Libraries Get Help for High-Tech Makerspaces with Kreutz Bennett Grants
Posted on March 31, 2020 by Christa Porter
Kreutz Bennett Donor-Advised Fund focuses on empowering libraries
Today’s libraries provide important services that go far beyond books. They are used for community gathering places, internet access, remote conferencing, public meetings, after-school programs, and increasingly, for wildly popular makerspaces for children and adults. Recently, the Kreutz-Bennett Donor-Advised Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, helped six small-town Nebraska libraries provide access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) activities by providing grants totaling $46,321. All grants required a one-to-one match in local funding.
Funds will be used to purchase STEAM-related equipment, software, supplies and improve facilities in the following libraries:
Bridgeport Public Library
This library requested funding to equip its permanent makerspace, which is a broad term that includes space and equipment that encourages different kinds of creativity. It can include many things ranging from embroidery machines to 3D printers and laser cutters. The Committee approved a grant of $8,000.
Kimball Public Library
This library is receiving a grant of $10,030 to create a new makerspace. The library hosted a Nebraska Library Commission mobile Innovation Studio this past year and is now planning to create its own space for encouraging creativity.
Great work!