WAUSA – The Lied Lincoln Township Library in Wausa recently was one of several libraries across the state to receive a 2024 Youth Grant for Excellence.
The Nebraska Library Commission awarded $37,495 in grants. Of the grants awarded to 39 libraries across the state, several addressed the need for educational programs, summer reading programming and materials like Lego, STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and math – and other activities to encourage creativity in young people.
According to the commission, the Lied Lincoln Township Library received a grant of $450. The state library agency requires a 25 percent match from local sources – the library budget or another source.
The Lied Lincoln Township Library’s project is titled “Growing Minds.”
The plan is to nurture “STEM Exploration and Imaginative Play on the Farm,” and have STEAM activities – Snap Circuits and an Oculus headset for virtual reality – and sensory-rich experiences – farm toys and sensory bins – available as well as role-playing using props.
Youth Grants for Excellence are made available by the commission with funding from the state of Nebraska.
These grants are awarded once a year to public libraries that apply. They are competitive grants as the commission usually receives requests for more state funds than it has available.
