MENDOTA - LaSalle Public Library is joining LaSalle County 4-H to invite area youth to participate in 4-H’s STEAM kit program. This partnership will allow all area youth, ages 8–18, to receive monthly activities providing educational experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math. Illinois 4-H Innovation Grant Funds are making it possible to offer these kits to area communities at no cost.

LaSalle Public Library Youth Services Librarian, Donna Blomquist, who will oversee the project for the Library, enthusiastically supported this new partnership. “The LaSalle Public Library welcomes the opportunity to work with the LaSalle County University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development to further extend and expand our ongoing youth STEAM programming,” she said. “This free monthly program includes diverse and engaging, hands-on projects that will build science knowledge through memorable and entertaining project-based learning. Youth need not be LaSalle Public Library cardholders to participate in this unique and free program, and kids keep their kit materials as inspiration for future projects.”

Participants will sign up through the LaSalle Library to receive their free kits. A limited number of kits are available per month with the program running March through May. Kits will be picked up at the LaSalle Public Library during their regular business hours. To reserve a kit for this program or for more information, please call or stop by the LaSalle Public Library Youth Service Department during open hours.

4-H encourages participants to share photos of their experience to the LaSalle County 4-H Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LaSalleCounty4H.

Toni Pienta, LaSalle County 4-H youth development coordinator, said the STEAM Innovation program offers 4-H a way to connect with youth who may not be in 4-H. “We are excited to share the opportunities that 4-H can offer and hope any participating youth consider joining a 4-H club near them to expand their experience,” she added.