Normal Public Library receives NASA grant

Posted on July 16, 2017
A new grant will help the Normal Public Library expand its STEM programs. (WJBC File Photo)

By Patrick Baron

NORMAL – The Normal Public Library is reaching for the stars thanks to a new grant from NASA @ My Library.

The grant will provide the library with new resources, training, and a stipend. The library will be able to increase the number of programs surrounding NASA, such as exploration and adventure, as well as gaining insight into the universe around us. Children’s Outreach Librarian Randi Sutter said the grant has helped the library continue a number of programs already in place.

“NASA’s goal and ALA’s goal is to increase STEM programming in communities,” explained Sutter. “We had offered a STEM club we started last summer, continued in the spring and we’re continuing this summer.”

In preparation for the solar eclipse happening on August 21, the library will also be holding a special event for children to learn about the eclipse. Sutter said a presentation is planned for July 17 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., where an expert from the Challenger Learning Center will help kids understand the eclipse.

“It’s going to be all about the solar eclipse – so what is a solar eclipse, how do we prepare for a solar eclipse,” said Sutter. “The library received a grant of 1000 solar eclipse glasses, so we’ll be giving those away for free at that program too.”

The library is one of seventy-five libraries to receive the grant – over five hundred libraries initially applied.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…