The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
Area children are already big fans of the new reading area at the Carrington City Library, as members of the Gjovik and Theis families sample out several of the amenities provided at the table. Among those are a larger seating area, storytelling rug, and Playaway launchpads, just to name a few. The Library was the recipient of a $35,000 grant from the ND Community Libraries to Share program, and needed to spend the money within a 30-day time frame to reap its benefits.
Two STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) "to-go" packs are pictured in the library's "maker space".
The maker space also boasts new 3D printing equipment, which was purchased with a grant from the North Dakota State Library and a donation from Rob See Co, a family owned, independent seed company based out of Elkhorn, Neb. Rob See Co. offered $500 grants to local libraries in honor of its 10th anniversary, and Carrington was among the 20 recipients selected from more than 560 applicants. Chris Hills of Wahpeton, the North Dakota territory manager for Rob See Co., presented the check to Carrington City Librarian Michele Seil on Wednesday.
The Carrington City Library is not only a place where people go to get books, it's also a space where they can "learn" to read.
There are a variety of new things to experience at your local library, thanks to the planning, fundraising and hard work done by Librarian Michele Seil and the library board.
Last fall was a busy one, as they were working on five grants at the same time. Among those was a program offered by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction called ND Community Libraries to Share. The state had COVID relief dollars available, which they were offering to local libraries to reimburse them for the cost of providing summer reading activities.
Seil submitted a request for funds and got quite the surprise. Only nine libraries applied, so Carrington received a huge $35,000 gift. There was one caveat, however: Seil had just 30 days to spend it!
Several upgrades at the library came from this unexpected yet welcomed funding. Seil said they went to work purchasing items on their "wish list" and fulfilling their vision for the library as an early learning center.
The children's reading area gained a larger table and chairs and new storytelling rug. Inside the reading area patrons will find Playaway launchpads, which are tablets preloaded with educational games and activities they can check out and take home. A variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-based learning toys and puzzles are in the reading area as well.
The former office was transformed into a quiet, cozy reading room. With new furniture purchased from grant funds, it's the perfect place to curl up with a good book.
Adjacent to the new reading room is an expanded maker space, which now has enough tables for a group to complete various STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities. The Robotics Club meets in the maker space on the last Monday of every month.
Also inside the maker space there are several STEAM-To-Go kits, which feature activities patrons can "check out" and complete at home. There are family game packs, circuit making kits and arts and crafts bags to name a few.
The community room even got a big upgrade. The worn, stained carpeting was replaced by modern vinyl plank flooring, which is easier to clean and maintain. The NDDPI funds were used to purchase the new flooring, which was installed by Jerome and Ryan Zink.
The space has seating for up to 80 people, a full kitchen and adjacent restrooms. It's fully handicapped accessible and available for rent for just a few hours or full days at affordable rates. Call the library at 701-652-3921 to reserve.
The library board is currently selling raffle tickets, with the funds going towards the purchase of new books for the library. The raffle drawing will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, which also happens to be national Take Your Child to the Library Day. Watch for more details to come about this fun community event.
