In a small town of roughly 5,200, the Ruth Keeler Library not only serves as a resource center, it's also a cultural and social hub as well. The library offers numerous educational programs for children, including an all-encompassing program known as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). To keep STEAM rolling, Senator Terrence Murphy secured a $2,5000 grant to help support the program.
"Our society requires more than just an understanding of core classroom subjects - it requires application, creation, and ingenuity," said Senator Murphy. "Students are always learning, always growing, always experimenting. The STEAM program provides students with an avenue for professional and personal growth, and I'm proud to support it."
Library Director Carolyn Resnick said, "STEAM is one of our most popular programs for young people. Over a hundred children and their families participate. We have stations that focus on technology and science that are hands-on, and it's all free. We believe we shouldn't charge for programs, Wi-Fi or books. We raise money to meet our operating funds. Every contribution, including Senator Murphy's generous grant, is a huge plus. Our free programming wouldn't happen without this type of funding."
STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The program encourages students to take thoughtful risks, engage in experimental learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. The youthful participants in the STEAM program can be counted among the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century.
The Ruth Keeler Memorial Library is an educational and cultural center for the North Salem community, serving its residents from infants to senior citizens with print and multimedia resources as well as enriching programs. Founded in 1932 as the North Salem Free Library, it originally consisted of two rooms on the main floor of the Town House, with 1600 books contributed by the Universalist Church. In 1939, it moved to the North Salem Grade School. In 1952, the library was granted an absolute charter by the State of New York. In 1957, the library was moved back to the Town House where it remained until the current library building was constructed in 1980. A major expansion and renovation that doubled the library's size was completed in 2003. The library is now called Ruth Keeler Memorial Library in honor of one of its biggest benefactors.
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