For the second consecutive year, Kings Bay Library clinched the top spot in the BKLYN Library Robotics League championship on Jan. 16, outperforming 14 teams from libraries across Brooklyn.
Washington Irving and Cortelyou Libraries secured second and third places, respectively. All three teams are set to represent Brooklyn in the upcoming citywide championship later this year, according to a press release.
The BKLYN Robotics League is part of a broader array of programs at Brooklyn Public Library aimed at 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 more. Additionally, the library hosts five teen tech centers at Kings Highway, Saratoga, Adams Street, Crown Heights and Bay Ridge libraries.
The project was a collaboration with NYC FIRST, an organization dedicated to empowering students from diverse communities across New York City to engage with STEM and robotics, with participants aged 9 to 17 beginning preparations months in advance.
Beyond STEM education, the league fosters valuable communication skills, including teamwork, conflict resolution, respect and empathy. Participation in the league is free.
“Libraries are no longer simply quiet spaces to read, which was evident at this weekend’s loud and competitive BKLYN Robotics League championship," said Linda E. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Public Library. "Young patrons showcased their robots and their new skills, from coding to problem solving and collaboration."
The competition's theme, "Submerged," challenged teams to explore ocean layers and strategies for preserving marine health using LEGO® technology. Challenges included building new coral reefs, employing sonar technology for sea exploration, collecting water samples and feeding krill to whales, all while navigating obstacles like sunken treasure and a curious scuba diver.
