The STEAM Center is provided to augment the Needham Public Schools Elementary STEAM Curriculum, to assist children with self-directed learning through play and discovery, and to help prepare children for future technological advances in daily life, education, and employment. The Center focuses on computer coding, robotics, electricity, and engineering. Materials in the STEAM Center have been chosen with the purpose in mind that they are for use by children ages six and older.

Children ages six and older are able to use the STEAM Center independently; however, a supervising adult must remain in the Children’s Room. Children aged five may use the STEAM Room as long as a supervising adult is present and actively participating in the child’s safe use of materials. Materials in the STEAM Center are not intended for use by children ages four and under, as such use could pose a safety hazard to the child. Families with children of various ages may allow the school-aged children to use the STEAM Center independently, while an adult remains elsewhere in the Children’s Room with the younger children. Just as very young children have a preschool area in the library with toys and materials appropriate for their age, the STEAM Center provides a separate learning/play area with age-appropriate materials for schoolaged children. The STEAM Center is located inside the Children’s Craft Room. Materials designated by signage as STEAM materials are available for use when the room is open. Materials inside the closet, on the counter, and inside the cabinets are library supplies and are not available for public use. If there is an art or craft supply desired for a STEAM project that is not plainly available, please ask library staff. The Children’s Craft Room is available for use for art and craft activities during library storytimes, programs, and events. The room is not meant for independent or unsupervised preschool art and craft activity when it is open for use of the STEAM Center. Preschool board games are available at the Children’s Desk for in-library use, and a preschool play area is always available. All patrons using the STEAM Center are expected to clean up after themselves and return items to their original locations.

The STEAM Center is open most weekdays after school and on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours are subject to change. The STEAM Center will be unavailable:

• when the Craft Room or the Center’s materials are being used for a library program;
• when the Craft Room is being used for a tour or class visit;
• when the library or the Children’s Room is experiencing an unusually high volume of activity;
• during the half-hour before closing time; and when the library opens late or closes unexpectedly.

The STEAM Center may also be unavailable at the discretion of the Children’s Room staff.

Patrons will be asked to leave the STEAM Center:

• if they are loud, boisterous, or exhibit inappropriate behavior;
• if library supplies are taken from the closet, counter, or cabinets;
• if furniture, equipment, supplies, robots, or other materials are not being used in a careful
  and considerate manner;

Robots, iPads, and Chrome Books may be checked out at the Children’s Desk for use in the library. Robots may be used in the STEAM Center only. Chrome Books and iPads may be used inside the STEAM Center or the Children’s Room. Patrons must present a valid library card or ID in exchange for the use of the robots, iPads, or Chrome Books. The library card or ID will be returned when the robot, iPad, or Chrome Book is returned in good condition and working order to the Children’s Desk. Patrons will be charged the cost of the item for any damage.


Approved August 11, 2020