RICHMOND COUNTY — Richmond County Libraries recently announced the launch of STEAMfest, a hands-on educational initiative designed to increase student interest and achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM).
Supported by funding from the Amazon Richmond County North Carolina Fund and ChangeX, STEAMfest will run from October 2025 through April 2026 and target elementary, middle and high school students across the county. The program kicks off on October 31 with an interactive launch event where students will rotate through five engaging stations:
• Science – Dusting for fingerprints
• Technology – Programming robots with block coding
• Engineering – Exploring the engineering concepts behind a Rube Goldberg machine.
• Art – Exploring sound and pitch with a water xylophone
• Math – Discovering the mathematics of popcorn
The Kick-off concludes with a zombie-themed escape room challenge, encouraging collaboration and real-world application of STEAM skills. Participants who complete the escape room will receive a prize and be registered to win a $50.00 grand prize. The Grand Prize winner will be notified during the week following the event. Registration is recommended for this event since space is limited. Each participant will receive a STEAM passport to track participation throughout the next six months.. Those who attend all five workshops will earn a prize, creating a fun incentive for continued learning. Over the next six months, participants will dive deeper into each STEAM discipline through themed monthly workshops:
• December – Science: Forensics, bubble chemistry, and electricity
• January– Technology: LEGO robotics and Scratch coding
• February – Engineering: Structural design and team building challenges
• March – Art: Water xylophones, stringed instruments, and conductive paint projects
• April – Math: Survival-based problem solving with solar ovens, filtration systems, and catapults
Workshops will rotate among the Hamlet, Ellerbe, and Leath library branches, ensuring access for families across Richmond County. Participation in the initial kick-off event is not required to participate in the monthly workshops.
Project Goals:
• Increase student engagement and confidence in STEAM through hands-on, inquiry-based learning
• Provide equitable access to high-quality STEAM experiences
• Foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Encourage long-term interest in STEAM careers and pathways
The library is the perfect place to nurture curiosity, creativity, and innovation. By bringing STEAM learning to our community, we’re not only sparking imagination, but also preparing the next generation of inventors, engineers, artists, and scientists.”
About STEAMfest
STEAMfest is a community-driven initiative hosted by Richmond County Libraries and funded by the Amazon Richmond County North Carolina Fund with support from ChangeX. The program offers students hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math in fun, engaging, and meaningful ways.
For more information or to register for events, please contact:
Leath Memorial Library: (910)-895-6337
Hamlet Public Library: (910)582-3477
Kemp Sugg Memorial Library: (910)652-6130