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Wilton Library’s Innovation Station Wins Statewide Award

WILTON, Conn. -- Wilton Library's Innovation Station maker space has just received the Connecticut Library Association’s 2015 Award of Excellence in Public Library Service. 

Dawn LaValle, of the Connecticut State Library, presents the 2015 Excellence in Public Library Service award to Wilton Library’s Mary Anne Mendola Franco and Susan Lauricella. Not pictured is Thomas Kozak, webmaster/network services assistant.

Dawn LaValle, of the Connecticut State Library, presents the 2015 Excellence in Public Library Service award to Wilton Library’s Mary Anne Mendola Franco and Susan Lauricella. Not pictured is Thomas Kozak, webmaster/network services assistant.

Photo Credit: Contributed

This annual award honors a public library that has provided an outstanding program or service.

Dawn LaValle, director of library development at the Connecticut State Library, presented the association’s 2015 Excellence in Public Library Service award to Wilton Library’s Mary Anne Mendola Franco, assistant director, technology and training, and Susan Lauricella, head of teen services and maker space coordinator. 

The award was received at the CLA annual conference in Mystic on April 28. 

“The awards committee was very impressed not only by your … maker space but by the promotion in the community,” said Marjorie Ruschau, CLA regional representative. “We loved the creative, collaborative nature of this event. It provides an excellent model of an engaging community program.” 

Judging criteria included creativity and innovation, service to the community and leadership in creating model programs that will affect the future of the library and its community. 

Wilton Library’s Innovation Station maker space opened in June 2014 and promotes STEAM learning -- offering classes and one-one-one instruction geared toward science, technology, engineering, arts and math education. Since the opening of Innovation Station, the library has offered more than 500 programs and opportunities for STEAM learning. 

“In this dynamic economic environment, innovation helps ensure a prosperous future,” said Wilton Library executive director Elaine Tai-Lauria. 

“STEAM learning is a way to teach how all things relate to each other and prepares our community for success in school and in life. Our Innovation Station makes STEAM learning come alive, giving the community a hands-on opportunity to explore new technologies, equipment and avenues of inspiration,” said Tai-Lauria. “We are honored that CLA has recognized Wilton Library’s commitment to innovation.” 

Current class offerings in Innovation Station include introductory classes in 3-D printing, 3-D Tinkercad Design, die-cutting, soldering, electronic sewing, digital scanning as well as VHS-DVD conversion. In addition to small classes, one-on-one training and open work sessions are offered.

To schedule an appointment, email innovation@wiltonlibrary.org or visit www.wiltonlibrary.org

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