By: Scott McLendon

The Luverne Public Library is utilizing the STEAM program to combat the lull in education that occurs for children in the summer. STEAM programs focus on the fields of science, engineering, the arts and math. Through the format of art, STEAM programs aim to educate students in the aforementioned list.

“We generally have a good turnout for the summer program,” said Katherine Tomlin, librarian of the Luverne Public Library. “We’re Rotary sponsored and helped by friends of the library so it’s free for the kids.”

Each week the students will focus on a different STEAM subject. The summer program has its youngest program serving ages three to five which will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, June 13, 20 and 27. Ages six to eight will meet for their projects from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursdays from June 8 to July 6. Nine to 12-year-olds will have their meeting on Wednesdays at the same time interval from now until July 5.

Teenage students will also be offered the STEAM summer programs. Ages 13 through 18, or grades eighth through twelfth will meet on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The meetings will take place now through July 25.

Beginning in July, the Crazy 8 Math Club will hold meetings for nine to 12-year-olds. The eight-week program introduces children to the fun, recreational and everyday uses of math. The group will meet from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesdays in July. The group will continue meetings in August, but will commune on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The “Build a Better World” reading program will showcase entertaining educators for all ages. This Friday, June 9, LEW-E’s Laugh Factory will perform at 10 a.m. This and the following events are all free of charge for all ages. On Monday June 12, Rick Rakestraw and his Critters will be on display at 10 a.m.

Friday June 16 will bring the Hampstead Stage Company and their rendition of “Pinocchio” at 10 a.m. The final performance scheduled for this series is Doc Atoms, “Mad Science.” The scientist’s program will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday June 23.

All students in the age ranges mentions are welcome and invited to come to this summer-long event. Fostering creativity is one aim of this program.

The nation-wide effort to encourage growth in these areas actually began with a program titled STEM. This was the same set of subjects, but without its real-world application. The arts portion of STEAM brings the practical side of these crucial areas of productivity.

These fields have been identified as the most important for our young minds to grasp not only a conceptual knowledge of, but a practical one as well. The STEM project focused on less on the practical application of these fields than the STEAM does.

These summer programs are offered in tandem to the following programs in partnership with the Crenshaw County Cooperative Extension Office. Registration is required for these events as space is limited. The events remain free of charge despite the availability and are open to nine through 12-year-olds. A sports fishing program will take place over two Thursdays, June 22 and 29 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. They will meet at the County Lake on Thursday June 13 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Palette art classes will be given on Monday July 17 and Thursday 20 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. An etiquette class will take place on Tuesday July 25 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A compass and pacing class will meet on Thursday July 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Follow the Luverne Public Library on Facebook for updates on these summer programs.