- Celebrate DIY culture at the county’s largest maker event - 10/18/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Coding, robots, 3D printing and more will be on display at the Pierce County Library System’s free MakerFest event Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Agriplex at the Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Ave. S.W., Puyallup. Come out and enjoy hands-on STEAM activities for all ages from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Come on by and inspire your inner scientist, engineer or artist while having a blast with the many fun, learning choices,” said Pierce County Library System Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “This community event brings people together around shared interests and makes for a thrilling family day.”
MakerFest features nearly 50 exhibitors showcasing arts and crafts, technology, robotics, homesteading, health, upcycling, emergency preparedness, science and much more.
Participants may stop by for an hour or stay all day and join in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) activities. Attendees can try their talents at spinning yarn on a spinning wheel, working with hand tools, designing games, making a smoothie while riding a bike, and doing and seeing a whole lot more. A photo booth with celebrity exhibitors including Star Wars’ R2-D2 will also be available.
Children may have fun while playing and learning with KaBOOM! Imagination Playground™. The big blue blocks help children build math concepts as they count and sort blocks, literacy as they talk about building projects, and many other skills.
Inspire imagination with books, DVDs and more STEAM activities at the Pierce County Library or by visiting www.piercecountylibrary.org.
The Pierce County Library Foundation sponsors MakerFest. Pierce County’s largest maker event is presented in partnership with Puyallup Public Library and Tacoma Public Library.
Learn more about MakerFest and all of the STEAM activities available at Pierce County Library at makerfest.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
- Scare up some fall fun at the Pierce County Library System - 9/20/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – From masks and wizards to guts and mystery, the Pierce County Library System has plenty of tricks and treats to enjoy this fall.
Spooktacular events include:
Pacific Science Center: Blood and Guts Exhibits
Explore the systems and organs that keep humans alive and kicking—from skeletons down to nerves and neurons. All ages.
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2-3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
Creative Crafts for Teens: Mysterious Masks
Decorate a half-mask and become a person of mystery. Mask, paint and decorations provided. Ages 13-18.
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7-8 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
Pumpkin Volcanoes: An Experiment in Geology and Glitter
Make a volcanic pumpkin! Carve a pumpkin then put a science cap on and turn it into a glitter volcano! Supplies provided. Wear clothes to get messy. Ages 5-12.
Friday, Oct. 11, 2-5 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
Murder Mystery Company: 1920s Mafia Marriage-Death of a Gangster
Attend the wedding of the year at the Dunn Speakeasy! In this married to the mob event, two families merge, guaranteeing someone to lose power. Adults only. Contact the library to signup: 253-548-3321.
Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8:30 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
Potter Palooza
Join an all-ages event for witches, wizards and muggles! The library will be filled with activities, food and games for Harry Potter fans young and old.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.
Jeff Evans: Secrets of Wizards
It is magic, puppetry, ventriloquism, danger, the unexpected and laugh-out-loud fun all rolled into one show inspired by Harry Potter! Costumes encouraged. Ages 3-10.
Saturday, Oct. 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.
People can also pick up a spooky story or a scary movie from the Library to make their Halloween celebration complete. See what’s available at polariscatalog.piercecountylibrary.org/polaris/.
Find more creepy community activities at calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events.
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
- STEAM activities to build the next generation of innovators - 9/16/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Technology is growing at a fast pace and the younger generation needs strong STEAM skills‒science, technology, engineering, art and math‒to keep up with it. Learn the skills needed to solve problems, gather data and evaluate conditions with free STEAM activities from the Pierce County Library System.
According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEAM occupations are growing at a rate of 17%, while other occupations are growing at 10%. In order to prepare tomorrow’s innovators in this growing industry, they need to learn STEAM skills beyond what was taught in the past.
“Science and technology are part of every aspect of our lives,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Developments in these areas are important to society and the economy. Creating fun ways for kids to learn STEAM-related skills may put them on a track to a future career in the high-demand STEAM field.”
