PIERCE – The last set of Nebraska libraries have been selected to host Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities makerspaces.
According to a release from the office of Governor Ricketts Thursday, libraries in La Vista, McCook, Superior, Nelson and the Lied Pierce Public Library will join the 26 initial libraries chosen in October of 2017 and December of 2018. The newly selected libraries will host one of the four rotating makerspaces.
The Nebraska Library Commission was awarded a National Leadership Grant of $530,732 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for this partnership project with the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, Regional Library Systems and local public libraries.
This project began July 1, 2017 and will conclude June 30, 2020. For more information about the project or equipment that will be featured in the rotating makerspaces, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/InnovationStudios.
The project uses Library Innovation Studios makerspaces hosted by public libraries to support community engagement and participatory learning experiences by providing access to technology and innovative learning tools not readily accessible locally. This is expected to stimulate creativity, innovation and the exchange of ideas to facilitate entrepreneurship, skills development and local economic development.
They join those selected over the last two years:
Plattsmouth Public Library
Ainsworth Public Library
Ashland Public Library
Crete Public Library
Loup City Public Library
South Sioux City Public Library
Neligh Public Library
Broken Bow Public Library
Bridgeport Public Library
Norfolk Public Library
North Platte Public Library
Ravenna Public Library
Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
Wayne Public Library
Geneva Public Library
Central City Public Library
Nebraska City Public Library
Kimball Public Library
Beatrice Public Library
Hastings Public Library
Chadron Public Library
Blue Hill Public Library
Hastings Memorial Library (in Grant, Nebraska)
Plainview Public Library
Verdigre Public Library
Laurel Community Learning Center