60 libraries selected as NASA@ My Library Partners

For Immediate Release
Mon, 09/13/2021

Contact:

Hannah Arata

Communications Associate

Public Programs Office

American Library Association

harata@ala.org

CHICAGO – The Space Science Institute's National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL/SSI), the American Library Association (ALA), Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and Education Development Center (EDC) are pleased to announce 60 libraries selected to be NASA@ My Library Partners.

Through NASA@ My Library, selected libraries will receive resources, training and support to increase and enhance STEAM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underserved in STEAM education. Thirty two states are represented.

The libraries, selected through a competitive application process, will host NASA events and programming, have access to a university subject matter expert (SME) to support patron engagement, and receive $1,600 for programming expenses. View the list of selected sites.

NASA@ My Library is made possible through the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate as part of its Science Activation program.

In 2021-2022, NASA@ My Library partners will:

  • Develop public library staff capacity for delivering Earth and space science programming, services and outreach to learners of diverse racial/ethnic identities
  • Increase public library patron access to exciting NASA science-focused learning opportunities
  • Increase public library staff confidence and skills in utilizing NASA science resources for high-visibility Earth and space science events
  • Support library staff in promoting patron awareness of skills, educational pathways and careers relating to Earth and space science

Participating libraries will host programming around three NASA events, including the launch of NASA’s newest next-generation telescope in fall 2021.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

About the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute

The Space Science Institute (SSI) is a research and education 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a vision to expand humankind's understanding and appreciation of planet Earth, our Solar System, and the universe beyond. SSI's mission is to (a) enable scientists to make new discoveries, (b) increase science and technology literacy for people of all ages and backgrounds, and (c) inspire youth to pursue science-technology education and career opportunities. It is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with locations distributed across the U.S. and internationally.

SSI’s National Center for Interactive Learning is dedicated to expanding the understanding and participation of families, youth, educators, and citizens in science and technology through learning research and innovative programs. NCIL is a national leader in developing STEAM activities and exhibitions for public libraries and their collaborators, as well as digital games and apps. For more information about the NCIL, visit http://ncil.spacescience.org.

 

This material is based upon work supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under cooperative agreement No. NNX16AE30A. This work was also assisted and supported by the Space Science Institute, which was the recipient of the cooperative agreement. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASA or the Space Science Institute.