Upcoming events include:
Explore and Create: Foil Sculptures
Create a foil sculpture and play with light to trace its shadow. Ages 5-12.
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
Explore Your World: Slime
Develop lab skills and creativity. Measure various chemicals to make a ball of sticky slime. Ages 5-12.
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 4-5 p.m., Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2 p.m., Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.
Code Club: Strawbees Robot Race
Create a robot racer using Strawbees and race to cross the finish line first. Perfect for elementary and middle schoolers. Registration required at www.piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.
Thursday, Sept. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup.
Pacific Science Center: Super Cool Science Show
Discover what happens when things get super cool with liquid nitrogen! Watch as gases become liquids, liquids become solids and matter fizzes, freezes and flies. All ages.
Friday, Oct. 18, 3-4 p.m., Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S.
Bee-Bots, Blocks and More! Preschool STEAM Exploration
Learn early math concepts through play! Recommended for children ages 2-6 with a caregiver.
Friday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
Additionally, 3D printers will be on display at the Bonney Lake, Key Center and Lakewood Pierce County Libraries during October and November. Visitors can see the printer in action and design an object to be printed.
For students whose STEAM interests have been sparked, the Library has additional books and materials and Science-to-Go backpacks to keep them learning.
The Pierce County Library Foundations sponsors all of the Library’s STEAM activities.
Learn more about science, technology, engineering, art and math at 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
- Soar to the top of the class with Tools for Students - 9/13/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – As classes return, Pierce County Library System is here to help with books and materials, online e-sources and live tutors. From reports and science projects to class debates and learning new languages, Pierce County Library’s Tools for Students provides the help students need to succeed.
“Parents must be asking‒where were these services when I was a student—especially that online help when just maybe you put off an assignment until midnight!” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Having 24/7 access to credible sources gives students the in-depth information to help them be more efficient with their time and earn better grades.”
The following online homework resources give students credible and easy to navigate information:
- HelpNow: Speak with professional real-time, online tutors and get 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.
- Science Online from Infobase: Discover experiments, videos, biographies and science research.
- Pronunciator: Learn nearly 90 languages.
- SIRS Discoverer: Access research for middle and elementary students incorporating articles from 1,400+ publications and selected topic websites.
Parents and teachers may also find booklists for every grade and accelerated reader lists to help improve student-reading levels.
Find these and other learning resources at tools.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
- Community scavenger hunt for young children, a new library service - 9/11/2019
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – This month, the Pierce County Library System launches a fun, new learning service, Our Community Adventure, a community scavenger hunt type of learning geared for families with young children. Our Community Adventure features a game board and activities to help families connect with each other and their community while learning and earning prizes.
“Opportunities to learn are all around us,” said Pierce County Library’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Our Community Adventure gives parents a fun guide to become more aware of those learning opportunities. With hands on, eyes open and feet walking, this new service tours families through their community, while learning and having fun.”
Young brains form fast, from birth to age five. Ensuring kids have nurturing, compassionate and healthy environments is a critical ingredient to ensure children are ready for school. Our Community Adventure provides families with exciting, low-cost experiences and introduces children to the big wide world of their community.
From reading together and visiting a community garden to donating to a food bank, the activities included in the Our Community Adventure game board are a combination of traditional learning, playing and connecting in and as a community. Adventure participants earn a reusable cotton book bag to fill with library books or other stuff!
Puyallup Public Library and Tacoma Public Library are collaborating with Pierce County Library to provide this learning opportunity. Families can get game boards in English and Spanish in libraries, online and at many government, non-profit and pediatricians’ offices around the county. Thanks to the Pierce County Library Foundation for sponsoring Our Community Adventure.
Our Community Adventure is part of the many learning tools the Pierce County Library offers, such as Baby Books to Go bags, Story Time, Play to Learn sessions and a vast selection of children’s books and movies.
