• By Nicole Harterink
• Posted Monday, September 30, 2024

STREAMLab connects community to Library services, STEM programs, and more

There’s a new bookmobile in town, and it’s one of a kind. The Forsyth County Public Library’s STREAMLab Mobile Makerspace will be out and about with books, a makerspace, and more to expand the Library’s services throughout Forsyth County.

The STREAMLab is home to the Library’s world language collection and equipped with Chromebooks, gaming consoles, 3D laser printers, sewing/embroidery machines, and even a podcasting set.

“The STREAMLab’s tagline is ‘Making Ideas Happen,’ and we’re doing just that by bringing books, educational materials and technology to people who have limited accessibility to our physical Library locations,” said Shannon Page, outreach, diversity and inclusion senior manager. “Multiple Forsyth County departments, including Management Information Services, MapForsyth, and General Services had a hand in getting the STREAMLab to us. It’s the first bookmobile of its kind in the Triad. We’re thrilled it’s here, and we can’t wait to get it on the road.”

How the STREAMLab got here is a story that began in March 2022. Forsyth County received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and the Library applied for funds in the second application period to replace the Bibliobús, a 20-year-old bookmobile that provided materials and services to the county’s Spanish-speaking populations.

“The ARPA funds we received will allow Outreach Services to offer more inclusive Library services to more members of the community,” Page said. “The STREAMLab’s world language collection now includes native-language and bilingual materials in Greek, Korean, Punjabi, Mandarin, Spanish, and more.”

The STREAMLab will be making monthly trips to C.G. Hill Memorial Park, Horizons Park, Walkertown Community Park, and several affordable-housing communities throughout Forsyth County. Three Library branches - Rural Hall/Stanleyville, Southside, and Walkertown - will also host the STREAMLab each month. The STREAMLab’s upcoming programs range from photography, laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing, gaming, and more. The STREAMLab’s full schedule is available on the Library’s online calendar.