SILSBEE, Texas — More than seven months after major flooding destroyed the Silsbee Public Library, it's opening back up with some improvements.
Community members raised money to revamp the library and Entergy donated $6,000 dollars to build a one-of-a-kind STEM lab.
12News caught up with volunteers who spearheaded the fundraiser for the library.
The new kids section at the Silsbee Library is helping bring the words they read in books to life through hands on STEM opportunities.
"I think we are probably one of the first libraries to get this here," said Silsbee Public Library Vice President Mehgan Drake.
After flooding ruined the kids section, Silsbee banded together to build back. The kids sold lemonade and cookies while businesses donated big bucks.
"We're just so excited as a company, as Entergy, to be able to offer this in a small town, other surrounding areas can come take advantage, and it's free," said Entergy Texas Silsbee Network customer manager Christy Brown.
Drake says a new one-of-a-kind STEM lab gives junior high students and older a chance to think about their future career.
"We have a few stations setup for robotics and coding. We have digital art, and we also have a 3D printer. And we have a set of lockers set up for them so that they can keep their filament," Drake said.
Brown actually grew up in Silsbee.
"So I came to this library as a little kid, and I have seen it be renovated, and evolve over the years. And with that comes technology," she said.
Brown tells 12News she's proud that Entergy donated $6,000 to bring the lab to life.
"Offer those things to kids that might not have the chance to purchase those things. Go to an expensive camp, they can come right here to a public library and access these things to do. To expand their knowledge and learn skills for their future. And that's what we're looking for. We want to build our future of employees and for this world," said Brown.
Don't worry, the library didn't forget about younger kids.
"It's made just for children. It's organized for them. Things are on their level, everything is accessible for them. There's a place to play on our train, and there's ways to be creative," said Drake.
The library also has sensory items kids can play with to help them focus.
"It's a way for the kids to read a book and they can listen to it on their headphones, and there's just like a little activity that can go along with it and it's just perfect," Drake said.
It's not too late to get a first look at the new space the library is open until 7 p.m. on Thursday to celebrate the reveal.