The Alabama Public Library Service is excited to participate in the NASA@ My Library, a nationwide science-technology initiative by the STAR Library Network (STAR Net) launched in 2018.

APLS will receive resources, training and support through NASA@ My Library, a STEM education initiative that will increase and enhance STEM learning 
opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underserved in STEM education.

For more information, click a topic below

Reservation and Borrowing Information

This project is open to all public libraries in Alabama. All other types of libraries (school, academic, special) may participate by coordinating with their local public library in offering events open to the general public. The project is designed to increase and enhance STEM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the state and especially aimed at geographical areas and populations currently underserved in STEM education. Shipping of kits is provided free of charge.

You can reserve a kit for your library to have for up to 2 weeks via the reservation form.

Once you receive a confirmation email, your library will be shown on the reservation calendar as having it reserved.

The calendar entry will include:

• The name of the borrowing library
• The city of the borrowing library
• The name and contact information for the person reserving the kit

Once a reservation is confirmed, program advertisement can begin in the borrowing library's community for those dates.  Official NAML promotional materials are available under the promotional materials tab of this page.

By reserving a kit my library agrees to:

1. Promote the event(s) in which the kit will be used
2. Fill out the survey (online or paper) about the event(s)
3. Complete the inventory checklist before returning the kit to APLS
4. Return kit on time so next library can receive in time for their event(s)

All activities in the kit have detailed instructions for program presenters.  (Keep in mind with the STEM kits, participants are encouraged to explore the activities and pondering/questioning is strongly encouraged.)

 

Instructional Videos

Activity Videos – videos for some of the kit activities:

Kit #1 Sun-Earth-Moon Connections

• Complete Facilitator Guide
• Modeling Meaningful Eclipses
• UV Kid!
• Sorting Games
• Jump to Jupiter
• Sunoculars
• NAML SLA STEM Kit 1 Sun Earth Moon Connections (video)

Kit #2 Be a NASA Detective – expanding your sense

• Complete Facilitator Guide
• Tabletop Reflector Telescope
• Planet Party
• Pocket solar system
• Loony lunar phases
• Art and the cosmic connection
• Investigating the insides
• AML SLA STEM Kit 2 Be a NASA Detective (video)"

 

Archived recordings, slides, and links for all STARnet webinars. If you have questions about training opportunities, contact the APLS Reference librarian at 334-213-3987 or reference@apls.state.al.us

Promotional Materials

Editable NASA@ My Library event flyer(download AND save before editing!)

Night Sky Network Flyer

NASA Solar System Ambassadors Flyer

Posters, infographics, fact sheets, and more!

Promotional Best Practices:

• Social media tag #nasaatmylibrary
• Library website
• E-newsletter
• E-publications sent to library staff and trustees with information about upcoming NASA@ My Library programming
• Announce participation at monthly board and membership meetings

Additional Resources

Tools & Resources:

• Night Sky Network Astronomy Clubs (NSN)
• NASA Solar System Ambassadors (SSA)
• NASA Apollo Moon Landing 50th Anniversary
• NASA Selfie app
• A Universe of Stories – Collaborative Summer Library Program

Program Ideas:

• STARnet STEM Activity Clearinghouse
• Printable 3D models from NASA
• STARnet YouTube channel – program instructional videos
• Spacehack.org – a directory of ways to participate in space science
• Invite your local Night Sky Network Astronomy Clubs (NSN) or NASA Solar System Ambassadors (SSA) to give a talk or help with a program