National Win: Palm Beach County Library Tech Expert Selected for Prestigious MIT Innovation Ambassadorship

Palm Beach County, FL -The Palm Beach County Library System (PBCLS) has secured a major win for local innovation. Stephanie Skaryd, Technology Training Coordinator Librarian, has been selected for the 2025-2026 Public Library Innovation Exchange (PLIX) Library Ambassadors cohort. Skaryd is one of only 10 library professionals chosen nationwide for this elite program from the MIT pK-12 Initiative at MIT Open Learning.

This selection brings high-level resources directly to Palm Beach County, allowing Skaryd to advocate for creative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning locally and nationally. As an Ambassador, she will collaborate with the PLIX team to co-design cutting-edge STEAM activities and conduct professional development workshops that will directly enhance the technology skills of PBCLS staff and members.

Skaryd's goal is to bridge the gap between technology and literacy. She plans to launch a specialized program using the OctoStudioapp, introducing coding and digital storytelling at five library branches. This effort will be seamlessly integrated into the library's yearlong Rediscover Reading campaign.

"My goal is to encourage joy through creative technology," says Skaryd. "March's theme for Rediscover Reading is 'Your Path to Exploration,' and I want our members to explore how they can integrate technology into their stories in fun, exciting ways to share with others."

"We're excited to collaborate with Stephanie as part of this incredible cohort of public library professionals," says Ada Ren-Mitchell, learning programs designer at PLIX. "Stephanie Skaryd will be sharing best STEAM learning practices for diverse learners and supporting the confidence of their public library peers across the United States."

Residents are invited to hear directly from Skaryd and her fellow ambassadors during the virtual PLIX Community STEAM Showcase on April 16, 2026

About the Palm Beach County Library System: The Palm Beach County Library System is composed of 18 branches and outreach services dedicated to a vision of opening minds to a world of unlimited possibilities. The Library fulfils this through its mission of connecting communities, inspiring thought and enriching lives by providing educational resources, cultural enrichment and community engagement for all residents.

About PLIX: Public Library Innovation Exchange (PLIX) is a PK-12 program at MIT Open Learning that develops engaging, creative learning experiences based on MIT research. To date, PLIX has worked with more than 1,100 library professionals across 50 states.