Project Next Generation: Imagine, Innovate, Inspire

The Brimfield Public Library has been awarded a 2022 Project Next Generation (PNG) grant. Project Next Generation: Imagine, Innovate, Inspire strives to help young people ages 10-18 develop a wide range of technical skills, achieve success through project-based learning, explore possible career paths, and hone skills such as critical thinking and effective communication. This is Brimfield's 7th PNG grant.

As part of 2022 PNG: Imagine, Innovate, Inspire, students will create 3D designs, build and program robots, use virtual reality technology, design video games, explore the night sky during Astronomy Club meetings, and capture the world around them during Photography Club meetings. Check out the Kids and Teen Event pages or our Facebook page for information on upcoming workshops and club meetings. Workshops and clubs are free, but participants must register. 


Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Project Next Generation Events

Filmmaking Workshop (RR) (PNG)
Grades 4-12
Wednesday, March 20 5:00-6:30
Learn the behind the scenes magic of filmmaking each month in our popular filmmaking series! A cinematagrapher expert will explain a variety of video techniques as students write, direct, and produce a series of short films. Project Next Generation programs at the Brimfield Public Library are developed pursuant to a Library Services and Technology Act Grant administered by the Illinois State Library using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Photography and Videography

The Brimfield Public Library currently has six Canon Rebel T5i cameras and eight laptops equipped with Adobe Creative Suite, as well as a small photography studio setup in the Maker Lab available for students to use anytime the library is open. Students can attend workshops lead by area photographers and videographers to learn a wide range of skills related to creating and editing digital images and films.  Additionally, students can come to the library during after school and weekend hours and use the equipment and studio setup to refine their skills.

3D Design and Printing

The Brimfield Public Library has two LulzBot 3D printers, a wide variety of PLA and Ninjaflex filaments, and laptops equipped with free design software available for students to use during 3D design and printing workshops and library hours. Students can attend librarian led workshops to learn how to download pre-made 3D designs, create their own designs, and prepare the 3D printers for printing.  Additionally, students can check out laptops during library hours and work on their design skills independently.  3D printers can only be used under staff or mentor supervision.

Technology

With our equipment and software, you can make videos, 3D models, robots, game worlds, art, crafts, and more! Ask a librarian about how you can use the resources listed below to make your ideas reality.

Software and Apps

  • Cura
  • Garage Band
  • Green Screen
  • GS Wizard
  • iMovie
  • Mindstorms Education EV3
  • 8 Minecraft Accounts
  • Sphero EDU
  • Stop Motion

Hardware

  • 8 Macs/17 PCs
  • 8 iPads
  • Headphones
  • LulzBot Taz 6 3D Printer
  • LulzBot Mini 2 3D Printer
  • 12 3Doodler Start 3D Pens
  • 7 Canon Rebel T5i Cameras
  • 1 Canon XA30 Video Camera
  • Tripods
  • Lighting Kit
  • External Mic and Boom
  • Green Screen
  • 7 Ozobot Robots
  • 12 Sphero Robots
  • 2 Arduino Starter Kits
  • Silhouette Cutting Machine
  • 1" Button Press
  • 2.25" Button Press