The Nurture Lab at Rijeka City Library inspires creativity and innovation among young people by organizing workshops and learning activities in library spaces resourced with a wide range of digital equipment and other tools that can be used in projects that combine technology, science and art.

Rijeka City Library is located in the Benčić art quarter, a new cultural hub in the centre of Rijeka that also comprises a Children’s House’ providing resources for children, young adults and families, and a contemporary art museum. The Nurture Lab – ‘Rasadnik’ in Croatian – is a dedicated space in the library where youth aged 15–30 can learn and develop skills in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics).

The Lab and its programme of activities address a particular challenge, says Sanja Žalac Čičak, librarian in charge of the Nurture Lab. “Like many communities in Croatia and Southeast Europe, the city faces youth migration to larger European centres, partly due to limited contemporary cultural infrastructure and a shortage of ‘third spaces’ where young people can meet, learn informally and develop creative projects. In 2022 the library’s survey of nearly 600 young people confirmed strong interest in creative activities combining technology, science and art. In response, we launched our STEAM programme to support youth in learning and creating within the city.” 

The library’s STEAM activities are based on an ‘edutainment’ model that blends reading, informal learning, leisure and creativity, integrating traditional learning with digital technology and fostering curiosity, artistic skills, collaboration and critical thinking. Activities are developed and delivered in partnership with experts from the community.

Learning experiences co-created with the community

The Nurture Lab includes the largest comic book collection in the city, a workshop area, a classroom with laptops, a music room, recording studio and 3D printing corner, and is equipped with musical instruments, graphic tablets, VR (virtual reality) sets, gaming consoles (PS5, Nintendo Switch) and other tools. Information about Nurture Lab activities, learning resources and participants’ creative achievements are shared through the ‘Rasadnik’ online portal, and most activities take place in the library:

• ‘(Re)generation of Rijeka’ – a collaboration with high school students and representatives of the Rijeka Gateway container terminal at the Port of Rijeka to explore the future of the port, with 3D-printed visualisations. Experts from the terminal come to the library to speak to the students and answer questions.
• DJ-ing workshops – teaching young people musical expression and how to use digital audio software and mixing consoles.
• Radio Benčić – promoting audio creativity through workshops, lectures, and production of content about books, libraries, and reading culture in a fully-equipped audio studio housed in the library. “A notable radio programme is ‘Sketches for Inclusion’, independently produced by a group of young people dedicated to addressing social, cultural, and economic inclusion. You can listen here,” says Kristian Benic, Marketing and Public Relations Associate at Rijeka City Library. 
• ‘Herbal Harmony’ – merging urban gardening with audio production, representing a creative bridge between nature and technology.
• ‘3D print, 3D photo, AI moto’ - guiding principles for creating tangible objects from digital designs using artificial intelligence.
• ‘Photography in the Courtyard’ – exploring urban spaces through digital photography.
• ‘Minetest’ – designing new urban elements of the city in a Minecraft-inspired environment (Minecraft is a ​​3D sandbox video game).
• 'New Media Rules' – media literacy within the context of digital culture and advanced STEAM fields (science, maritime, meteorology, architecture, etc.)
• ‘POP Science talks’ – engaging, easy-to-understand talks that present complex scientific topics in a fun, relatable way, often connecting them to everyday life, pop culture or current events.
• ‘Story about Rijeka City Library’ – an interactive game designed specifically for high school students, developing their STEAM skills through interactive exploration of the library’s digital tools and learning resources.
  

   

‘A beautiful fantastic space for young people’

The services of the Nurture Lab are in daily and active use, says Kristian. On average, about 40 young people spend time in the Lab every day. Altogether, Nurture Lab STEAM workshops and structured activities for primary, high school and university students attracted 1,747 participants from January to November 2025. Lab users shared their thoughts using the library's 'ideas string':

• “A beautiful and well-equipped space for young people, full of different activities and open to everyone… a great spot to spend free time without spending extra money.”
• “A great space where workshops are held… also a cozy place for playing video and board games.”
• “Amazing space, with great programmes and people, open to everyone and truly inspiring. I spend more time in Nurture Lab than in my own home :)”

Enthusiastic partners

• “The library’s impact on the local community is remarkable, as it provides access to new technologies and creative opportunities for all citizens,” said Sanjin Smajlović, a graphic designer.
• “I’m grateful that, with the library’s support, I have the opportunity to develop creative programmes that encourage critical thinking and personal reflection, while sharing my knowledge and skills,” said Ana Orlić, a professional architect and photographer who is an associate for activities like Minetest and photography workshops.
• “We run most of our programmes in the Nurture Lab, because it’s an inclusive and accessible space that aligns perfectly with our organization’s values,” said Maja Ogrizović, an inclusion expert in the organization, ‘Culture to Everyone Everywhere’, an important partner in development of the Nurture Lab programme. 

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