Cardholders with the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) can now see millions of stars up close, thanks to a Playground lending collection. People can take out one of 50 telescopes. The Mission Heritage Association donated seven.

FVRL had been looking for another engaging STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) experience to add to its Playground lending collections, notes Heather Scoular, Director of Customer Experience.

“Telescopes contribute to the whole STEAM learning concept, particularly in the areas of science and technology. Libraries are repositories of knowledge. They are a place where people come together to learn,” says Brian Antonson, President of the Mission Heritage Association.

As part of the launch celebrations, FVRL will be hosting an Astronomer Series at the Terry Fox Library on Apr. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Maple Ridge Public Library on May 10 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Customers can learn more about the universe from local expert Christa van Laerhoven.

Other STEAM experiences with FVRL’s Playground include a lending collection of Sphero SPRK+s (app-enabled robotic balls) and ukuleles. In-library experiences include virtual reality, green screens, Makey Makeys, and KEVA Planks.

 For more information, please visit  www.fvrl.ca.