A day of fun and excitement marked the launch of a new collection of STEM books for children in one of the Suffolk libraries. 

Woodbridge Library will now have in its selection 50 books for 8–10-year-olds that cover the subjects of science, technology engineering and maths. 

The library hosted the free library science fun day that included Lego building challenge with prizes, marshmallow 3D shape-building, display and experiments by ‘It's all Rocket Science’, as well as mega blok mayhem. 

The STEM books have been funded by Brafe Engineering, which has its head office in Woodbridge. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Paul Howarth, the director of audiences & content at Suffolk Libraries, Adam Dalby, managing director of Brafe Engineering, Helen Scrivener, executive library manager and children who took part in the launchPaul Howarth, the director of audiences & content at Suffolk Libraries, Adam Dalby, managing director of Brafe Engineering, Helen Scrivener, executive library manager and children who took part in the launch (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Adam Dalby, the managing director at Brafe Engineering, said: “We are delighted to partner with Suffolk Libraries to support 50 STEM books at Woodbridge Library.  

“This partnership will also see a pop-up library at Brafe, which all our staff will have access to and which will be refreshed regularly.  

“Encouraging STEM subjects in our community is extremely important to us and our company values.” 

The new book collection will be initially based at Woodbridge Library, but will eventually be available for children from across Suffolk to borrow.   

East Anglian Daily Times: Science Fun Day at Woodbridge Library Science Fun Day at Woodbridge Library (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Bruce Leeke, chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We’re very grateful to Brafe Engineering for their amazing gift.  

“Suffolk Libraries is always looking to engage and inspire children and this new collection will be enjoyed by many children in Woodbridge and beyond who are keen to explore STEM subjects.  

“It’s always fantastic to work with a local business who are keen to support their community.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: Science Fun Day at Woodbridge Library Science Fun Day at Woodbridge Library (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

The books follow a summer of science across Suffolk Libraries with the annual summer reading challenge having the theme of Gadgeteers, which has celebrated the themes of science and innovation. 

Children keen to discover more science-related books can find lists of books put together for this year’s summer reading challenge on the Suffolk Libraries website.