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G2S Project Code: 2023-MO-92853
State: Missouri
Fiscal Year: 2023

Grantee
CAPE GIRARDEAU PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Allison Boyer
Director Phone: 573-334-5279 ext 122
Director Email: alli@capelibrary.org

General Information
Title: SLT: Preschool STEAM Literacy
State Project Code: 2023-LFL3-SLT23-046
Start Date: 03/15/2023
End Date: 02/28/2024
Abstract: Spotlight on Literacy grants provide funds to create new or enhance current efforts to serve patrons of all ages through programs that support an educated and informed citizenry. Projects must identify a single target audience, as well as a literacy area to address, such as early literacy, digital literacy, STEM literacy, health literacy, financial literacy, civic literacy, career literacy, etc. It addresses LSTA Priority 5 and MOSL Goal 2.
State Goal: Target Library and Information Services

Budget Information

LSTA

MATCH-State

MATCH-Other

Total

$11,860.00

$0.00

$16.30

$11,876.30

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

Activities
Activity Details
Title: STEAM Programs
Narrative: We held 12 Full STEAM Ahead programs with a combined attendance of 511 participants and one 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Tote Paint with 49 participants. We added 3 new wall toys, a new dollhouse with dolls and furniture, and other various STEAM toys for the community to play with. We had 5 families join the national movement of reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person

Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 12
Average number in attendance per session: 43
Number of times program administered: 12

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: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
Rural
For what age groups: 0-5 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No

Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: CAPE GIRARDEAU PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 711 N CLARK ST
City: CAPE GIRARDEAU
State: MO
Zip: 63701
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 5
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 6
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 6
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0

Activity Details
Title: Library Collection Development
Narrative: Over the course of the funding period, we added 10 new circulating STEAM kits for daycares: 2 science kits, 2 technology kits, 2 engineering kits, 2 art kits, 2 math kits. Circulations statistics were difficult to accurately track. However, the library reported that these kits were used daily.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical

Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 10
Average number of items circulated / month: 1
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0

Partner Information

Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Comparing the data from previous preschool programs, the library's Full STEAM Ahead programs averaged more participants than similar programs. The open-door nature and station set-up likely contributed to a format that is easier for preschoolers to explore. In addition, the library established an agreement with the library of a neighboring town, and saw an uptick in county users, with a particular uptick in users with preschool-aged children. Several families reported positive feedback when interacting in these programs, including new skills their preschoolers are developing, an increased knowledge of library programs and resources, and general enjoyment in these programs. A Youth services staff member took the lead with these programs, and also noticed the following observations during these programs: parents and caregivers allow children to take the lead and pick which stations they want to explore; families play and learn together; the program toys purchased through the grant have been the most popular at each program (possibly because of the newness factor); and all parents, regardless of socioeconomic status, have been very appreciative of the free board book. The updated community toys also coincided with the library reupholstering the furniture in the Youth Department. This combination of updates had the overall effect of making the Youth Department feel fresh and fun, and added to the excitement of families and children coming in to play. Families who came in just to check out books ended up staying for hours to play with everything we offered. At-risk families were able to come in and explore STEAM and literacy skills, even if they couldn't attend programs. Throughout the course of this grant period, I have observed a change in attitude towards the Youth Department, in terms of the "newness" of the department, the look and feel of the environment, and the variety of skills to explore during a regular library visit.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The most useful finding is in regards to the Daycare STEAM kits. Even though there was an expressed need for the kits, they did not check out as previously expected. The library had difficulty reaching the independent daycares who would benefit most from the kits. In addition, it was found that classes felt more comfortable using the kits in-house (briefly after story times) versus checking them out. The library will plan programs around exploring the STEAM kits and invite daycare classes/homeschool groups to play with these STEAM kits at the library. The monthly Full STEAM Ahead program greatly exceeded expectations, with program attendance reaching up to the 60s and 70. The library received a lot of positive feedback in each program and succeeded in drawing in a new audience in addition to our regular preschool families. Library staff offered the program as an open-door exploration. Each month, patrons were welcomed to come in the program room to explore the STEAM stations - and take breaks and come back to the program, as needed. The program lasted from 9 am-noon each session, with a revolving door of families coming in and out to play. This set-up worked best for the preschool-aged patrons (ages 2-5) who need more freedom and breaks to explore the STEAM themes offered in these programs. The updated community toys (dollhouse, puppets, wall toys, STEAM toys) were all positively received. While it is extremely difficult to collect usage data on these free-play toys, the library can report that the toys were used every day during the course of this grant. The toy updates also coincided with the reupholstering our furniture in the Youth Department, and the community noticed and greatly appreciated the updates.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Gathering survey responses was the most difficult part of this project. The library had flyers with QR links to the survey by the community toys, survey slips (with QR links to a digital survey) in each STEAM kit, and emailed surveys to the sign-in list for each of the Full STEAM Ahead programs. With all that effort, the library still had very minimal survey participation. The library recognizes the importance of gathering survey data, but have not found a very successful method of getting patrons to actually take the surveys. The library refrained from having patrons stay after the program to fill out paper surveys (because of the extra staff effort in organizing data in addition to patron frustration with staying extra). However, this may encourage more patrons to participate in taking surveys. It might be worth while to do this for a short term period at the beginning of the grant so patrons will get in the habit of filling out surveys on their own. The library staff was surprised by the timeline of the ordering to shipping to receiving orders. Library staff recommends to order items early as it will likely take longer than you expect to receive.
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:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
Yes
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
Yes
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Project Staff
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Review Surveys
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:
Other: Program participants
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:

Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative

Project Tags: Education, STEM