Robotics teams, such as CCPL’s LibraryBots, teach participants to learn and use critical thinking skills essential to STEM education and careers and require a conceptual understanding of math, science and engineering. The CCPL LibraryBots team engages staff and teens in a joint learning experience in a safe, community meeting place outside of school hours. The library serves as an inclusive space serving teens with any skill level, from any geographic area and from any school, including homeschoolers.

The LibraryBots team builds a remote-controlled robot each year to participate in the VAFirst regional and national competitions. Volunteers and staff serve as mentors and cheerleaders, coaching the team on necessary skills such as budgeting, raising funds and leadership skills. CCPL staff update their own STEM skills in a collaborative manner as the team and staff learn together. This approach allows all staff to develop necessary skills while they build community relationships and create unique learning experiences.

The LibraryBots program provides Chesterfield youth an opportunity to learn about technology, teamwork, public speaking, budgeting and promotion. Not only do the students benefit, but library staff members develop STEM capabilities, which are a basis for future programs and helpful when providing reference to library customers. The team has competed successfully for several years. Library patrons vie for space to watch livestreams of the events, and multiple staff now feel better equipped to work with our maker technologies.