Children in 47 communities across Iowa will now be able to further develop their skills in science, technology, engineering and math thanks to a donation from the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation.

As part of its Henry’s Heroes Program, the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation recently delivered 50 STEM carts to 50 public libraries across Iowa. Iowa Select Farms employees nominated their hometown libraries to receive the carts to empower kids to be future innovators, creators and leaders.

STEM carts include a variety of STEM toys and kits that encourage organic and structured play grounded in science, technology, engineering and math concepts. For older kids, STEM pairs academic concepts with real-world applications to make connections between school and careers.

“Our public libraries are a beacon for children across the state, particularly in rural communities,” said Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms. “We are thankful to be able to impact children’s learning across Iowa, especially as libraries work so hard to maintain programming while being underfunded.”

The 543 public libraries across Iowa serve as free, trusted and welcoming gathering places that support children, families and communities. Iowa consistently ranks in the top five states for its number of public libraries.

“We are a small community, but our summer reading program is always well-attended,” said Joy Metzger, director of children's programs at the Whittemore Public Library. “We offer programming for kids all year round, and promoting STEM is something we are deeply committed to.”

Find the full list of libraries that received STEM carts:

Aalfs Downtown Library, Sioux City

Ackley Public Library, Ackley

Adel Public Library, Adel

Alden Public Library, Alden

Algona Public Library, Algona

Allison Public Library, Allison

Aplington Legion Memorial Library, Aplington

Barlow Library, Iowa Falls

Chariton City Library, Chariton

Clarion Public Library, Clarion

Colo Public Library, Colo

Coulter Public Library, Coulter

Dayton Public Library, Dayton

Eagle Grove Memorial Library, Eagle Grove

Early Public Library, Early

Eldora Public Library, Eldora

Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth

Elma Public Library (Elma Bibliotheca), Elma

Gibson Memorial Library, Gibson

Gilmore City Public Library, Gilmore City

Grand Junction Public Library, Grand Junction

Gutekunst Public Library, State Center

Hampton Public Library, Hampton

Hudson Public Library, Hudson

Humeston Public Library, Humeston

J.J. Hands Public Library, Lohrville

Kanawha Public Library, Kanawha

Karl Miles LeCompte Memorial, Corydon

Kendall Young Library, Webster City

Kling Memorial Library, Grundy Center

Kothe Memorial Library, Parkersburg

Mount Ayr Public Library, Mount Ayr

Murray Public Library, Murray

Newell Library, Newell

Orient Public Library, Orient

Osage Public Library, Osage

Osceola Public Library, Osceola

Rembrandt Public Library, Rembrandt

Riceville Public Library, Riceville

Rockford Public Library, Rockford

Rockwell City Public Library, Rockwell City

Schleswig Public Library, Schleswig

Stacyville Public Library, Stacyville

Stubbs Memorial Library, Holstein

Talbot Belmond Public Library, Belmond

Whittemore Iowa Public Library, Whittemore

Williams Public Library, Williams