BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus Public Library announced the receipt of a generous grant from the John Q. Shunk Association, which was used to purchase 20 wheeled and adjustable chairs to improve the library’s Makerspace for its innovative LEVEL UP program.
The library developed LEVEL UP in partnership with the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, the Ohio Afterschool Network, and the Friends of the Bucyrus Public Library. The program encourages young adults to explore and prepare for future careers and/or college enrollment by providing hands-on experience with equipment and technology professionals use in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) fields. Participants have been able to learn and engage with tools such as Fusion 360, the Adobe Creative Suite, and Sphero robots.
Since its inception, LEVEL UP has seen remarkable success. As of July 31, 2024, 226 young adults have completed 1,833 activities and projects in the first nine months of LEVEL UP programming. In light of this success, Bucyrus Public Library has expanded the program into LEVEL UP Plus to include young adults and adult patrons, requiring increased resources and upgrades to the library’s Makerspace facilities. Adding new chairs, sponsored by the John Q. Shunk Association, provides flexibility and functionality for various activities.
“We’re very excited to partner with the John Q. Shunk Association. Through their generosity, the library is able to continue its expansion of our new LEVEL UP program and expand the resources the community has access to as well,” shared Youth Services Manager Kolter Kiess.
The LEVEL UP program is currently offered from 3:30-6:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. As part of the expansion, the library has begun hosting LEVEL UP Plus activities for young adults and adults on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 PM, with additional programs on the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 AM-1:30 PM. Due to a limited number of supplies, LEVEL UP Plus participants will need to register for guided activities, which will be held on Mondays.
For more information about the LEVEL UP program, please contact Kolter Kiess, Youth Services Manager, Bucyrus Public Library, at (419) 562-7327 ext 110 or visit bucyruslibrary.org/teens/levelup.