For Hometown News
MARTIN COUNTY --
Clare and Molly Tyler have donated $100,000 for an endowment for science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs in all branches of the Martin County Library System.
In consideration of the endowment, the Teen Zone at the Blake Library will be named in recognition of the Tyler's for the youth of Martin County.
The Tyler's recognize there is a great demand for technically trained employees and currently only 70,000 students are graduating each year.
Mr. Tyler noted he recently read an article where Bill Gates was quoted as saying there is a shortage of as many as 3.4 million technically proficient employees.
Mr. Tyler is a retired mechanical engineer and was employed by Standard Oil, which today is known as British Petroleum, for 38 years. At the time of his retirement, he was the general manager of the oil refinery in Toledo, Ohio.
Mrs. Tyler is a retired professor of nursing at the Medical College of Ohio. They began coming to Stuart in 1973 and live at Indian River Plantation.
"The timing of this unexpected gift is fantastic because now we can begin programs in every branch," said Brett Lear, library director.
The check was presented to Priscilla Baldwin, president of the foundation, on Dec. 14 at the Blake Library.
"We have programs ready for children that will get them involved in science projects," Jennifer Salas, said MCLS youth services coordinator.
For instance, elementary students will learn about the science behind paper airplanes, solar power and biomechanics that are improving sports such as skateboarding and waterslides.
Discovery stations such as touch tanks and sensory tubs will allow preschool children to explore themes with different textures and learn about measurement, buoyancy and more.
The Library Foundation of Martin County, founded in 1992, provides enhancements to the Martin County Library System by funding for special library projects and capital improvements. Donations support cultural and educational programming and provide new technology and materials for the collection.
In 2010 the library system ranked first in Florida in library visits per capita.
For more information, visit www.libraryfoundationMC.org or call (772) 221-1409.