[SLI-public] Public library grant, STEM worm farm kits

[Vincent Hyland]

Schools can also apply! I don't know whether school libraries would be eligible for this particular grant. But schools are always able to apply for a kit from this section<https://www.letsgocompost.org/schools> of their website, and there is free curriculum that can be downloaded at any time.


Vincent Hyland

Library Coordinator, North Brooklyn

Office of Library Services

NYCDOE

vhyland at schools.nyc.gov<mailto:vhyland at schools.nyc.gov>



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From: SLI-Public <sli-public-bounces at lists.suffolknet.org> on behalf of Sustainable Administrator via SLI-Public <sli-public at lists.suffolknet.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2025 2:03 PM
To: Joanna Goldfarb - RCLS via SLI-Public <sli-public at lists.suffolknet.org>
Subject: [SLI-public] Public library grant, STEM worm farm kits


The following may be of possible interest - new mini grant program available for up to 80 public libraries in the United States



Let’s Go Compost<https://www.letsgocompost.org/> is providing free indoor worm composting farm kits to up to 80 qualifying public libraries in the United States for leading up to Earth Month 2026. Please watch this video<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLTcNnyoHBs> if you are unfamiliar with indoor worm composting farms.


Each kit includes:

  1.  One small indoor worm compost bin<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0913HVF9G?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1> (Materials provided will not handle more than 0.5-1.0 lb of food waste each week.  These systems are designed for small-scale educational use only. They are not intended to process ongoing library food waste or public drop-off materials.)
  2.  500 composting worms
  3.  3 hours of virtual support
  4.  Five one-hour STEM activity guides tailored to PK-2nd grade learners
  5.  One copy of The Wild West of Waste <https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wild-west-of-waste-lauren-click/1148477130> children's picture book

Let’s Go Compost provides initial materials and educational support for setup and curriculum integration. Ongoing maintenance, care of the worms, and replacement of materials (such as bedding or food) are the responsibility of the participating library. Worms are living organisms and require consistent care; Let’s Go Compost cannot replace worms or supplies after delivery. Improper care may result in worm loss or system failure.

After the program concludes, libraries are encouraged to continue using their worm farm for ongoing STEM education. A digital Worm Care Guide and optional follow-up session are available to participating libraries to support long-term success. Libraries choosing not to continue must responsibly rehome the worms to a local gardener, composter, or community garden rather than disposing of them. Let's Go Compost can assist in rehoming, if needed.



Program Requirements:

  1.  Must be a public library
  2.  Must be located in the United States of America
  3.  Must use the worm farm composting kit and book for public education purposes for PK-2nd grade learners
  4.  Must complete a pre-assessment and post-assessment before and after the program (sent via Google Form)
  5.  Must allow use of quotes, photos, and videos for public-facing reports and media
  6.  Materials are estimated to ship in late 2025 and early 2026.


Applications accepted until spots are filled. One submission per library.


Application to learn more: https://www.letsgocompost.org/libraries


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