Walk into Rolla Public Library on STEM program day, and you’ll find far more than books. You’ll find children building robots, experimenting with engineering, and discovering that tech is something they can explore. Thanks to Ally Hellweg’s vision, what started as a small program has grown into one of the library’s most beloved community offerings in Rolla, MO.
Ally received a grant from the RTF for Cubelets, modular blocks that connect via magnets to create robots. Once she received her new equipment, she kicked things off by inviting a local robotics team to teach the kids the basics of how robots work. Then they let the kids experiment on their own! That excitement carried into a series of STEM Nights filled with engineering challenges, squishy circuits, paper circuits, and creative building projects. Each program gave children another opportunity to ask questions, solve problems, and discover that technology is meant to be hands-on.
The response from families was immediate. What started as a small program quickly became popular, growing into a weekly feature of the Summer Reading Program. Today, each session features open-ended STEM stations with a guided activity, giving kids the freedom to explore while introducing them to new concepts.
Ally reflected on the summer programming, saying, “This summer expansion includes all of our popular station-based activities alongside a hands-on, led program. Some of our recent favorite projects have included building solar-powered nightlights, 3D model printing, making casts and fossils, creating dinosaur terrarium habitats, crafting paper circuit stories, building stone sundials, and exploring geology with a Karst topography model.”
One of the library’s greatest strengths is its commitment to making these experiences available to everyone. Programs are intentionally scheduled so children attending summer school, homeschool students, and kids enjoying their summer break can all participate together. Families have embraced the opportunity, and the library has continued to grow its audience by connecting programs, regularly sharing upcoming events online, and creating a community that returns week after week.
One meaningful impact is the accessibility these resources provide. The Cubelets have become a favorite among young patrons, offering an approachable introduction to robotics and coding. Ally remembers watching one young boy discover the basics of coding during a library program before excitedly testing his new skills on his own. Ally said, “We’ve had several parents express how grateful they are that the library purchased them, as they wouldn’t have had the personal funds to buy them at home, but their kids are incredibly passionate about using them.”
When asked for advice for librarians looking to integrate technology, Ally’s advice is simple: start by building a strong foundation and create activities that can be adapted for different ages and skill levels. Ally reflected, “I’d remind them that science is incredibly cool, and kids can grasp massive concepts through small, hands-on practice. For example, just the other day, we connected the big ideas of how electricity flows through Cubelets by having the kids create simple paper circuit cards using lights, batteries, and copper tape.”
Curiosity grows when kids are given the chance to build, experiment, and discover for themselves. Ally’s library programming is a wonderful example of how much of an impact technology education equipment can have in a community through accessible programming. We are so thrilled to be part of this project!
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