Start the adventure today: https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens/parents-caregivers/early-learning/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 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
- Read, earn prizes and learn about the universe with Summer Reading - 5/31/2019
TACOMA – Adventure out of this world with the Pierce County Library System’s Summer Reading Program, A Universe of Stories. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the July 1969 moon landing, the Library will host a series of space-themed events and activities to boost learning and enjoyment during the summer months.
“Many children experience the summer slide, which means they lose some of their learning and literacy skills during the summer months,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “With our Summer Reading Program, we help children glide successfully through the summer into fall and retain their learning and literacy while having fun as they continue to build literacy skills all summer.”
Reading is an important tool to help kids retain what they’ve learned and prepare them for success in the coming school year. The Library’s Summer Reading Program challenges students of all ages to read and adds incentives such as passes to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and tickets to the Seattle Storm and Tacoma Rainiers when they reach reading goals.
Participants may also read down their fines. After reading for 10 hours, every reader will receive a coupon to remove $5 off of fines they may have for overdue books and materials.
The Summer Reading Program fosters a love of reading for the entire family. The program also offers events for kids, teens and adults, including story times, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities and magic shows to encourage learning all summer with out of this world fun.
Following is just a glimpse at the many events.
Museum of Flight Portable Science: Summer Sky Stories of Alexandria
Travel back in time to second century Alexandria for a night of stargazing and storytelling! Meet a student of the great astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in this interactive planetarium show. Ages 5 and up.
Monday, June 24, 2:30 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
Thursday, Aug. 15, 1:30 p.m., Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: How the Moon and Stars Affect Wildlife on Earth
Connect how glowing orbs in the sky inspired space travel and how they relate to wild animals. Learn about transformations, brave journeys, and odd behaviors of wild animals from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium staff. Explore what strange things happen in nature by the light of the moon. Meet a live zoo animal and touch feathers, skulls and furs from animals guided by the night sky! Ages 6-18.
Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 a.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
Thursday, July 11, 1 p.m., Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S.
Friday, July 12, 2 p.m., Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood. Please call or stop by the library to register.
Tuesday, July 30, 10:30 a.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.
Wednesday, June 26, 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
Science Tellers: Aliens: Escape from Earth
Join an action-packed and educational adventure totally out of this world! Listen to an intergalactic story that comes to life. Go behind the scenes of the special effects and recreate the science experiments. Ages 3-18.
Tuesday, July 9, 2 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
Friday, July 12, 11 a.m., Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPNW, Lakebay
Wednesday, July 17, 11 a.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.
Thursday, July 18, 1 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.
Saturday, July 20, 10:30 a.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
Tuesday, July 30, 2 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
Teen Escape Rooms
Escape in a mental and physical adventure and solve a series of puzzles and riddles from clues, hints and strategy. Designed for teens grades 6-12. Register online at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar or contact the host Library for more information.
- Aliens
- Wednesday, June 26, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
- Thursday, June 27, 2 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
- Thursday, July 11, 3:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
- Monday, July 22, 4 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.
- Star Wars
- Tuesday, July 2, 3 p.m., Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPNW, Lakebay
- Wednesday, July 24, 4:30 p.m., Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.
- Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
- Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
- Monday, Aug. 12, 5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
- Wednesday, Aug. 14, 3 p.m., Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton
- Thursday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m., DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive
- Steven Universe
- Wednesday, July 3, 4 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
- Wednesday, July 24, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
- Stranger Things
- Monday, July 1, 5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
- Wednesday, July 10, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
- Thursday, July 25, 2 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
- Tuesday, July 30, 3 p.m., Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPNW, Lakebay
- Wednesday, July 31, 4 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
- Monday, Aug. 5, 4 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E.
- Thursday, Aug. 8, 3:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
Adult Escape Rooms
Challenge mental and physical skills and escape in an adventure and solve a series of puzzles and clues. Register online at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar or contact the library for more information.
