Screen Shot 2014-04-12 at 10.55.46 PMThe Friends of the Metuchen Library are honored to announce that it has received a $50,000 grant from The Lemelson Foundation. The grant will support K-­12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs at the Metuchen Public Library to inspire innovation, invention, and entrepreneurship in the sciences.

This grant will allow the Metuchen Public Library to upgrade technology within the library, to purchase new books and materials, to create a Maker Space center for creativity and innovation, and to offer programs in mathematics and robotics. Sondra Flite, President of the Friends of the Metuchen Library, noted, “This grant from The Lemelson Foundation provides invaluable support for our mission to create a 21st century learning center at the library. We thank The Lemelson Foundation and family for their generous endorsement of our mission.”

Jerome Lemelson (1923-­1997) was a prolific, independent inventor. In his lifetime, he was awarded 606 U.S. patents. The family continues his legacy by inspiring and promoting invention education projects all over the world. “Our family has proud, deep roots in New Jersey and Metuchen. It is a privilege to provide funds for the Maker space, as the library works to inspire citizens interested in invention, science and engineering,” said Dorothy Lemelson, chairman of The Lemelson Foundation.

The Lemelson family has a permanent home in the hearts of Metuchen residents. Dorothy and Jerome Lemelson were Brainy Borough residents for many years. Their sons, Eric and Robert, attended Metuchen schools. It is this personal connection to Metuchen that makes this grant particularly special to the Friends.

Susanna Chan, Director of the Metuchen Library, adds “I would like to give my most sincere thanks to The Lemelson Foundation and family for their generosity, and to the Friends who work tirelessly to help the Library to achieve its goal. This grant provides us with the opportunity to transform the Library into a place where children and young adults explore, connect and create.”

For more information on the Lemelson Foundation, visit http://www.lemelson.org
For more information on the Friends of the Metuchen Library, visit http://www.fotml.org