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Sikeston Public Library’s STEAM room reopens
SIKESTON — For parents seeking an engaging activity for their children during the Christmas break, the Sikeston Public Library has the perfect solution.
Throughout the holiday season, the library will once again offer its exciting STEAM playroom, designed for children from prekindergarten to elementary school.
The McAmis Community Room at the library reopened its doors on Monday, Dec. 16.
This year, according to Lisa Munger, children’s librarian at the Sikeston Public Library, the theme is “Under Construction.”
“We will have all kinds of things to build with, like train tracks, castle blocks, LEGO, marble racers and even some soft spongy blocks for infants and toddlers,” Munger said. “I try to provide materials that cover a wide range of ages.”
Munger said the room will be open until after Jan. 4, 2025, during regular library hours.
“Any time the library is open, this room will be open,” Munger said.
The library will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
“STEM is an abbreviation for science/technology/engineering/math and when you add the A to make STEAM, the A is for art,” Munger said. “It’s a very open-ended concept to encourage kids to use different materials to build, create, problem solve, etc.”
According to Munger, the purpose of the STEAM room is not only for children to have fun, but also to help them problem solve, apply their knowledge in real-world situations and develop critical thinking skills.
“STEAM is just a way to have fun and also help prepare students for success in future careers beyond traditional science fields,” Munger said. “My personal goal with the STEAM room is to encourage those things as well but do so in a way that kids don’t realize they’re learning.”
According to Munger, the STEAM room is unique because it is not available all year.
“The kids and even the parents have something to look forward to,” Munger said.
Munger also talked about how the STEAM room is also just overall helpful during the Christmas break.
“The room just provides a change of scenery while kids are on their break,” Munger said. “Parents can bring their kids when they get bored and provide something different to play with and do. Visitors to the room do not need a library card and don’t have to live in the district.”
Munger said families who have out-of-town guests can also come to the library to read and play in the STEAM room as well.
Munger said they just ask patrons to sign in at the table at the entrance to the room and that a parent or adult must accompany a child at all times.