Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC)
The Wyoming Free Library is an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
The library qualifies as an innovative educational site because it offers unique academic enrichment opportunities to participants at no charge.
This means that a business that donates (cash or in-kind services) to our programming may receive a tax credit equal to 75% of its contribution (or 90% for a two-year commitment).
Our approved program is:
LEGO Club
The LEGO Club at the Wyoming Free Library was created in 2012 by a volunteer who, during a discussion with the library director, mentioned the popularity of the toy with children her son’s age. The library did not have the money to invest in such a program, so the volunteer solicited donations from individuals and businesses and received $500. With that money, 10 large crates of assorted LEGO pieces were purchased. As word spread, people from the community began to donate smaller kits and sets.
Since its inception, the LEGO Club has included dozens of members of all ages. One Saturday a month, children meet to create their own engineering masterpieces which are displayed in the library and showcased on the library’s Facebook page.
Special LEGO events have been hosted in which children participate in “build-offs”. Each builder receives identical plans and whoever builds the object correctly in the least amount of time wins a prize. Also, members can build a unique creation using their own imaginations, and prizes are given to the most innovative, funniest, strangest, prettiest, or coolest submission. Many times, members of the club will collaborate and work in teams to create larger projects.
The library has also held LEGO-themed holiday events for all Luzerne County families.
In order to continue growing the program, we would like to include mechanical sets with lights, motors, and moving parts such as LEGO Architecture, Technic, and Creator kits. A wonderful addition would also be set for younger children ages such as Duplo blocks and Education kits.
S.T.E.A.M Club
In 2022, the Wyoming Free Library received its very first Educational Improvement Tax Credit donation for the LEGO Club.
The LEGO Club was well received by children and parents. The program focused on team building, engineering, and reading. LEGO Club registration filled up quickly. The library recently added a Duplo Storytime to accommodate preschool children.
We’re happy to announce the adoption of the: Wyoming Free Library S.T.E.A.M. Club!
The club will introduce children to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Arts and Mathematics
Program examples will include: how to make a volcano, build your own robot and expand on Engineering using advanced LEGO elements!
E.I.T.C funding will be used to purchase S.T.E.AM. kits for participating children.
What your business needs to do:
1. Contact your tax professional to see if you qualify
2. Notify Executive Director John Roberts at 570-693-1364 or wyomingfreelibrary@gmail.com of your pending commitment
3. Go here to apply
4. Once you’ve applied, please follow up with John Roberts.