LISBON — Children will be able to control their gaming devices by using a banana and the Lisbon Library’s new MaKey MaKey circuit kits, Lisbon Library Director Diane Nadeau told the Town Council on Tuesday night.
The circuit kits, along with a telescope, a microscope and accessories, were gifted to the library in December 2015 by Cornerstones of Science, Nadeau said. Now a nonprofit, Cornerstones was founded in 1999 out of Curtis Memorial Library to provide science and technology resources to public libraries.
Before the items will be loaned to patrons, the library board must develop an acceptable use policy and agreement that patrons will have to sign, Nadeau said, adding that she would bring the proposed policy to the council for approval at a future meeting. Two staff members will also attend a training before the items will be loaned to patrons in good standing, she said.
Town Councilor Eric Metivier suggested the library look at securing a deposit for the items as part of its policy.
The library has been using Cornerstone’s “Traveling Trunks” (complete science units) since 2014, Nadeau said. It is because of the library’s participation and good standing in that program that Lisbon received the award. Past recipients include the Auburn and Lewiston public libraries and several other communities in Maine, Nadeau said.
The telescope and microscope will be an “opportunity to get out to Beaver Park for an evening,” Nadeau said, adding that these items are not just for children.
“Seniors might like them, too,” she said. Scout troops can plan a meeting at the library to use the items, she suggested.
The Council voted 6-0 to accept the gifts from Cornerstones.
During audience comments on new agenda items, Larry Filmore commended the staff at the Transfer Station for its efficiency last Saturday.
“I’ve never seen that many people down there,” Filmore said.
In other business:
* Councilor Allen Ward reminded townspeople that high school students are participating in the School Spirit Challenge, which raises money and food for Good Shepherd Food Bank.
“The food drive is going on all month,” he said.
Canned goods may be dropped off at the high school and other locations in town.
According to School Committee Chairman Traci Austin, who spoke at the Dec. 15 Town Council meeting, the participants hope to bring home the School Spirit Award when the school competes against Gray-New Gloucester on Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 a.m. Every dollar collected represents five pounds of food. She encouraged people to contribute or donate a food item.
* A Winter Fest is being planned for Lisbon on Jan. 23 by Parks and Recreation Director Mark Stevens, Ward said. The event will include dog-sled demonstrations, ice-skating and other winter activities, he said.
* According to Town Clerk Twila Lycette, not many people have turned out for absentee ballots for the Lisbon School budget validation referendum that will be held next Tuesday, Jan 12.
Polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ward 1 is to vote at the Superintendent’s Office and Ward 2 at the MTM gym.
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