CANTON-Stark Library has been selected to receive two grants, which will help it provide children with learning experiences in STEM fields and nature. 

The Stark Library is the only Ohio library selected for NASA@My Library funding. The goal is to increase the interest of underserved groups in the STEM field in history.

The $1,600 grant will help students understand NASA personnel, content, and facilities, and prepare them for coding, computing, design, discovery, and innovation.   

"STEM exposure is very important. For some children, these projects may inspire the next Jessica Watkins or John Glenn," said Mary Ellen Icassa, the library's executive director and chief executive officer. Said in a statement. "The mission of the library is to stimulate curiosity and cultivate knowledge by connecting everyone with resources, services, and opportunities."   

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The Stark Library will focus on three major things in 2022:

The library will focus on the areas near its DeHoff, Madge Youtz, and Sandy Valley branches, but all locations of the library will be able to use these materials.    

The grant was awarded by the National Interactive Learning Center of the Public Project Office of the American Library Association and the Institute of Space Science in cooperation with the Lunar and Planetary Institute and the Education Development Center.   

At the same time, funding from the American Rescue Program Act will help create a permanent Trail Tales story trail at the Perry Sippo Branch and Stark Parks Discovery Portal.

The grant is US$38,000, including in-kind donations from Stark Parks. New stories will be installed regularly.    

"Learning in nature creates an immersive learning experience by mobilizing all your senses. You are not only developing literacy skills, but also creating memories that last a lifetime," Icassa said. "This is a great way to encourage an active lifestyle, while at the same time fostering a lifelong appreciation of nature."

The library will collaborate with Stark Parks on the project.

"I am very pleased to continue to establish a long-term partnership with Stark Library, including sharing the first library and park facilities, namely the Discovery Gateway at Westport Lake Park," said Stark Park Director Bob Font Said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing our shared educational vision by establishing this trail with the library and sharing the outdoor reading experience for everyone in Stark County."   

The library and park system will work with the Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Cincinnati to provide Braille translation for permanent installations. In addition, a guide rope will connect these structures. The project was supported by the Federal Museum and Library Services Institute grant granted by the Ohio State Library.    

Both projects will start next year.

The Stark Library serves approximately 130,000 children aged 10 and under each year.