Madison Public Library recently received a $100,000 grant to buy and outfit a mobile technology education and makerspace lab nicknamed Stan the Tech Van.

Stan, a contractor-grade van, will be loaded with technology and tools for STEM programming and educational events held at local businesses, public parks and schools. Pop-up makerspace and open lab events also will be held, according to a news release.

“We’re talking about 3-D printing and scanning, a Lego Robotics STEM lab, a mobile computer and iPad lab, vinyl cutting and more for local groups, schools, individuals and even the business community to use,”  Shawn Walsh, Madison’s emerging services and technologies librarian, said in the release.

The grant was part of the American Rescue Plan Act and funded in part through the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services LSTA grant awarded by the State Library of Ohio.

“We recently have won grants for several library programs, but this by far is the largest,” library directors Dee Culbertson said in the release. “We are thrilled to bring new technologies into our community and teach people how to use them for work, school or fun.”

Already the technology that will fill Stan is rolling into the library, Walsh said. All the individual tech devices must be assembled and ready to go when the van arrives in the spring.

Stan will be a 159-inch wheelbase, high-roof van, and all the devices will roll on and off for use outdoors in community spaces or in the library. The van is currently being built, Culbertson said.

“I think we’re all going to learn things from Stan the Van,” she added.

Plans already are made to partner with the East End YMCA, Madison Food Center, Madison Local Schools, Madison Senior Center, Madison Township and Madison Village, Walsh said.

“If you want Stan to come to your business, group or school, contact the library,” he added. “We also can arrange for our bookmobile, Gus the Book Bus, to come or any of our other outreach services including library materials delivery. Our library is much more than what we have in our building.”

• Mobile computer and iPad lab including two Macs, six PCs and four iPads

• 1.25-, 2.25- and 3-inch button makers

• Glowforge laser engraver and cutter

Madison Public Library is at 6111 Middle Ridge Road in Madison Township.