MIT’s “Cat in the Box” STEAM Program to Debut in Hillsboro

Families in Hillsboro are about to experience science in a whole new way.

The MIT Public Library Innovation Exchange (PLIX) is bringing its nationally recognized creative STEAM programming to the Hillsboro Public Library this March, transforming Brookwood Library into a hub of experimentation, design, and playful discovery.

PLIX Presents: Cat in the Box
Sunday, March 29, 2026
3 - 4:30 pm
Brookwood Library

PLIX - short for the MIT Public Library Innovation Exchange - develops creative STEAM learning experiences based on new research from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

These experiences are specifically designed for public library settings, making advanced ideas accessible, hands-on, and community-centered.

A National Collaboration Comes to Hillsboro

Hillsboro's own Rob Polivka, a librarian at Hillsboro Public Library, was selected as a PLIX Ambassador after connecting with program leaders at a STEAM conference last August.

Since the fall, Rob has been collaborating online with fellow librarians nationwide under the leadership of Ada Ren-Mitchel, and by PLIX intern Hailey Harden - one of only three interns nationwide for 2025-2026. Ms. Harden is a junior at MIT, majoring in Chemical-Biological Engineering.

"Rob Polivka has been a great fit for the PLIX ambassador program, building a creative community with librarians across the country," said Ada Ren-Mitchell, learning programs designer at PLIX.

"His out-of-the-box thinking with PLIX Intern Hailey Harden has led to a co-designed engineering challenge that engages youth in creatively keeping a cat alive through extreme climates and disasters."

PLIX Presents: Cat in the Box
Sunday, March 29, 2026
3 - 4:30 pm
Brookwood Library

"I'm excited that our library gets to take advantage of our beautiful space and all our eager young scientists I've seen at our programs," said Polivka. "It's been great to work with both their staff and librarians from around the country to scheme and create a unique program for our patrons that centers learning, science, and innovation. I can't wait to see what the families will do with their cat-in-a-box!"

At the heart of this initiative is a playful yet deeply scientific challenge: Can you keep a cat dry? What would keep it warm in the winter?

During PLIX Presents: Cat in the Box, participants of all ages will become "certified" in material science through hands-on crafts and experiments.

Using everyday materials, families will explore insulation, waterproofing, and design thinking while building protective shelters for their (imaginary) feline friends.

Why It Matters

PLIX represents a growing movement to reimagine libraries as dynamic spaces for innovation. By connecting MIT research with local communities, the program ensures that high-quality STEAM learning is not confined to classrooms or universities - it belongs in public spaces where curiosity thrives, like Hillsboro Public Library.

For Hillsboro families, Cat in the Box is more than a craft program. It's an opportunity to:

• Explore real-world science concepts

• Practice creative problem-solving

• Collaborate as families

• Experience how art and engineering intersect

All are welcome, and no prior science experience is required - just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

As Hillsboro joins a national network of creative learning ambassadors, one thing is certain: when libraries and innovators exchange ideas, entire communities benefit.

PLIX Presents: Cat in the Box
Sunday, March 29, 2026
3 - 4:30 pm
Brookwood Library