Kingsville Library showcases new technology - The Star Beacon

KINGSVILLE TOWNSHIP — Curiosity was stretched on Saturday afternoon as area residents got their first look at the new technology available at the Kingsville Public Library.

A $6,900 grant from the Ashtabula Foundation was used to purchase a variety of equipment that blends creativity and merging technology, said KPL Branch Manager Marianne Branch.

Becky Spencer, youth services coordinator at the library, said the Saturday event was an introduction of the new equipment to those who use the library. She said the equipment will be at the library permanently.

KPL Technology Trainer Michelle Arcaro, said five technology stations were available for the young and the young at heart. She said there were also other stations that involved science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics as well.

Arcaro said one of the stations involved “augmented reality” and “virtual reality”. She said the “augmented reality” brings what you create to life and  virtual reality puts you into a “real” setting, Arcaro said.

Another station involved the chance for children to direct computers to perform specific acts on it’s screens. “You are using an iPad and kids are able to code it without using the “hard” code,” she said.

Little robots were the focus of another station that also taught children to code and a 3D printer was on display at the event. “We also have a 3D “doodle pen”,” she said.

Small LEGO-like toys were also available to help children understanding lighting and electrical circuits, he said.

“This is for all ages,” Arcaro said. She said she will be teaching classes in the summer using the new equipment.

Dave Kray spent time working with his daughter Lizzie, 9, and son Luke, 7. “This is really neat because we have one of those (3D printer) at work,” he said pointing to the new technology that was in full swing.

“It is amazing. It is an opportunity we have been waiting for,” Branch said.

“I had a lot of fun trying to figure things out,” said Amber Cleveland, a part-time employee from the library who helped teach children how to use the equipment.

Meanwhile Isabella Arcaro, 13, spent hours helping children make slime. She said the children mixed corn starch, shaving cream, lotion and glue and came up with sticky Gloop.

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