Monday, July 29, 6 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
Friday July 26, 4:30 & 5:15 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
- Monday, Aug. 12, 5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
- Monday, Aug. 12, 6 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
- Stranger Things
- Friday, June 28, 4:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
- Monday, July 1, 5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
The Library System has declared 2019 A Year of Reading. Reading offsets the pressures of daily life and helps people relax. A Year of Reading includes the Summer Reading Program as well as Pierce County READS‒a community event where everyone reads the same book at the same time, author visits, personal reading shoppers in libraries and online through the My Next Read service, e-newsletters with reading recommendations, Read to a Dog to build children’s reading skills, and other ways to engage and connect with reading.
Readers can sign up for Summer Reading and start earning prizes on June 1. Join in special events at a Pierce County Library, from June 22 through Aug. 17.
The Pierce County Library Foundation sponsors the Summer Reading Program.
Find out more about the Summer Reading Program, how to earn prizes, and register at summerreading.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 1.1 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
- Creativity stands out in Pierce County Library contest for teens - 5/22/2019
TACOMA – Congratulations to the Pierce County teen artists, photographers and writers who participated in the Pierce County Library System’s Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest. Students in grades 7 through 12 representing 74 schools in Pierce County submitted more than 900 poems, short stories, drawings and photographs.
“I am blown away by the caliber of talent displayed by these teens,” said Pierce County Library’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The contest is an excellent opportunity for young artists and writers to share their creativity and skill with the community.”
The contest is part of the Library System’s Strategic Plan, which includes Enjoyment as a focus area to inspire imagination and create opportunities to pursue passions. The award-winning young authors and artists will share their work at a free public event at Pacific Lutheran University’s Lagerquist Concert Hall, Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 7 p.m.
Professional writers, authors and photographers selected the winners.
Poetry Winners
Grades 7-8: 1st—Mattae Magat, Bonney Lake; 2nd—Jillian Jean Lombard, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Colby Cantrell, Bonney Lake
Grades 9-10: 1st—Julia Fisher, Olalla; 2nd—Anique Jones, Tacoma; 3rd—Janelle V. Chin, Tacoma
Grades 11-12: 1st—Amelia Day, Sumner; 2nd—Annika Van Vlack, Anderson Island; 3rd—Madison Stephens, Tacoma
Short Story Winners
Grades 7-8: 1st—Maya Mendoza, Sumner; 2nd—Armaan Khanuja, Auburn; 3rd—Kelsey Liggett, Puyallup
Grades 9-10: 1st—Alice Tang, Puyallup; 2nd—Honor Tamminga, Gig Harbor; 3rd—Chloe Rutherford, Graham
Grades 11-12: 1st—Helena Burk, University Place; 2nd—Martina Preston, Sumner; 3rd—James Castle, Gig Harbor
Photography Winners
Grades 7-8: 1st—Joscelyn Barenaba, Roy; 2nd—Denaya Dyke, Bonney Lake; 3rd—Madison Robbins, Lakebay
Grades 9-10: 1st—Lindsey Langham, Lakewood; 2nd—Joshua Kim, DuPont; 3rd—Layla Stennett, Spanaway
Grades 11-12: 1st—Jacob Million, Steilacoom; 2nd—Jordan Hayward, Puyallup; 3rd—Jennifer Oh, University Place
Drawing Winners
Grades 7-8: 1st—Mariah Schauf, Bonney Lake; 2nd—Adrienne Redman, Ashford; 3rd—Kali Ofield, Puyallup
Grades 9-10: 1st—Angelina Cruz, Gig Harbor; 2nd—Hunter Tichy, Port Orchard; 3rd—Trinity Travis, Roy
Grades 11-12: 1st—Addeline Piippo, Graham; 2nd—Madison Sternod, Lakewood; 3rd—Hannah Davis, Bonney Lake
View the winning entries at expressions.pcls.us and in copies of the winners’ booklet available at Pierce County Libraries, as well as in the winning students’ school libraries.
