Grant assists Ritzville Library to provide science series

The Ritzville Public Library has recently received a Pushing the Limits grant, funded by the National Science Foundation, in the amount of $2,500. The grant was awarded to 75 small, rural libraries throughout the nation.

The $2,500 grant is used for the library staff members to put on a four-month long series of discussions based around books with a science theme. Each month, the participants will read one of the provided books and then have a discussion led by Ritzville Library Director Kylie Fullmer and a local STEM professional.

The purpose of the grant is to increase interest and awareness of scientific topics in adults living in rural areas. The hope is to engage rural adults in a fun, relaxed environment who might not typically engage in or have access to informal science education activities, and move them toward science literacy.

The project was inspired by President Barack Obama’s directive to expand broadband to rural communities and the idea that there should not be any disparity between urban and rural areas when it comes to science and technology.

The group is meeting to discuss the first book, “Arctic Drift” by Clive Cussler, on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Fullmer will be assisted by Thomas Pulliam to facilitate the discussion as the local STEM teacher, and the leaders also be showing some videos, including an author interview. One of Cussler’s popular Dirk Pitt novels, “Arctic Drift” deals with a potential breakthrough discovery to reverse global warming.

The other books in the series are: “When the Killing’s Done” by T.C. Boyle; “Clan of the Cave Bear” by Jean Auel; and “Thunderstruck” by Erik Larson. The group is meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month through April to discuss each book.

The library has 10 extra copies of the book available including an audiobook version, and eBook and downloadable audiobook versions are also available at http://anytime.lib.overdrive.com. The book discussions are free and open to the public, and individuals are not required to have a library card to attend.

Anyone who is interested in being a science partner to help facilitate the other three discussions can contact Fullmer at the library. For more information, contact Fullmer at 659-1222 or by email at [email protected].

The Ritzville Public Library is located at 302 West Main Avenue.