Kings Bay Library took top honors in the BKLYN Library Robotics League championship — for the second year in a row — besting 14 teams from libraries around the borough. Second and third places went to Washington Irving and Cortelyou Libraries, respectively. All three teams will go on to compete in a citywide championship later this year.
“Libraries are no longer simply quiet spaces to read, which was evident at this weekend’s loud and competitive BKLYN Robotics League championship. Young patrons showcased their robots and their new skills, from coding to problem solving and collaboration,” said Linda E. Johnson, president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “Congratulations to Kings Bay Library, our first-ever two-time champions, and all the young people who participated in the BKLYN Robotics League this year, along with the coaches, volunteers, parents and caregivers who helped along the way.”
The theme for the competition was “Submerged.” Teams at 15 branch libraries used creative thinking and LEGO technology to explore the layers of the ocean and strategies for keeping it healthy for future generations. Some of the challenges included building new coral and transporting it to a reef; employing sonar technology to explore the sea; collecting water samples; and gathering krill to feed to hungry whales. Each team also had to navigate sunken treasure and a curious scuba diver too.
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Partnering with NYC FIRST— an organization which empowers students from diverse communities across New York City to engage with STEM and robotics — patrons, ranging in age from 9 to 17, began preparing for the competition months in advance. In addition to learning about STEM, young people gained valuable communications skills including teamwork, conflict resolution, respect and empathy. Participating in the league is free.
The BKLYN Robotics League is just one of a series of programs for patrons of all ages to learn about science and technology. These include T4, a technology internship for teens; free courses in computer basics; and advanced workshops on motion graphics, audio editing, 3-D printing, AI and much more. And Brooklyn Public Library is home to five teen tech centers at Kings Highway, Saratoga, Adams Street, Crown Heights and Bay Ridge Libraries.
