The Bellingham Public Library has been awarded a $7500 federal grant under the LibraryServices & Technology Act. The grant program, called Shaking Up STEM!, is intended to provide members of the community, of all ages, the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

This grant is going to allow us to collaborate with the Weston Observatory in bringing an educational seismograph and other science and technology equipment/training to the library!

How does the program work?
For a four month period, beginning in January 2014, we will have a Boston College educational seismologist at the library one day a week to offer programming related to the seismograph and seismology. In addition to the seismograph and its accompanying computer, the library will be purchasing a 3D printer, tablet computers and other equipment to compliment programming and workshops on STEM topics. The programming will be geared toward four target audiences:

Public School Students -The 8th grade Earth Science classes will becoming to the library for class as part of their earthquake curriculum.

Homeschooled Students - The library has provided programming to a community of about 15 homeschooling families for the past 3 years. This will be a great addition to their current curriculum options.

Afterschool Student Programming - The library will offer programming for all age groups in the afterschool hours.

Adults - The library hopes to engage the entire community in participating in seismology related programs, through lectures and workshops.

You can read more about the Boston College Educational Seismology Project (BC-ESP) program here: http://www.bc.edu/content/bc/research/westonobservatory/educationlist.html

Why the library?
The Weston Observatory has educational seismographs in school classrooms too, but wants to expand the program to public libraries so that all members of the community can learn and participate in the programming. We will be the fourth library in the state to offer this unique programming to our community!

If you have any questions or would like further information about the grant programming, please contact Bernadette Rivard, the Library Director, at 508-966-1660 or brivard@bellinghamma.org for details.

How can you help?
Part of the grant requires the library to use some local funds to help support the equipment and activities of the grant. This is where you come in! We are asking for your help with supplemental funding to sponsor this unique program.

Sponsorships are available on three levels:

$1000 Gold

$500 Silver

$250 Bronze

All sponsors will have their names displayed on all promotional materials as well as on a plaque that will be permanently displayed in the library near the seismograph.

Please send donations, in any amount, to

The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library
100 Blackstone Street
Bellingham, Massachusetts 02019

Click here to print a donor form.

or click to donate securely online through PayPal: