The Children's STEAM Learning Garden is now open at the Advanced Learning Library during regular business hours. The outdoor interactive playground is funded through the Wichita Public Library Foundation through generous donations from Spirit Aerosystems and Keith and Georgia Stevens.
Located in an enclosed space accessible from the Children's Pavilion, the Children's STEAM Learning Garden features interactive play stations that promote learning skills related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.
"The creation of this space celebrates the importance of play in children's development," said Jaime Prothro, Director of Libraries. "When at play, children learn about their world, acquire critical thinking skills, discover how to solve problems and develop self-confidence."
The garden features musical instruments and collaborative games that incorporates the five STEAM learning skills. There is a built-in outdoor storytime area with portable puppet show theater for literacy-based programs.
Large metal "paper" airplanes hang above the Learning Garden providing shade. Spirit Aerosystems painted these airplanes bright colors as an in-kind gift to the Library Foundation as well.
The Children's STEAM Learning Garden will be open during regular Library business hours and is only accessible from inside the Children's Pavilion.
