In Hughes Springs, Texas, known for beautiful spring wildflower trails and its quiet small-town charm, something big is happening inside the local library—and it involves robots, rockets, and a whole lot of imagination.

Under the leadership of Library Director Shannon Perez, the Hughes Springs Area Public Library is redefining what’s possible in rural public library programming. Thanks to innovative partnerships with local leaders and a regional Air and Space Forces Association chapter, the library has launched new STEM programming, bringing high-tech learning and inspiration straight to the heart of East Texas.

A Judge, a Librarian, and a Spark

The story begins with Cass County Judge Travis Ransom. His wife Emily—formerly a public librarian and currently a librarian at Texarkana College—understood the potential impact of youth programming and helped ignite the idea. Using funds from the Cass County Literacy Grant, the library launched a teen night series where local youth could gather for games, karaoke, and connection.

But the library team, including Perez and her husband, who volunteers his robotics expertise, wanted more. They introduced monthly STEM nights, which quickly gained popularity. In one report to her grantors, Perez mentioned her dream of expanding into more advanced STEM topics—maybe even robotics.

Judge Ransom didn’t just listen—he opened a door. He suggested reaching out to the Northeast Texas Chapter 416 of the Air and Space Forces Association and VP of Communications, Vance Clarke. “We found out they were looking at our Facebook page and seeing what we were doing with STEM,” Perez said. After the connection was made, the organization ultimately provided the resources that allowed the library to purchase robotic kits and launch their very first robotics program this spring.

Robots, Rockets, and Real Learning

The library’s new robotics program has already made waves. About 20 teens attended the inaugural session, where they built their own robots—complete with camera eyes and wheels—and learned to program them using their own phones. For many, it was their first time using tools or writing code.

“We already had their attention on Teen Nights,” Perez explained. “So we turned one of those nights into STEM Night.”

What makes it even more special? The teens got to keep their robots—taking home not just a project, but pride in what they built and learned.

The Air and Space Forces Association continues to support the library’s STEM expansion. A biomedical science student from Southwestern University, who has a passion for STEM outreach, is scheduled to visit in September to lead space-themed experiments tailored to the library’s youth audience.

And that’s not all—they’re planning a Vehicle Extravaganza this summer in a nearby community park. “There’s going to be fire trucks, ambulances, Teslas, and hopefully some military vehicles from the Air and Space Forces Association—a lot of fun things,” Perez said. “And Blue Bell is definitely coming with ice-cream trucks, and we are ecstatic about it!”

Painting in the Dark and Self-Defense Programming

STEM isn’t the only way Hughes Springs Library is getting creative. Over the summer, they’re bringing back one of their most beloved events: a blacklight paint party, complete with glow-in-the-dark art and a dose of joyful chaos. “We like to shake things up,” Perez said. “It keeps it exciting.”

They’ve also launched a new partnership with a local karate studio to offer women’s only self-defense classes for teens and adults. It will be the library’s first off-site, partner-hosted program.

And while technology and innovation drive many of their programs, the heart of it all is community. The library’s after-hours teen events, where the library is closed to the public and entirely focused on the youth, have become a trusted space for local teens to learn, laugh, and grow. The key? “If you feed them, they will come,” Perez joked—though it’s clear food is just one small part of the warm, engaging environment they’ve created.

Powered by Partnerships and Passion

The Hughes Springs Area Public Library is only open three days a week. Half the building—over a century old—is filled with books, while the other half is a flexible space that transforms into a classroom, storytime area, dance floor, or maker lab as needed. They’ve hosted as many as 100 kids at once.

Support from the community is everywhere. A local high school robotics teacher volunteers tech help and even helped the library install a new router. Teachers promote events. Instagram-savvy teens spread the word.

And none of this would have happened without the willingness to dream big and reach out. As Perez put it, “We never would’ve been able to afford this without those partnerships.”