Building Big Ideas Together: KDL and MSPE Partner to Expand KDL Lab Experiences

By Danielle N. Yoon, P.E. | Civil Engineer | 2026-2027 MSPE Western Chapter President

Kent District Library is excited to partner with the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) – Western Chapter to expand hands-on STEAM learning opportunities for children across Kent County. Through ongoing conversations, KDL and MSPE identified a shared goal: creating engaging, accessible experiences that spark curiosity, creativity and problem-solving in young learners.

Through this partnership, MSPE secured discretionary funding to purchase a Rigamajig Rotating Lab Experience, a large-scale, open-ended building system that will become part of KDL’s systemwide KDL Lab programs. Rigamajig allows children to design, build and experiment using wooden planks, wheels, pulleys, bolts and ropes, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking and engineering skills through play. The kit will rotate among selected KDL branches and be used in KDL Lab spaces and programs, reaching hundreds of children each year.

MSPE pursued this partnership because libraries are trusted community hubs that provide equitable access to learning. By working with KDL, the organization can introduce engineering concepts where families already gather while helping young people see themselves as builders, problem-solvers and future innovators.

STEAM education helps children develop lifelong skills including curiosity, teamwork, resilience and creative thinking. Programs like KDL Labs encourage exploration long before career paths are defined, building confidence and an interest in how the world works.

The Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the engineering profession through advocacy, professional development, networking and community outreach. The Western Chapter serves engineers throughout West Michigan and is committed to inspiring the next generation through education and community partnerships. Learn more at www.michiganspe.org.

KDL is grateful for MSPE’s partnership and support and looks forward to seeing children across its branches build, experiment and imagine what’s possible with Rigamajig in KDL Labs.

Holly Goulet, Branch Librarian at the East Grand Rapids Branch, says Rigamajig quickly became a favorite after arriving at the branch. Children of all ages have embraced the building system, creating rolling carts, experimenting with pulleys and discovering engineering concepts through hands-on play.

"What stands out most isn't any single structure — it's the process," Goulet said. "Kids collaborate, solve problems and rebuild when something doesn't work. Rigamajig doesn't come with instructions, and that turns out to be its greatest strength."

Interested in building with Rigamajig? It will be available at the East Grand Rapids Branch through the end of August before moving to the Walker Branch for its grand opening.