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G2S Project Code: 2021-FL-88332
State: Florida
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
Walton County Public Library System

Project Director
Director Name: Caitie Cerise
Director Phone: 850.892.3624
Director Email: cercaitlin@co.walton.fl.us
General Information
Title: ARPA: Community Exploration Station
State Project Code: 21-ARPA-55
Start Date: 09/03/2021
End Date: 09/30/2022
Abstract: This project enabled Walton County residents and visitors to be able to explore a variety of technology and arts in order to encourage lifelong learning and connection within the community. To facilitate this, the library needed to be able to offer access to equipment and materials. Therefore, an Exploration Station housed at the Freeport Public Library was created to promote technology, art, exploration, and community. A variety of instructional classes were offered, along with providing access to the materials and equipment for use during the library's open hours.



State Goal: Goal 2 - Strengthen Libraries: Floridians use libraries with staff, resources and facilities that transform to meet user needs.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$12,575.00
$0.00
$0.00
$12,575.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Exploration Station classes
Narrative: Classes focused on introducing participants to the technology and art equipment available for their use. Providing monthly classes to the public allowed the library to promote all library resources and support a strong community by providing lifelong learning opportunities.

Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 1
Number of sessions in program: 0
Average number in attendance per session: 0
Number of times program administered: 0


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: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 1
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 82
Agree: 20
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 4
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 82
Agree: 15
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 9
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 73
Agree: 29
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 78
Agree: 25
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 81
Agree: 20
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 2
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
This project enable Walton County residents and visitors to be able to explore a variety of technology and arts in order to encourage lifelong learning and connection within the community. The Freeport Public Library hosted a variety of programs and events, along with access to materials at any time, to promote technology, art, exploration, and community. This Exploration Station provided materials and equipment for many programs, including in-person and take-home projects. The community's response to this project was overwhelmingly positive, and gave library staff the opportunity to make greater connections within our community. Citizens were excited to have a space to make and create, and many citizens have offered to host workshops or classes to share their own skills, which are supported by the materials purchased for this project.  A local jewelry artisan learned how to create her own earring designs on our laser cutter, and has utilized the equipment to create new products. Once she learned the equipment and knew it would be beneficial, she purchased her own equipment to support her small business. She states that she is thankful that the library gave her the opportunity to learn a new skill and new equipment in a supportive environment that she otherwise would not have had the option to learn without prohibitive costs. Additionally, the resources are continuously providing inspiration to staff for program and event planning at all of the library locations.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The success of various programs gave us data and metrics on which programs to continue, which to modify and which ones to grow. Each of the Exploration Station classes gave us a chance to connect with the community and grow the reach of the library. 
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Offering the same program at different days and times was vital in ensuring we had the broadest reach to our community while also maximizing staff planning time. It helped library staff to see that while one session had smaller attendance, it was not due to lack of interest, but simply a time conflict. Also, having a written statement about the equipment and supplies, along with the expectations for those using the equipment was important to ensuring all information was communicated to the public. 
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:
We will continue to increase the staff time on this projects due to success.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
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: