About Us

History

The Sally Ride Library & Space Science Center was established in 2013. Although the founders and trustees originally wanted to call this space science center and library, The Neil Armstrong Space Science Library & Exploratorium, we later changed the name to the Sally Ride Library & Space Science Center for three reasons:

• Several of the founders, trustees, and myself had early aspirations of studying to become astronauts. Sally Ride was an inspiration to us as she was the first American woman to become an astronaut and ride in the space shuttle Challenger in 1983 (Sherr, L. p. xii).
• Sally Ride, being a role model and heroine to girls and young women interested in science and technology, wanted to encourage them to cultivate their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as they progressed from elementary to middle through high school and beyond (Sherr, L., p.273).
• Sally Ride always encouraged young people to “Reach for the stars” (Stine, M., p.101).

Description

As the trustees of the library wanted a library and space science center that would reflect the legacy of Sally Ride’s desire and goal to encourage young people to “Reach for the Stars”, they also wanted to create a library space science center that would be inviting and contribute to all people’s love of learning space science and astronomy. The Library is located near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) campus. The Library & Space Science Center is created and built in a futuristic architectural style. It is built with glass, fiber glass, white granite and uses green and energy efficient materials and technology in its exterior and interior. Electricity is generated via solar photovoltaic panels mounted on the parking structure. Water is heated using solar technology and low flow faucets are used throughout the buildings.

The Library has an open, bright and airy interior with stairs and elevators connecting each of the library’s six floors.

Vision Statement

The Sally Ride Library & Space Science Center Board of Trustees envisions the Library’s future in which its collections, programs, facilities, and instructive/interactive technologies will help to ensure that:

• Any frequent patron or occasional visitor will have a positive and enriching experience while browsing and utilizing the Library, Exploratorium, and Planetarium while developing an appreciation for space science.
• Every child and young person will be inspired to browse the Library, work with the interactive exhibits in the Exploratorium, and view astronomical productions in the Planetarium, thus discovering and cultivating their scientific interests and potential in STEM/Space Science careers.
• Any child, young person, and adult will be encouraged to experience the pleasure of reading about space science, space science history, and learn about any subject related to space science.
• The surrounding MIT campus community and the community at large celebrates space science and the hope for a brighter future on Earth and in space given the many contributions of space scientists and astronauts.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Sally Ride Library & Space Science Center is to develop scientifically literate citizens who appreciate space science and the benefits of space exploration and research to increase and cultivate their potential for learning about and/or entering STEM careers through the Library’s various programs, Exploratorium exhibits, and Planetarium productions.

Diversity Statement

The Sally Ride Library and Space Science Center strongly supports:

• Cultural and gender diversity by developing programs, providing interactive/instructional exhibits, and developing the Library’s collections to ensure equal access to all individuals regardless of race, creed, age, gender, or disability.
• Opportunities for all visitors and patrons to develop an interest in space science and STEM-based careers. The Library’s acquisition policies govern the purchase of materials for the collection. The design of exhibits shall focus on meeting the goals of a diverse group of users.
• On-going staff development in areas of space science, STEM curriculum for assisting local educators, exhibit design/display and programming for the public, such as visits from schools, science clubs, and after-school activities for scout troops of both genders.