Seth Ciotti, teen services librarian for Kitsap Regional Library based at Sylvan Way, has been recognized by the national publication, Library Journal, as one of its industry “Movers & Shakers” for 2015.
Ciotti was cited by the Journal for his work as a Digital Developer through his leadership in the Library’s BiblioTEC program.
BiblioTEC engages participants — often teenagers and young adults — by educating them on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) topics.
“The goal of the program isn’t to teach technology,” Ciotti says, “it’s to understand how technology can be utilized for someone’s passions and interests.”
The initiative was implemented in October 2013 after the library received a Paul G. Allen Family Foundation technology grant to promote technology to youth. Ciotti was hired to create the program’s 100-hour curriculum — a task he completed in about two months.
“Seth took a basic program idea and created something truly innovative that has had a profound impact on the Kitsap community,” said his manager, Leigh Ann Winterowd.
The program began as a partnership between Kitsap Regional Library and Coffee Oasis, with students in the Coffee Oasis vocational program for homeless teens being offered BiblioTEC training as an option.
The students met four hours a day, five days a week over a five-week period. The classes covered computer coding, 3-D printing, robotics, and more. The course culminated with a showcase in which students presented independent projects they created during the program.
Ciotti subsequently repeated the five-week course in Bremerton and then in Poulsbo and Port Orchard.
In addition, he organized more than 150 events and demonstrations at our libraries that attracted more than 3,000 participants.
The program has transformed into technology classes offered at the libraries. Ciotti is working to strengthen the classes by bringing in community partners to expand the Library’s STEM programs. Former students continue to serve as instructors and mentors.
“Because of his work, seriously struggling young people are completing their GEDs, enrolling in community college, getting jobs, cleaning up problems with the law, and rebuilding their faith in themselves and their community,” said Audrey Barbakoff, the library’s manager of adult services. Barbakoff, who was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker in 2013, nominated Ciotti for the honor this year. Three of the program’s graduates were hired to work at the library as interns. Another is considering engineering classes.
