Bellevue Public Library: Adapting to the Digital Age

In March, Laura Mischke, head of Adult Services, Bellevue Public Library, Bellevue, Nebraska, and Connie Barnard, Adult Services librarian, Bellevue Public Library, both spent time with the chapter enlightening the assembly on the new focus of libraries. Mischke began by emphasizing how the library wants to build interest in the community by facilitating access to the variety of STEM tools they have at their disposal. She talked about early STEM exposure, using programs like Microscope Mondays and Pre-K STEAM to help build a foundational curiosity in children ages 3-5, which requires the integration of sensory play, building blocks and maker stations to encourage children to ask "why" and "how." Mischke elaborated on their digital resources, which take users beyond books by providing access to various online repositories like Peterson's Test Prep. A comprehensive online education resource that provides access to more than 185 practice tests like the SAT or GRE. She also touched on the Chilton Library, which provides certification prep lessons to assist automotive professionals with their certification; and Pronunciator, a comprehensive online language-learning platform and database offering personalized courses in over 300 languages. Mischke and Barnard discussed the libraries Makerspace component, a collaborative, hands-on workspace designed for innovation, offering tools for both analog and digital creation to foster adult learning and skill development. Barnard referred to it as a vital gateway to innovation for the community where it fosters creativity and technical skills by featuring 3D printers, laser cutters, sublimation printers and CNC routers. Ms. Mischke mentioned how the fabrication of items using their 3D printers has resulted in a cost savings; citing how a 3D-printed replacement pool bucket cost $30 and would have normally cost $6,600 to purchase. Mischke concluded by clarifying that the library is shifting from a repository of consumption to a launchpad for creation.

Event Photographs: