The Barrie Public Library is proudly celebrating National Engineering Month by recognizing a longtime library supporter, Honda of Canada Mfg. (Honda).
Honda recently made a donation to the library for new STEAM-based learning tools at the Holly Community Library, which is set to open in late 2021.
“Being able to offer unique resources such as this supports the opportunity for self-discovery and lifelong learning,” says Katelyn Lees, Philanthropy and Resource Development Specialist at the Barrie Public Library. “We have a great history with Honda, through their ongoing participation in the annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival and support through their community investment program. “We want to take this opportunity during National Engineering Month to highlight them and the impact their funding support has made for the Library.”
Honda’s community investment program is based around four pillars: Family, Environment, Engineering and Education. The Library is the perfect fit for Honda, who are world-renowned for their engineering expertise and dedication to innovation.
“Looking back, I chose engineering because it was a practical set of skills that gave me a valuable perspective on the world,” explained Natalie Prole, Vehicle Quality Engineer at Honda of Canada Mfg. “Now that I’m through that experience and on the other side, engineering is a fantastic foundation that propels you to keep learning and be curious for the rest of your life.”
STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) as a gateway for critical thinking and problem solving. STEAM-based programs have become a well-known part of the Barrie Public Library’s resources through their current Tinker Lab at the Downtown branch and outreach programs.
If you are in a position to give, please consider joining Honda of Canada Mfg. in making a donation to Barrie Public Library’s Branching Out Fund, which supports library initiatives as they continue to grow and expand their reach throughout the community: barrielibrary.ca/donate.