GRANT #4: BEYOND THE BUBBLER

Baview Community Center youth learn with a maker kit, supported by a 75th Anniversary grant from Madison Community Foundation.

Beyond the Bubbler is a major initiative to provide unique learning experiences for youth who attend neighborhood and community centers throughout Dane County. 

Supported by a $55,000 grant from Madison Community Foundation, Beyond the Bubbler expands Madison Public Library’s unique makerspace program, The Bubbler, to 13 area community centers. One of the Bubbler’s signature program offerings are maker kits and experiences that allow participants to create objects using a variety of different materials—from arts to electronics. The Bubbler staff are working with youth and instructors at each community center to learn about the maker kits and choose what materials and projects they would like to adopt. The maker kits will live permanently at the community centers. In addition to maker kits, the grant supports professional development and training resources, as well as connections and funds to hire guest artists to lead maker programs. 

 “We are incredibly grateful to Madison Community Foundation. Their support makes it possible for neighborhood centers and more children to participate in our maker kit and experiences program,” said Rebecca Millerjohn, Youth Services Director, Madison Public Library Sequoya Branch. “The Beyond the Bubbler grant will greatly expand our outreach and provide wonderful learning opportunities for children throughout Dane County.”

The Beyond the Bubbler grant will fund maker kit education and learning experiences at 13 community centers across Dane County.

“Madison Community Foundation’s Beyond the Bubbler expands our magnificent public library offerings to a wider, more diverse audience while building on STEM and other educational programs also funded by MCF at local community centers,” said Madison Community Foundation president Bob Sorge. “Makerspace activities encourage creativity, build confidence, and help prepare our youth for Madison’s burgeoning entrepreneurial economy.”

Alexis London, Executive Director for Bayview, said her team is very excited about the opportunities the grant will provide for children who participate in classes at the center. “We have been so impressed with The Bubbler program at Madison Public Library. With this Beyond the Bubbler grant, we will be able to help many more children in our community learn in new and interesting ways. We’re also excited about the training opportunities this grant provides and can’t wait to see this program come to life.”

Follow the exciting progress of Beyond the Bubbler here. 

About the Madison Bubbler: The Bubbler is a maker-focused program for all ages that stretches across the Madison Public Library system including nine libraries and various outreach locations. The Bubbler includes activities, demonstrations, and make-and-take workshops. Programs feature area experts in art, design, and technology.