STAR Library Network

The STAR Library Network or STAR Net (https://www.starnetlibraries.org) says of itself that it “is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country. STAR Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing ‘science-technology activities and resources’ (STAR) and training to use those resources.”

STAR Net has impressive collaborator names associated with it, including the Space Science Institute’s (SSI) National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL), the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

On August 21, 2017, when a nearly total solar eclipse was so spectacularly visible in Western Pennsylvania, safe solar eclipse viewing glasses were passed out for patron use by public Libraries of the Westmoreland Library Network. The emphasis here is on safe for use without fear of damaging the eyes. It was STAR Net that distributed those glasses freely to public Libraries throughout the nation, backed by several collaborators.

It was also STAR Net that led the first ever “Public Libraries and STEM Conference” in 2015 in Denver, Co, at which then Murrysville Community Library Director Jamie Falo introduced by poster presentation what thereafter became known as Storytime STEM-packs™. As written about many times in this column, STEM-packs is both a professional developmental program for Library staff and a kit product of the Allegheny Intermediate Union’s Math & Science Collaborative. STEM-packs kits are sold nationally now.

Currently, STAR Net is offering both an honorarium (grant) and materials to Libraries for a program called FLIGHT PATH, in this instance limited to 200 grantees nationally. It is “the first campaign in the ‘Spark of Science@ My Library’ initiative that focuses on the science of birds and bird migration. With more than one billion birds killed by window strikes each year in the United States alone, FLIGHT PATH taps into the popularity of bird watching and provides local communities with fun activities to get to know their local birds and promote bird health and safety.” And there are known remedies to the window strike problem, which perhaps only need to be given more public notice.

Locally, both Greensburg Hempfield Area Library (GHAL) and Delmont Public Library (DPL) have applied and are awaiting decisions. Among the special interests of STAR Net in this instance is that the successful applicant must actively engage patrons with special needs. GHAL is intending to program for the general public of adults and teens, but also for populations of neurodiverse persons and troubled teens. DPL is including participation from neurodiverse children.

If and when the program is granted to GHAL and/or DPL by STAR Net, there will be more to tell you. But, in any case, the key third-party program provider that has been engaged by both as a partner has already exuberantly offered to provide programs whether or not STAR Net becomes a sponsor. That is an example of just how the grant-seeking process works at its best. Whether or not successful in getting the grant itself, the potential partners become so enthusiastic that they find a way to do the programming in any event. Whatever the grantor decision, you, the patron, will get to participate in something special therefore. So stay tuned.