Thanks to the Pierce County Library Foundation for sponsoring the Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest.
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 1.1 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
- Gain real-world experience with Teen Volunteer League - 5/1/2019
TACOMA – Teens‒want to learn hands-on job skills, gain leadership experience, earn community service, and spruce up job or college applications? Apply to join the Pierce County Library System’s Teen Volunteer League now through June 10.
The Teen Volunteer League is open to teens, ages 14-18, and is offered at all Pierce County Library locations. Students will volunteer at their library June-August. Through volunteering, students gain valuable experience and hands-on job skills training by assisting with library activities and special projects.
“The Teen Volunteer League is a super opportunity for teens, benefiting them as well as benefitting the Library System and the communities where the teens live,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The teens will learn valuable real-world skills and see first-hand their impact in giving back to their community.”
Participating in the Teen Volunteer League requires teenagers to commit at least eight hours of volunteer time during the summer months. The Library System encourages interested teens to apply as soon as they can, because available volunteer opportunities are limited based on location and positions. The Library will fill positions as it receives applications, keeping the limited opportunities open until filled.
The Pierce County Library Foundation sponsors the Teen Volunteer League.
For more information about volunteer opportunities at the library, visit volunteer.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 1.1 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
- Read with a Daffodil Princess at the Pierce County Library System - 4/15/2019
TACOMA – A real-life princess, just like in fairy tales, but for real, a Daffodil Princess will read stories to children at the Pierce County Library System on Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, May 4. Princesses will read stories, talk with children and be available for photos.
“Imagine spending time with a real-life princess!” said Pierce County Library System’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The Daffodil Princesses will read and talk with children, giving them genuine attention. The kids love this close encounter with our local royalty.”
Read with a Princess at a Pierce County Library:
Saturday, April 27
11 a.m.
Eatonville Pierce County Library, 205 Center St. W.
Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S.
Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma
Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave.
Noon
Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.
2 p.m.
Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.
Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E.
Key Center Pierce County Library, 8905 KPNW, Lakebay
Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton
DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive
Saturday, May 4
11 a.m.
Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave.
Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd.
University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
Noon
Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood
2 p.m.
Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W.
Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup
In addition, the libraries will share books and other materials, perfect for all ages.
Find more events to enjoy at www.piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.
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
- Learn tips and tricks to getting your first job - 3/27/2019
TACOMA – Prepare for Life After High School with employment help from the Pierce County Library System. Learn the basics about creating resumes, applying for jobs, and doing interviews in this free series for teenagers and young adults.
“Job hunting can be challenging for seasoned professionals. Imagine how overwhelming it could be for a teenager,” said Pierce County Library System’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Equipping teenagers and young adults with a firm foundation on the process will give them the confidence they need to be successful.”
Events include:
Ignite Resource & Job Fair
Meet employers in the Parkland/Spanaway area. Explore educational opportunities and resources available. Ages 16-24. In partnership with WorkSource Washington.
Thursday, April 4, 2-5 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
Resume Workshop
Applying for a job, creating a first resume, or looking for a refresh? ResCare staff will share tips and tricks and how to access free resources to stand out from other job candidates. Ages 16-24.
Wednesday, April 10, 6 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E
Monday, April 15, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S.,
Job Application Workshop
To get the job, you need to fill out a job application. ResCare staff will help job applicants prepare for the job hunt by gathering all the information needed and show people where to find job listings and apply. Ages 16-24.
Wednesday, April 24, 6 p.m., Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E
Monday, April 22, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
Mock Interviews
Interviews can be intimidating, even for experienced job seekers. ResCare staff will help job seekers practice interview skills to feel more confident when meeting with potential employers. Ages 16-24.
Monday, April 29, 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.
The Pierce County Library Foundation sponsors Life After High School.
Find more resources to strengthen practical skills and navigate the real world at http://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 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
