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It began with a donation of 750 books back in May 2020. While the world was shutting down due to Covid, the Brooklyn Book Bodega was just getting started on their mission to increase accessibility and ownership of books. Over the years, they've continued providing Kiddie Science, and thus our community, with access to thousands of books for age 12 and under. At first, we hosted book swaps in front gated area, which then grew to events on the public sidewalk. Ultimately, thanks to grants and the support of donors, we established a Little Free Library right outside the Lab which holds an assortment of free books. On any given day, you can find board books, early readers, picture books, young adult novels, popular titles, and much more! While joyous, maintaining our Library hasn't always been easy. Inclement weather once blew the doors right off, breaking one of them. With hundred of hands opening and closing the doors, the latch broke and has needed ongoing maintenance. The volume of books our Library holds ultimately caused sagging, which meant we did some creative troubleshooting to provide structural support. Our local community and ongoing support from the Brooklyn Book Bodega means our Library is always well stocked. We often enjoy overhearing the squeals of joy as a young reader finds the perfect books. Of course, the popularity of the Library means we're looking at making upgrades and replacements this spring to make it event better. We hope you can support the ongoing care and keeping of the Kiddie Science Lab Little Free Library with a tax deductible donation via Venmo, Paypal, or Zelle: @kiddiescience or [email protected] Our last newsletter wasn't filled with the best news, and we put the call out for support in helping make repairs and simple upgrades to the Lab. Although the physical Lab space hasn't been utilized for its original purpose in over a year, it's been used in an array of different ways that meet the diverse needs of the local community we proudly serve. In the time that we paused in-person programming we've hosted the local CSA and meat share programs, organized multiple community book swap events, held two plant sale fundraisers, hosted two helmet giveaway events, given away hundreds of mini science kits, and continued planting the seeds of science. As we prepare for in-person programming this summer, your support makes it possible for us to maintain the community hub known as the Kiddie Science Lab. We want to share some of what your support makes possible. While most of the repairs and upgrades aren't huge or glamorous, they're impactful in providing our young scientists with a space that promotes fun while exploring science. Your tax deductible donation makes amazing things possible! THANK YOU for your incredible support! As we grow and thrive with diverse programming, the Lab space was getting a bit worn around the edges and needed some love and attention. Budget constraints have limited us to temporary fixes and many DIY projects. So we put out the call for help, and you responded! Since launching the Love The Lab fundraiser, you have helped raise almost $6,000 toward needed repairs and upgrades. After addressing the radiators, we moved onto small patch-up jobs which included some furniture repair, before starting on a new project that slightly changes the layout of the space while increasing young scientists' access to living things. First we painted the walls, which have been well loved by our young scientists and our experiments. Next, the turtle was moved to a new location, and new filter parts were ordered and installed. The reading nook is also in a new location. We are currently in the process of establishing a living wall of plants, which our young scientists will assist in caring for. There's still several square feet of wall to paint, among other needs. A little bit of love makes a big difference! It's not too late to support our needs with a tax deductible donation.
We'd like to take a moment to say THANK YOU! Your support makes everything possible. As we work with more and more young scientists, the physical Lab space has experienced normal wear one would expect from hundreds of children each week. For some time now, our radiator and covers were experiencing challenges. Your donation to the Love The Lab fundraiser allowed us to address this problem and fix it. Here is what you've helped make possible- Over time, our radiator cover has become detached from the wall. This caused the radiator tube to become misaligned and make the initial problem worse. If you've been to the Lab, we're sure you've noticed the white tape holding some it in alignment. Recently, everything was taken apart, cleaned and realigned, new anchors placed, support pieces added, and some components were replaced. We still need your help to meet our goal! Our next goal is to upgrade our turtle, Spaghetti's, habitat. This will provide a more adequate living space for her while allowing our young scientists improved access to assist in her care. Thank you for your support!
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