hired, which will allow the Makerspace coordinator more time to focus on Makerspace programs. The program's popularity has ensured that it will continue well into the future. The use of used, readily available materials as a basis for the program also makes it easy to develop programs at a minimal cost. Due to the popularity of the weekly Makerspace programs in the summer, similar programs will be planned for next year. One of the participants will teach a class at the El Portal Library in October. Designs will be saved on flash drives, brought down to Mariposa by the librarian and then picked up after printing. As soon as the grinder/extruder is delivered, (it is back ordered, and a delivery date has not been provided by the company.) volunteers will make filament from used PLA plastic utensils donated by the Yosemite National Park concessionaire.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
Yes
Explain:
Monthly workshops will continue to be offered and the community room made available for use by groups and individuals on Thursdays for teens and Saturdays for all ages. A $5,000 grant awarded by the Central Valley Community Foundation for the production of an adult literacy film will be used to purchase cameras and other equipment and to develop free media workshops for teens, which will be incorporated into the Makerspace program. Some of the equipment has already been purchased. The "fee" for teens to participate will be a requirement that the subject of their first film be a local resident or community organization. Master Gardeners and Habitat for Humanity have already requested films for their organizations. One of the teens who attended a 3-D printing workshop in Mariposa is excited about teaching workshops for teens in El Portal. The first one is planned for Oct. 19. The Library plans to offer more programs in El Portal and Greeley Hill and to increase the number of trained volunteers to assist with programs, as well as present a wide variety of programs utilizing more local talent and experts. Library staff will set up Makerspace booths at local fairs and other community events, such as the ICES children's fair that took place in September.
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: Green, STEAM, Makerspace