ASHLAND — Microscopes, virtual reality glasses and “Coding Critters” sat on tables in Ashland Public Library’s refurbished room, dubbed “The Studio.”
The Studio took the place of the library’s old storytelling room, director Charlene Tolbert told a crowd gathered for a ribbon cutting Friday afternoon.
It came about thanks to a desire to incorporate more STEAM elements into the library’s programming, Tolbert said.
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. According to a library fact sheet about the space, STEAM learning “focuses on experimental learning, problem-solving, teamwork, and the creative process.”
The scientific equipment in the room will be used in future library programs. The new space also features a play area for children.
Lindsay Brandon-Smith, in charge of community engagement for the library, said the library will also host open labs. Those will start in the summer. During that time, children can use the equipment freely. It won’t be available for check out.
Building “The Studio”
Refurbishing the room was possible thanks to a $60,000 grant the library received from the Ohio Department of Education.
The grant program, called Libraries Accelerating Learning, came about after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The goal of the Libraries Accelerating Learning program was to help address learning loss and to accelerate learning, according to a request for applications from the Department of Education.
Ohio’s Department of Education stated it would award up to $5 million as part of the grant program.
Tolbert, who began her position as the library’s director five months ago, said The Studio project was in progress for about two years. Brandon-Smith added it’s been a team effort.
Opening up
At Friday’s ribbon cutting — hosted by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce — library board members, Ashland mayor Matt Miller, Rep. Melanie Miller and a representative from Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office all spoke.
Their comments focused mainly on the library’s service to the community.
“The library is not the library you grew up with, where you got books and maybe a DVD on a good day,” said Sandra Tunnell, the president of the library board of trustees.
Instead, she said, the Ashland Public Library works to meet the needs of Ashland. Those needs go beyond books, and The Studio helps with the goal of meeting them.
