Transforming how local communities engage with creativity and STEAM in libraries

Author

@Ada Ren-Mitchell

Date

September 2, 2025

Category

Reflections

In May 2024, PLIX collaborated with Melissa Sprenne, of Richland Public Library Ballentine, S.C., to facilitate a Dungeons-and-Dragons-inspired professional development workshop for the Richland Public Library System, based on a shared passion in their system. Photo: Ada Ren-Mitchell

Public libraries are among the most trusted civic institutions around the globe, serving as hubs for lifelong learning, innovation, and community connection. The Public Library Innovation Exchange (PLIX), a program under the pK-12 Initiative at MIT Open Learning, combines the unique power of libraries with the innovative research taking place at the Institute.

A vibrant education program, PLIX brings together public library professionals and MIT researchers to co-design creative learning experiences and transform how local communities engage with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

These activities are not only educational — they’re playful, inclusive, hands-on, and easily adaptable for the communities they serve. Whether it’s building interactive light-up electronic cards with Paper Circuits, exploring local maps using local data research skills with Spatial Poetry, or crafting personally meaningful wearable data trackers with Data Gems, PLIX empowers educators and learners to become creators, designers, and scientists.

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