Brookfield Library Awarded Grant, Will Host 'Traveling MakerSpace'

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Brookfield Library has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the Connecticut State Library for Summer Enrichment Activities for children.

The library will be using the funds to bring Playful Engineers Traveling MakerSpace to Brookfield from July 12-14 as part of its annual Summer Reading Program. During the three-day residency, elementary school-age children will take part in hands-on exploring, experimenting and teamwork activities meant to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while gaining knowledge of basic engineering concepts such as forces and motion, scale, cause and effect.

The state program was launched in January 2022 in conjunction with the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. The grant is meant to empower public libraries to enhance their 2022 summer reading programs with additional enrichment opportunities for their public by providing library-led programs and activities that "spark creativity and productivity, engage individuals, and benefit their communities."

In its first year, the Connecticut State Library accepted 24 Summer Enrichment Grant applications and awarded grants in amounts ranging from $300-$2,000 per library.