WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The North Central Library District (NCLD) has launched its new pilot program with the MathHappens Foundation, bringing interactive, hands-on learning and open-ended math play to 12 public libraries across eight counties this fall and winter.
This partnership is a major milestone for libraries in the Commonwealth, as NCLD is the first in Pennsylvania to access MathHappens. The District is also the second library system in the United States to partner with the Foundation.
“NCLD’s partnership with MathHappens helps children gain confidence in math, meeting them where they are, and provides families in rural areas with hands-on learning tools at their local library. We are proud to bring this program to North Central Pennsylvania and pioneer this initiative for libraries across the state,” said Amy Resh, District Administrator for the North Central Library District.
Confidence through Math Play
MathHappens was founded in 2014 by Philip and Lauren Siegel with a mission to promote math literacy by taking mathematical models outside 
traditional classroom walls and integrating them into public spaces. Following the successful introduction of Open Play Kits in children’s museums nationwide, MathHappens is now expanding into public libraries.
“Many libraries have embraced offering STEAM programming that builds 21st-century skills, featuring robust science, technology, engineering, and arts activities. However, math stations are not as prevalent,” said Nina White, Youth Consultant for the North Central Library District. “According to national assessment data (NAEP), 25% of fourth-grade students perform below basic proficiency in mathematics. I wanted to find interactive programming models that empower our public libraries to build children’s confidence through low-pressure, open-ended math play.”
Each participating NCLD library has received a curated kit of engaging, tactile materials, including:
- 21st Century Pattern Blocks: Fit together in creative ways to offer multiple ways to build spatial and logic skills.
- MathHappens Foundation Bubble Tiles & Frames: Tessellating tiles based on circles made of six arcs that are concave or convex.
- Geometiles®: Award winning versatile set of interlocking tiles.
- Puzzle-a-Day: Uses Tetris-like pieces that can rearrange to show every day of the year.
- Award-Winning Books: How Did You Count by Christopher Danielson for grades K-2 and The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a Shape by Amy Alznauer for grades 3-5.
Participating Libraries
“The response from our libraries was incredible—we quickly reached capacity with a full waitlist,” White noted.
The MathHappens pilot is actively rolling out across 12 member libraries in the North Central Library District:
- Bradford County: Monroeton Public Library, Spalding Memorial Library (Athens)
- Columbia County: Columbia County Traveling Library
- Lycoming County: Hughesville Public Library, James V. Brown Library
- Northumberland County: Degenstein Community Library, Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library
- Potter County: Oswayo Valley Memorial Library
- Sullivan County: Sullivan County Library
- Tioga County: Elkland Area Community Library, The Green Free Library
- Union County: West End Library
Participating libraries will be using MathHappens materials tailored to their community. Families and patrons are encouraged to check in directly with their local participating library—via their website, social media, or circulation desk—for specific schedules,
upcoming event details, and updates on how they are featuring MathHappens this fall and winter.
About MathHappens
Founded in fall 2014 by Philip and Lauren Siegel in Austin, TX, MathHappens explores ideas, strategies, and partnerships to bring math into community conversations across the country. Their mission is to promote math literacy by creating and distributing math models and supporting development of mathematical learning experiences outside of the classroom in our public places and spaces. These spaces offer families a chance to engage with hands-on math models and learning experiences. For more information see https://www.mathhappens.org.
About NCLD
The North Central Library District is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more, visit www.northcentrallibraries.org or by calling 570-326-0536.
The North Central Library District (NCLD), headquartered at the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, serves as the district support center for 40 public library outlets across Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties. NCLD provides leadership, consulting, continuing education, and coordinated services to strengthen rural libraries and expand access to information, literacy, and community resources.