The Long Beach Public Library, in partnership with the non-profit organization Dramatic Results, is offering the 2025 SEED Creativity Lab, a series of free workshops tailored to project-based learning for 7th and 8th graders. The program is designed to ignite a passion for creativity and innovation in middle school students by integrating arts with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—collectively known as STEAM. As announced by the City of Long Beach, the workshops will take place on Saturdays starting Feb. 1 through April 12, 2025, with a break on Feb. 15.
"Programs like SEED Creativity Lab embody our commitment to nurturing innovation and empowering youth to reach their full potential," Mayor Rex Richardson was quoted in the announcement, underscoring the city's dedication to forging pathways for student development in a dynamic and interconnected world. This educational initiative is set to unfold across five library branches in Long Beach, including the Billie Jean King Main Library, the Burnett, and Bret Harte Neighborhood Libraries, the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, and the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, illustrating the city's focus on accessibility and community enrichment.
Each of the SEED Creativity Lab sessions will explore various artistic disciplines like photography, digital arts, and architectural design, blending these creative practices with the analytical rigor of scientific inquiry. Guided by pre-service teachers from California State University, Long Beach, alongside other local educators and library staff, students will employ the design thinking process to craft artwork, collaborate, and enhance their problem-solving abilities. Cathy De Leon, LBPL's Library Director, voiced the sentiment, saying, "Libraries are more than books; they're spaces where young minds come alive through exploration and creativity," as stated by the City of Long Beach.
Parents interested in enrolling their children can register on the SEED program's webpage or directly at any participating LBPL location. Notably, registration will stay open until the capacity is reached, offering ample opportunity for families to secure a spot in the program.
