Texas-based grocery retailer H-E-B donated $15,000 to the nonprofit Plano Library Friends to fund five interactive STEM-themed play walls for PPL.<\/p>\n
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Plano\u2019s youngest learners have a new way to explore science and spark curiosity, thanks to a $15,000 donation from Texas-based retailer H-E-B to Plano Library Friends.<\/a> The contribution funded five new museum-quality STEM play walls, one for each Plano Public Library (PPL) location, giving children hands-on opportunities to experiment, problem-solve, and discover physics concepts through play.<\/p>\n Installed this August, the magnetic walls were created by Kodo Kids<\/a>, a leader in interactive learning environments. Each double-sided wall features movable ramps, balls, rings, gears, cups and other components that invite children to explore core STEM concepts like gravity, momentum and slope. The open-ended design encourages collaboration and teamwork, allowing kids to build, test and reconfigure their ideas in real time.<\/p>\n Assistant Director of Libraries Cecily Ponce de Leon says the donation fills an important learning gap for elementary-age children who are eager for hands-on experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cPPL strives to offer opportunities for engaging hands-on discovery for all ages,\u201d she said. \u201cThe new activity walls fill an important niche for elementary-age kids in the library by inviting children to explore real-world physics concepts through play.\u201d<\/p>\n H-E-B, a longtime supporter of early childhood learning across Texas, said the gift aligns with its commitment to literacy, creativity, and community enrichment.<\/p>\n \u201cActivities that support childhood literacy and creativity are imperative to grow healthy young minds,\u201d said Mabrie Jackson, managing director of H-E-B Public Affairs. \u201cH-E-B<\/a> is proud to partner with Plano Public Library to help provide engaging, educational activities for children in a safe environment.\u201d<\/p>\n The donation is the latest milestone for Plano Library Friends, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.\u00a0As the organization marks six decades of advocacy and volunteerism, leaders hope more residents will join their mission to strengthen library resources for the entire community.<\/p>\n