Robotics at the Library

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

In 2016, the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) created robotics kits to provide our customers access to new technology with a variety of state-of-the-art robots and apps. Each robotics kit was specifically created for participants of a certain age range and was stocked with age-appropriate robots, apps, and software to enhance the experience. Staff members from any of the MCLD library branches are able to check out these kits from our administrative office to use in programs meant for pre-readers (ages 0-4), kids (ages 5-11), or teens (ages 12-17). Participants are provided access to high tech devices that they might otherwise not have any knowledge of, or access to, in their daily lives. The intended outcome for programs using our robotics kits is to spark interest and excitement about robotics, science, and technology. Ultimately, we hope that kids and adults will become interested in robotics during a program and then attend other sessions, checkout tech books, and possibly pursue education or vocations in technology. We want to inspire curiosity and a love of learning! Our library branches have received excellent feedback regarding the usage of these robotics kits and we have received requests to purchase more kits so staff can schedule additional programs. Moreover, the kits are not just for kids but for adults as well. Adults have also been enjoying the robots and we had excellent feedback during outreach events from Maricopa County employees as well as from parents that have stopped in during the kids’ robotics events.