Build. Code. Create.

The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.

From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.

• Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
• The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville

This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.

In our Build-a-Scarecrow workshop you'll create your own life-sized scarecrow—at least six feet tall—to guard the garden or haunt the porch this fall!

You'll also learn how to build a sturdy frame, stuff and shape your creation, and design the perfect Halloween head.

We’ll cover techniques for both cheerful harvest companions and terrifying ghouls, including how to “corpse” a scarecrow for a convincingly gruesome effect.

All materials to build a friendly or frightening scarecrow are provided. You'll just need to bring any old clothes and hats you’d like to dress your scarecrow in.

Details

• Cost is $15 per scarecrow. Registration is by scarecrow, not by person. That means a family, couple, or group of friends can all work together on one scarecrow for a single $15 fee.
• Led by experienced haunters Kim Lahmann and Scott Phillips
• All ages welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult)
• Space is limited—register early to save your spot!

Discover the magic of laser engraving!

In this fun, beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to design and engrave your own custom cedar coasters using UACCB’s professional-grade Boss LS-3655 laser engraver.

Thinking about purchasing a laser engraver?

This class is the perfect place to start. You’ll gain hands-on experience with a CO₂ laser, learn how it works, and understand what to look for before investing in your own machine. You’ll also learn essential design and safety concepts that apply to any laser system.

Engraving custom coasters

You’ll begin by creating your coaster design in the free version of Canva, then see how that artwork is prepared and processed for engraving in LightBurn—the industry-standard software for laser cutters and engravers. By the end of class, you’ll take home a set of four 4"×4" Eastern red cedar coasters engraved with your own personalized design.

Before Class

If you don’t already have a Canva account, please sign up for the free version at www.canva.com before coming to class.

What You’ll Learn

• How a CO₂ laser engraver works and how to use it safely
• Basic design principles for engraving and cutting
• How to create and export a design using Canva
• How to prepare and engrave your project in LightBurn
• What to consider before purchasing your own laser

All materials are included. No prior design or laser experience is required—just bring your creativity!

Seats are limited to only 6 students—register early to reserve your spot!

Co-hosted by the Independence County Library and UACCB, this beginner-friendly class is designed to help seniors feel confident and comfortable using their iPhones.

Participants will learn the basics, including how to make and receive calls, send text messages, take photos, and adjust settings for easier use. The course will also cover helpful features such as using the camera, connecting to Wi-Fi, downloading apps, setting reminders, and staying safe online.

With step-by-step instruction, plenty of hands-on practice, and time for questions, this class will help you get the most out of your iPhone for staying connected with family, friends, and the world around you.

We're recently updated our online registration process to make signing up simple and fast!

Build. Code. Create.

The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.

From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.

• Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
• The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville

This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.

Create Custom Christmas Ornaments with a Laser Engraver

Celebrate the season with a touch of creativity!

In this fun, beginner-friendly class, you’ll design and engrave your own custom Christmas ornaments using UACCB’s professional-grade Boss LS-3655 laser engraver.

Thinking about purchasing a laser engraver?

This class is the perfect way to explore the possibilities. You’ll gain hands-on experience with a CO₂ laser, learn how it works, and understand what to look for before investing in your own machine. Along the way, you’ll pick up essential design and safety concepts that apply to any laser system.

Engraving custom ornaments

You’ll start by creating your ornament design in the free version of Canva, then see how that artwork is prepared and processed in LightBurn—the industry-standard software for laser cutters and engravers. By the end of class, you’ll take home a set of festive cedar ornaments personalized with your design—ready to hang on your tree or share as handmade gifts.

Before class

If you don’t already have a Canva account, please sign up for the free version at www.canva.com before coming to class.

What you’ll learn

• How a CO₂ laser engraver works and how to use it safely
• Basic design principles for engraving and cutting
• How to create and export a festive design in Canva
• How to prepare and engrave your project in LightBurn
• What to consider before purchasing your own laser

All materials are included. No prior design or laser experience is required—just bring your holiday spirit!

Seats are limited to only 6 students—register early to reserve your spot!

Build. Code. Create.

The Tween Robotics Club brings tweens together to take on exciting new engineering and programming challenges using LEGO® Spike Essentials robotics kits. Work with friends to design robots, program their movements, and put them to the test in friendly competitions.

From obstacle courses and races to imaginative problem-solving missions, each session offers a fresh challenge that blends creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

The class is led by Scott Phillips, Director of Industry and Community Partnerships at UACCB, who is passionate about introducing kids to STEM. He believes the skills learned—like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking—are tools they can carry forward and apply throughout their lives.

• Register by calling the Library at 870-793-8814
• The class runs from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• It's held at the Library in downtown Batesville

This program is made possible through a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and the Independence County Library, working together to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make STEM fun for the next generation.

Register now >>

Blogging and Podcasting for Beginners will teach you how to plan and create your very own blog and podcast. Through hands-on exercises, you will discover the benefits of using free web tools like Blogger, WordPress, Audacity, and YouTube. You will find that creating a blog and podcast is much easier than you ever imagined.

First, you will learn how to develop a plan for the content, setup, maintenance, and how to use free blogging software like Blogger and WordPress to put that plan into action. After that, learn how to record a professional-sounding audio podcast with a very simple recording tool you already have. You will edit the file with another free software program, add music to it, and then post it online for others to enjoy. Finally, you will find out how to record a video podcast. You will edit it, add special effects, drop in a podcasting-safe music file, and then publish it online.

Learn more about this online course >>