NASA at My Library

Tom Green County Library  has been selected through a competitive application process to be part of NASA@ My Library, an initiative to engage public audiences nationwide in informal and lifelong learning with the excitement of NASA exploration and discovery. In spring 2017, more than 500 libraries applied to participate.

“Libraries are essentially ‘learning laboratories’,” said Kristen Erickson, director for science engagement and partnerships in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “Providing additional tools and resources enables a broader impact for communities, and we’re pleased to connect with libraries across the country to share our science.”

“TGCL is one of just 75 public libraries nationwide to be part of this initiative, and we’re thrilled to have been selected,” said Wanda Green, Assistant Director. “We look forward to exploring the universe with our patrons of all ages.”

As a NASA@ My Library Partner, TGCL will hold public programs for various age groups that explore NASA science and technology. The programs will be held between May 2017 and October 2018. More information, including a program schedule, will be available in the coming months at tgclibrary.com.

TGCL will receive the following benefits as part of the project:

Two NASA STEM Facilitation Kits (total value: $750) designed for use in hands-on STEM programming; the kits will include STEM tools and hands-on activities based on the following themes: “Sun-Earth-Moon Connections” and “Expanding Your Senses”

An 8-inch tablet computer, pre-loaded with apps, educational games and visualizations relevant to the kit materials

A $500 grant to cover the cost of programming

Inclusion in a two-day NASA workshop in Denver in February 2018, with an $800 stipend to cover travel costs

Additional training and networking opportunities

TGCL will use NASA@ My Library resources to create compelling learning experiences for our community and share the story, science and adventure of NASA’s scientific explorations of planet Earth, our solar system and the universe beyond. TGCL will hold public programs that engage various age groups and will reach out to NASA scientists, engineers and educators to collaborate on high-profile events to attract community interest. Programs include national and international STEM/space events, including the solar eclipse in August and International Observe the Moon Night in October, as well as other STEM-related offerings.

NASA@ My Library is led by the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, the Pacific Science Center, Cornerstones of Science and the Education Development Center. Funding comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate via cooperative agreement No. NNX16AE30A. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed by NASA@ My Library do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.