Hackster and element14 launched the Little Free STEM Library Design Challenge, which encourages their communities of builders, designers and engineers to host, build or upgrade their own local library. The challenge has a goal of 3 million members who promote the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in their neighborhoods with a Little Free Library project.
A Little Free Library is a small, community-run library that is typically a wooden box filled with books, located in a public place such as a park, community center or neighborhood. Books are free and maintained by volunteers. Engineers are encouraged to build, host or upgrade a library with engineering and technology in mind, using a hardware or software application of their choice.
Participants are encouraged to blog about their projects on either the element14 community or Hackster websites so other members of the online communities can learn from their experience and spread their creativity.
“Little Free Libraries are an important way to share a love of books and reading with local communities but have generally not been STEM-focused,” said Dianne Kibbey, global head of community and social media for the element14 community. “With this design challenge, we’re encouraging our members to have their local book exchange locations also reflect the importance of STEM education and highlight the important balance of encouraging both a love of reading and an excitement for creating something new using STEM skills.”
Potential projects could include:
• creating a way for a song to play every time the door opens to a Little Free Library
• building a solar lighting system to illuminate a Little Free Library at night
• securing a touchscreen to a Little Free Library that requires individuals to answer fun questions or riddles before accessing the books.
"With the Little Free STEM Library Design Challenge, we're excited to create an opportunity for global innovators to reimagine the Little Free Library as a captivating center of STEM resources,” said Jessica Tangeman, CEO of Hackster. “Hackster hopes to empower exploration into STEM education by inviting developers to over-engineer a traditional literary access point into a fun, approachable representation of engineering in their local community. Collectively, let's ignite a passion for learning and showcase the incredible creativity that lies at the intersection of literature and STEM education."
The top five participants, groups or community spaces with the most innovative Little Free Libraries will each receive 20 micro:bits and Maker Shed books. The winners will also receive a $100 Rybbon gift card.
The Little Free STEM Library Design Challenge is open now through September 15. Winners will be announced in September 2023.
