K-12: Visit the K-State Libraries

K-State Libraries offers a variety of options for K-12 learners to engage with an academic library and gain valuable research skills — or just have fun!

Young learners (kindergarten through middle school)

Younger students are welcome to visit Hale Library and engage with several of our interactive learning spaces.

At the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab, children can explore the latest technologies, including virtual reality, a sound studio, 3D printers and a Makerspace. The Virginia Carlson Family Reading Room offers more than 28,000 children’s and young adult books for visitors to enjoy.

We recommend planning one to two hours for your visit to Hale Library and the Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab. However, Libraries staff can work with you to personalize your visit for any time frame. All of these activities can also be planned for high school students or any groups that want to simply visit the Libraries or the lab.

Following are examples of activities young learners might be interested in:

  • Make a music video.
  • See the Harry Potter room.
  • Create a fun art project.
  • Make a LEGO project.
  • See the moving stacks.

To schedule a visit or learn more information, please contact Tara Coleman at tcole2@k-state.edu or Ashley Stark at ashstark@k-state.edu.

High school students

The Libraries can help prepare high school students for the transition to college. During a planned “research day,” students will work with a librarian and learn several crucial research skills, including how to use databases, find quality sources and complete citations. Students will also get a primer on how academic libraries differ from public or school libraries.

A research day typically takes around half a day per visit, but Libraries staff can provide a personalized schedule if requested.

To schedule a visit for high school students, please contact Ashley Stark at ashstark@k-state.edu.