Perkins County Elementary adds makerspace to its library

By Shari Friedel

The Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Perkins County Elementary School has a new addition to the library that will enhance student learning and creativity.

Erica Turner, head librarian at Perkins County Schools, applied for and was awarded a $500 grant through the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, that was matched by the Perkins County Community Foundation, for the installation of a makerspace in the elementary library.

Makerspaces are defined as communal public workshops in which makers can work on small personal projects. In a school setting, makerspace areas house innovative equipment that fosters exploration and creative thinking such as building, drawing and playing with magnets.

“I think the opportunities with a makerspace are endless and will provide the students with open-ended learning,” Turner said. “It will also be a place for students who need to decompress from the classroom setting while also engaging in something positive and productive.”

The students at the elementary who tried out the library’s new addition were very enthusiastic about it.

“They couldn’t wait to get started on a project and were engaged the whole 30 minutes,” said  Turner. “Now they ask me every time they come to the library if they get to do it.”

Second grader Jayven Goff said, “It’s fun and something I want to do every time I’m in the library.”

Some of the items purchased are Keva Planks, Tracing Light Board, 3Doodler Start, Coding Critters, Magnatiles, Legos, Straw Connector and a Circuit Board.

The project is funded by a grant from the John Russell Applegate Fund, and administered by Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation.