Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

TACOMA – Microsoft’s Bill Gates was 13 years old when he wrote his first computer program. DNA pioneer Rosalind Franklin did math for fun as a child. At 14, Henry Ford dismantled his pocket watch and reassembled it over and over again. Unlock a potential Gates, Franklin or Ford with free Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities from the Pierce County Library System.

The Library System designed the events for elementary, middle school and high school students. Integrating science, technology, engineering and math provides real-life situations to help students learn. The fun participants have building structures, creating circuits, and trying other hands-on activities is also teaching students about geometry and engineering.

Join in the fun and learning at an upcoming event.

            Jitterbug Robots

Build a jitterbug robot. Ages 7-12.

Wednesday, March 13, 3:30-5 p.m.

Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma

Tuesday, March 19, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive

Explore Your World: Math Games

Play math games at the library or build with blocks. Best for elementary and middle schoolers; children age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursday, March 14, 3:30-5 p.m.

Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.

Friday, April 12, 2:30 p.m.

Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood

MakeCode Club: Micro: Bit Watch

Learn to code! Microsoft MakeCode is about making, building, crafting and constructing. No coding experience necessary. Best for elementary and middle schoolers.

Registration required at www.piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.

Thursday, March 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup

            Explore Your World: Squishy Circuits

Create working circuits using electricity-conducting Play-Doh. Lights, sounds and motors bring electric learning to life! Ages 6-18

Saturday, March 23, 2-3 p.m.

Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.

Wednesday, March 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.

Find more STEM events and other STEM resources from the Pierce County Library System at https://stem.pcls.us/.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org             

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – The Pierce County Library System encourages teen writers and artists to show their talents in the Our Own Expressions Teen Writing & Art Contest, which runs now through Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2019.

“The contest gives teens a chance to hone their talents and showcase truly amazing writing, artwork and photography,” said the Library System’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Previous contest winners have gone onto be published authors.”

Teenagers in seventh through 12th grades, who live in or attend school in Pierce County, may enter the contest, individually or as a team. They may enter in one or all four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing. Participation in the contest is free.

Students may get entry forms at any Pierce County Library or online. Teens may use computers at Pierce County Libraries or their school library to download the entry forms and submit their entries. Entries may also be submitted by mail to Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215.

Judges will review writing entries on the basis of originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. They will review art entries on the basis of composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media. Published authors, professional artists and photographers select the final winning pieces.

The Library System will announce all of the winning entries in books and distribute them throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. Pierce County Library Foundation will award cash prizes of $50 to $100 in three age groups: seventh and eighth grade, ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade; and in four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing.

Contest winners will feature their work in an awards ceremony at Pacific Lutheran University at 12180 Park Ave. S. in Tacoma on Wednesday, May 29. Last year, teenagers submitted more than 1,100 entries in the Our Own Expressions contest.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

Visit www.piercecountylibrary.org for more information about this and other teen services.

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Melt hearts with handmade cards and sweet treats from the Pierce County Library System. Bring the whole family to make valentines, decorate cookies and more.

Activities include:

Valentine’s Day Crafts

Create unique Valentine’s Day cards to give to family and friends. All ages. Under six with an adult.

Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2-3 p.m.

Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2:30-3:15 p.m.

DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Dr.

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Valentine Confectionery Class

Valentine candy simply made. Adults only.

Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood

Monday, Feb. 11, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating

Come decorate Valentine cookies with us. All ages.

Eatonville Pierce County Library, 205 Center St. W.

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 3-4:30 p.m.

Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 3:30-5 p.m.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

For more information about events throughout the Pierce County Library System, visit https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events.

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org             

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Help kids expand their minds and keep up with ever-changing technology with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities from the Pierce County Library System. Explore lasers, circuits, the human body and more with free activities for all ages.

“Technology continues to change our world and the way we interact with each other,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “These classes offer fun ways to learn about science, technology, math and engineering, and are one of the ways the Library supports kids in their ever-developing growth and curiosity”

Activities include:

After-School STEAM: Origami

Fold paper into works of art. All supplies provided. Ages 6-18.

Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. SW, Lakewood

Friday, Feb. 08, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Light Up Circuit Valentines

Explore circuitry and make an awesome Valentine. Ages 6-18.

Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian Avenue East, Suite 29

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 4-5 p.m.

Tinker Thursday - Candy Science

Do hands-on science experiments using candy. Ages 6-18.

South Hill Pierce County Library,

Thursday, Feb. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Explore Your World - Light-bending Lasers

Learn about photons while bouncing light from one place to another with laser pointers and mirrors.

Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.

Tuesday, Feb. 19: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

Find more STEM activities at https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events.

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org             

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Adulting at any age may be hard, and it can be especially challenging for 16 to 24 year olds. That’s why the Pierce County Library System created its free Life After High School program – to better prepare young adults for adulting. 

“Moving out on your own can be scary,” said Pierce County Library’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Young adults can learn what it takes to be an adult before they make the leap into independence. These courses can help them be more successful, from how to make and save money to how to cook healthy and stay on budget.”

The interactive Life After High School series will cover topics including transportation, cooking on a budget, making, saving and spending money, and renting basics. The four-part series will be held at the following library locations:

Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E

Wednesdays from 3-4:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 Get Around

Feb. 6 Feed Yourself

Feb. 13 Move Out

Feb. 20 Make Money

South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup

Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 Get Around

Jan. 30 Feed Yourself

Feb. 6 Move Out, presented by Vadis

Feb. 13 Make Money, presented by Red Canoe Credit Union

Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.

Mondays from 4:30-6 p.m.

Jan. 28 Get Around

Feb. 4 Feed Yourself

Feb. 11 Move Out, presented by Vadis

Feb. 25 Make Money, presented by Red Canoe Credit Union

University Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

Saturdays from 3-4:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 Get Around

Jan. 26 Move Out

Feb. 2 Feed Yourself

Feb. 9 Make Money

The Pierce County Library Foundation helps sponsor the program.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

Learn more about the Life After High School program at http://lahs.pcls.us.

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Enjoy building, creating, crafting, coding and more at MakerFest. Join neighbors Saturday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Washington State Fair Event Center, 110 9^th Ave. S.W., Puyallup. The Pierce County Library System, Puyallup Public Library, Tacoma Public Library and Timberland Library are partnering to present this free, all-ages event.

“This is a true community event. People of all ages come together and share and learn as a community,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “People told us they wanted the Library to provide opportunities to connect with others and share interests, and that’s what MakerFest is all about!”

MakerFest features nearly 50 exhibitors including arts and crafts, technology, robotics, homesteading, health, upcycling, emergency preparedness, science and many more. Exhibit booths will feature hands-on activities to help people learn do-it-yourself (DIY) processes.

Participants can stop by for an hour or stay all day and join in STEAM activities – science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Attendees can use a bicycle to blend a smoothie, test artificial intelligence, and try their hand at game design. Robot battles will take place throughout the day and a photo booth with celebrity exhibitors including Star Wars’ R2D2 will also be available.

Children can have fun while playing and learning with KaBOOM! Imagination Playground™. The big blue blocks help children build math skills as they count and sort blocks; literacy skills as they talk about building projects; and many other abilities.

Visit makerfest.pcls.us for more information.

Thank you to the Pierce County Library Foundation for sponsoring MakerFest.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 602,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Celebrate the season with fall crafts, harvest parties, Halloween story times and more at the Pierce County Library System. Free events for all ages will be featured throughout the county.

Upcoming events include:

Tinker Thursdays: Pumpkin Volcano Play and learn while building, exploring and experimenting with pumpkin volcanoes. Ages 6 to 18.

Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. at South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.

South Hill

Day of the Dead Make a Day of the Dead crown of flowers. Ages 6 and up.
Saturday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. at Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.

Harvest Party Celebrate autumn with a story, games and decorating pumpkins. All ages.

Friday, Oct. 16, 2:30 p.m. at Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S.

A Masquerade Murder Mystery Enjoy an interactive mystery theater program with Murder Mystery Co. Ages 9 and up.
Friday, Oct. 26, 6-8:30 p.m. at Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.

Scary Stories around a Campfire Get spooked at this family story time. Costumes optional.
All ages.
Saturday, Oct. 27, noon at Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W.

Lakewood

Thank you to Friends of the Pierce County Libraries for helping to sponsor these events. Look for more fall events at https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events?term=fall.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 602,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org              

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Can’t recall how to do that Algebra equation? Don’t know where to begin on that research paper? Need an idea for the science fair? The Pierce County Library System can help with Tools for Students. Find books, electronic resources or talk real-time with an online tutor and make this school year a success.

Homework databases to give students credible resources and confident studies:

• HelpNow: Speak with professional online tutors that give expert help on essays to calculus.
• Gale Virtual Reference Library: Access hundreds of full-text electronic books covering a wide range of subjects from biography and business to law and literature.
• Gale Biography in Context: Review brief biographies with links to articles in newspapers, magazines and websites.
• Culture Grams: Explore the cultures of hundreds of countries, provinces and states, including famous people and recipes.
• Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context: Compare opinions, articles and reference materials about controversial topics. The content is ripe for budding debaters and curious students.
• Science Online from Infobase: Discover experiments, videos, biographies and science research.
• Pronunciator: Learn nearly 90 languages.
• SIRS Discoverer: Study and learn from articles from more than 1,400 publications and selected topic websites, geared for elementary and middle school students.

Parents and educators can also find booklists for every grade and accelerated reader lists to help improve student reading levels at piercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/Default.htm.

For more information about Tools for Students: piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens/tools-students/Default.htm.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 602,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

Attend free classes at the Pierce County Library and gain guidance for college and career directions

TACOMA –Thinking about what to do after graduation can be overwhelming. Some will go to college, while others choose to find a job and start exploring careers. Students can explore which path is right for them with the Pierce County Library System’s Life After High School Program.

The program helps participants set professional goals, complete career assessments, and prepare for testing and college applications. 

“Young adults are asked to make a life-defining choice once they graduate,” said Kayce Austin, a customer experience manager with the Pierce County Library. “Giving them the chance to explore a variety of options takes some of the stress out of the decision, and gives students the guidance to make thoughtful choices for their future.”

Upcoming workshops include:

Plan for Your Educational Future
Meet with Tacoma Community College representatives, no appointment necessary.

• Tuesday, Oct. 2, 16, 30, Nov. 13, 27, Dec. 11, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
• Wednesday, Oct. 3, 17, 31, Nov. 14, 28, 4-6 p.m. at Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
• Tuesday, Oct. 9, 23, Nov. 6, 20, Dec. 4, 18, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
• Wednesday, Oct. 10, 24, Nov. 7, 21, Dec. 5, 19, 2-4 p.m. at University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

FAFSA Workshop

Local financial aid advisors will help attendees navigate the financial aid process and walk through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Saturday, Oct. 6 at 2-3 p.m. at Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood
• Saturday, Oct. 27 at 1-2 p.m. at Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd.
• Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7-8 p.m. at Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.
• Monday, Nov. 5, at 4-5 p.m. at South Hill Pierce County Library , 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup
• Saturday, Nov. 10, at 1-2 p.m. at Key Center Pierce County Library , 8905 KPNW, Lakebay

ACT/SAT Practice Test

Take a free practice test and receive customized study plans using library resources.

• Monday, Sept. 24, 4-7 p.m. at South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup
• Practice tests may also be taken online using HelpNow by BrainFuse and the Testing and Reference Center available for free with a Pierce County Library card.

Application Essay Writing

Bring questions, ideas, notes or a first draft essay. Learn about tips, tricks and library resources available to make essays stand out.

• Wednesday, Sept. 26, 3-4:30 p.m. at Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd
• Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6-7:30 p.m. at Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.
• Tuesday, Nov. 13, 4-5:30 p.m. at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
• Monday, Dec. 3, 4-5:30 p.m. at South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup

Find out more about Life After High School tools and classes at lahs.pcls.us.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 602,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Learning is more fun when it includes Lego bricks, motors, circuitry, robots and microscopes. Join in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fun at a STEM session at the Pierce County Library System.

Families can build with Lego bricks and motors, engineer marble race tracks with straws and connectors, use microscopes to discover tiny items on slides, teach robots to follow a map, and create circuits without wires.

Upcoming events include:

Microsoft Certification Practice Tests and Exams

Take a practice test, have questions answered in person or take the final exam required for Microsoft certification.

Practice Tests: Saturday, Sept. 15, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 22, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Administrative Center & Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma

Exam: Tuesday, Sept. 18, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 25, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at Administrative Center & Library, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma

Explore Your World: Copper Chemistry

Learn all about chemical reactions using vinegar to make a tarnished penny bright and shiny again. Best for elementary and middle schoolers. Ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 3:30 p.m. at Eatonville Pierce County Library, 205 Center St. W.

The Curiosity Machine AI Family Challenge: Build a No Wire Circuit

Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) technology and apply AI tools to solve problems. The Curiosity Machine Al Family Challenge invites families to learn about AI technology, and apply Al tools to solve problems in their communities. The Curiosity Machine runs the AI Family Challenge, a program of the STEM education nonprofit Iridescent. Registration required at calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events .

Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:30-8 p.m. at Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma

Marble Run

Learn STEM skills while having fun with a customizable marble run. Explore the concepts of gravity and momentum in custom designs or try to assemble one of the challenge courses.

Wednesday, Sept. 26, 4:30 p.m. at Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.

Explore Your World: Microscopes

Get a peek of the microscopic world using scopes and slides. Best for elementary and middle schoolers. Ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m. at South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.

Robots for Kids!

Play with Ozobots and Bee-Bots—robots designed for kids. Draw a map and find out if the robots can follow it. Recommended for ages 4 to 8; under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 3:30 p.m. at DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive

Bricks 4 Kidz: Gadget & Gizmos using Lego Bricks and Motors

Build and experiment with fun motorized inventions using specialized Lego bricks and motors. Ages 6 to 12. Register online at calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events .

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. at Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W.

Lakewood

Find more information about these and other STEM events at https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events?t=STEM.

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 602,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org                       

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