"It's not just about books at the library," said Jen Watson, assistant director and youth services coordinator, with the ELANCO Library, located at 11 Chestnut Drive, New Holland. Watson noted that items to aid all learning styles are available for children and adults at the library. Recently added "STEAM to Go" kits for a range of ages emphasize the importance of hands-on learning.

Five kits for children and three for adults are now available. The kits for adults were developed in partnership with Dementia Friendly Lancaster. "We were looking for items to support that group," said Anna D'Agostino, director of the ELANCO Library. "These are designed to offer activities and books to help keep the mind sharp," she said, pointing out that a variety of learning challenges are included. "There are conversation prompts to spark positive reminiscences and conversation between older and younger family members," she added. Adult-oriented kits include a Homemaker Kit including fashions from the '50s, sewing games, and other activities to spur hand-eye coordination and exercise motor skills. A Handyman Kit features Sears House Designs from the 1930s, and a Things That Fly kit focuses on birds and butterflies.

Kits for children have proven to be popular, according to the library staff members. A Learn to Measure Kit includes measuring cups, a tape measure, and weights to introduce concepts of length, volume, and fractional relationships. A Marvel Phonics Kit offers ways to practice writing and vowel sounds. A similar kit takes its theme from the popular Berenstain Bears and focuses on sight words and wipe-off phonics workbooks. A Sound, Music, and Band Kit is available to introduce the joys of music and encourage language development. A Police and Firefighter Play Kit was divided into two kits to make it available to more children.

D'Agostino noted that the effort to add kits to the library's offerings began in 2022 and that the increase in the number of kits was partially inspired by the large number of area homeschoolers who utilize the library. "We are hoping to add more," said D'Agostino, who noted that staff members hope to assemble a chemistry kit soon.

More information about the library is available at http://www.elancolibrary.org.