Quality educational experiences are no longer limited to the classroom environment. Libraries are taking a more prominent position in communities as education centers. The increased emphasis on STEAM education provides an opportunity to meet patron needs but presents a new challenge as demand for programs far outweighs supply, and in-house subject expertise is limited. In an age where funding is limited, libraries need to find creative solutions to meet growing community needs within budget and staff constraints.

MDPLS tapped community resources such as universities and hobby groups to increase STEAM programs, augment internal resources and increase capacity to meet the system’s high demand for quality STEAM programs. MDPLS staff and participants from community organizations created a large-scale event allowing participants to experience multiple STEAM concepts in a short period and increase their exposure to these subject areas. Participants receive hands-on exposure to drones, rockets and student-created engineering projects.

Since March 2018, over 3,000 participants have taken part in STEAMFest. Curious children have experienced hands-on exposure to engineering, physics, art, computer game design, robotics, coding and chemistry. Community participation enabled youth interaction with experts and professionals in STEAM fields. STEAMFest is also the perfect venue to share and showcase MDPLS’ STEAM resources and facilities available to the public year-round.