INSIGHT ‘‘ B
Libraries are becoming increasingly vital spaces for hands-on STEM learning.
Libraries have long been pillars of knowledge, but today, they are evolving into vibrant spaces for hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Public and school libraries are embracing innovative programmes such as coding workshops, robotics clubs, and maker spaces, sparking curiosity and developing essential skills for today’s rapidly advancing world.
Y providing free access to cutting-edge technology and interactive learning opportunities, libraries are helping both students
and lifelong learners thrive. As STEM subjects become more crucial in today’s economy, libraries are transforming into hubs of creativity, critical thinking, and discovery. As a tech enthusiast, I recently attended
CILIP’s Rewired library technology conference at CodeNode in London. This event provided a chance to participate in two hands-on workshops: one hosted by Camden Libraries on Lego Robotics, and the other by Hertfordshire Libraries, focused on the Makespace Experience. These workshops offered valuable insights into how school libraries could build their own STEM clubs, inspired by successful initiatives already in place at public libraries.
Workshops
In the Lego Robotics workshop, we explored the Lego Education (2025a) SPIKE Essential, a STEM tool designed for primary school students. The kit includes programmable Lego bricks, sensors, and motors to teach coding, engineering, and problem-solving. Through interactive challenges and storytelling, it fosters creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. I had the chance to create a motorised Lego swing by following visual instructions on a tablet. These instructions guided us through building the swing, and then we created coding sequences to control the swing’s motor, adjusting its movement and speed. Lego Education (2025b) offers a variety of kits for primary and secondary school students, and also runs interactive STEM competitions like the First Lego Leagues. The Makerspace Experience workshop offered hands-on exposure to other innovative STEM toys. One highlight was the demonstration of Mini-drones, compact, lightweight drones safe for indoor use. These drones present opportunities for coding and aerial
Spring 2025
exploration. With features such as obstacle avoidance and programmable flight paths, children can code their own routes using a tablet app, introducing them to technology and coding principles in an engaging way.
We also explored Ozobots (2025), small programmable robots that teach coding and STEM concepts. Ozobots follow colour-coded lines or patterns drawn on paper or digital screens, responding to commands in real time. This simple yet effective approach helps young learners grasp coding and problem-solving in a fun, hands-on way.
For younger children, Cubetto (Primo Toys, 2025) is a screen-free toy designed to teach programming through tactile play. Aimed at children aged three to six, Cubetto uses a wooden robot and colourful coding blocks. Each block represents a command, such as moving forward or turning. Children arrange these blocks on a control board to programme the robot’s movements across a map or obstacle course, fostering critical thinking and spatial awareness without the need for a screen.
Concepts
Additionally, we explored GraviTrax (Ravensburger, 2025), an interactive marble-run-style building system that introduces STEM concepts. Using various tracks, obstacles, and accessories, users can design their own marble runs while experimenting with gravity, momentum, and acceleration. GraviTrax
Gareth Evans is a CILIPSchool Libraries Group Web & Social Media Officer, School Librarian, and CILIP 125 Recipient. (
info.slg@
cilip.org.uk)
encourages creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills, making physics principles accessible to all ages. Finally, we experienced the Intelino (2025) Smart Train, an educational toy designed to teach programming and STEM concepts. The interactive train set can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet app, allowing children to programme its movements. By creating custom sequences or choosing pre- programmed actions, children learn sequencing, logic, and problem-solving. The train’s sensors allow it to interact with the track, offering an engaging introduction to coding and robotics. Libraries are becoming increasingly vital spaces for hands-on STEM learning. With tools such as Lego Education SPIKE, Ozobots, Cubetto, and others, libraries offer interactive experiences that foster creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These technologies empower children and learners of all ages to explore coding, robotics, and engineering in a dynamic and enjoyable way.
As STEM education evolves, libraries are helping to prepare future generations with the skills needed to thrive in a technology- driven world. By embracing these advancements, libraries are cementing their role as community hubs for creativity, education, and discovery. IP
References
Intelino. (2025). Intelino Smart Train: Educational toy for coding and STEM learning. Available at:
https://intelino.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqKNqmUjU8YwLSDWY Q0GwPvYv0on637WS4PJWj-mCsoDgcQ04WL [Accessed 6 January 2025].
Lego Education. (2025a). LEGO Education SPIKE Essential Set. Available at:
https://education.lego.com/ en-gb/products/lego-education-spike-essential-set/45345/ [Accessed 6 January 2025].
LEGO Education. (2025b). Competitions. Available at:
https://education.lego.com/en-gb/competitions/ [Accessed 6 January 2025].
Ozobot. (2025). Ozobot: Small robots, big learning. Available at:
https://ozobot.com/ [Accessed 6 January 2025].
Primo Toys. (2025). Primo Toys: Cubetto – Screen- free coding for kids. Available at: https://www.
primotoys.com/ [Accessed 6 January 2025].
Ravensburger. (2025). GraviTrax: The interactive marble run. Available at:
https://www.ravensburger.co.uk/ en-GB/products/gravitrax [Accessed 6 January 2025].
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