Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

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

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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                       

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

TACOMA – Congratulations to Jasmyn Uribe of Harbor Heights Elementary and Denae Folen of Goodman Middle School, both Gig Harbor residents, for their winning designs in Pierce County Library System’s Card Design Contest. The public cast nearly 18,000 votes to select the winning designs. People may view the winning artwork online at cardcontest.pcls.us.

 

“Designing a library card that will be used by thousands of people is a pretty big deal – and talented students from across the county were up for the challenge,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Thank you to the nearly 18,000 votes cast for all of the creative entries, and congratulations to Jasmyn and Denae!”

 

Nearly 900 students living or attending school in Pierce County submitted original designs in the free contest. Professional artists reviewed entries and selected eight finalists for two age groups: elementary and middle school/high school.

 

For perspective of just how many people may soon be carrying library cards designed by Uribe or Folen, nearly 323,000 people have active Pierce County Library cards. Active cards means that the card holder or someone in their family has used the card in the past two years. Last year the Library issued 57,000 new cards.

 

Starting this fall people may choose from these two new student-designed cards.

 

With a free Pierce County Library card people have access to 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials, use of library computers, and reserving public meeting rooms.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

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

 

Editors Note: Fin-tastic designed by Jasmyn Uribe and stars designed by Denae Folen.

 

 

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 – What could be better than laying in the grass reading a book in the warm summer sun? Earning prizes for that reading through the Pierce County Library System’s Summer Reading program! Pierce County Library encourages readers of all ages to enjoy time reading from June 23 to Sept. 2, and earn reading rewards.

 

Prizes will be given for 5, 10 and 15 hours of reading and include books people can keep as well as tickets to local events such as Point Defiance Zoo, Northwest Trek and the Tacoma Rainiers, while supplies last. Also, just for signing up for the Summer Reading program, Pierce County Library staff will give participants two complimentary tickets to a Seattle Storm home game, while supplies last.

 

“Reading is a fun way to spend the summer, and it is very important for learning. I’m ready with a stack of books waiting by my deck chair,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Reading helps young children develop language skills, while school aged kids avoid the summer slide that can hinder their continued learning. Our Summer Reading program is about sparking support and excitement for all ages to keep reading and learning.”

 

According to the Collaborative Summer Library Program, children who participated in their public library’s summer reading program scored higher on standardized tests and assessment tests at the beginning of the school year than those who did not participate. By the end of third grade, children who participated in summer reading programs also have better reading scores than those who did not participate. The Collaborative Summer Library Program is a nonprofit, charitable organization that supports literacy, education and science through summer reading events in public libraries across the United States.

 

Upcoming events:

 

READ-A-THON SUMMER READING KICK-OFF, at all Pierce County Libraries, Saturday, June 23

Participants can start their summer reading by joining the Pierce County Library’s Read-a-thon. During the Read-a-Thon, adults and children may read, enjoy a story time, act in a readers’ theater, and have fun with other activities in their library. For every hour read, readers earn books for their library.

 

Summer Lunch Program

Free lunch at the Parkland/Spanaway and Summit Pierce County Libraries, Monday through Friday, June 25 to Aug. 17. Up to age 18. Franklin Pierce Schools, Bethel School District and Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sponsor the free lunch program.

 

Highlights of some of the events for kids:

 

Idea Hatch: Fiddler in the Forest

This shadow puppet show about a fiddler and curious animals in a magic forest begins with live fiddling. After the show children will make their own shadow puppets and participate in a simple show. All ages.

Saturday, July 7, from 10:30 to 1:30 a.m., at Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Dr. N. W.

Thursday, July 12, from 1 to 2 p.m., at Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington
Ave. S.

Tuesday, July 24, from 3 to 4 p.m. at DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Dr.

 

Dig In! Mini Burke Museum
Examine real fossils, rocks and minerals, as well as cast replicas of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals and plants. Unearth fossils in the fossil dig pits, learn about the work of paleontologists and geologists, and imagine the amazing life that once inhabited the planet. Saturday, July 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.

 

Highlights of some of the events for teenagers:

 

Instrument Petting Zoo: Rain City Rock Camp

Ever wondered what it would feel like to ROCK? Come find out at this hands-on collaboration with Rain City Rock Camp! Try out an electric guitar, a bass guitar or the drums. Talk to an expert about what it takes to learn an instrument or start a band and tap into some great music resources around the Puget Sound area.

Saturday, June 23, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W. and from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

 

Become a YouTuber

Find an audience, create a personal style, make videos, and incorporate film-making techniques into a YouTube channel. Registration is required.

Every Wednesday from June 20 to July 25 (no class July 4), from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.

Monday, July 9, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

 

Sound FX – Foley

Learn about the creation of sound effects for movies, TV, video games, theater and radio. Go behind the scenes and create sound effects for a movie. Ages 12 to 18.

Thursday, June 28, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.

 

Teen Late Night Library Takeover

Give summer a proper send-off by taking over the library after hours. Hang out and rock out with music, games, food and more activities.

Friday, Aug. 17, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.

 

Highlights of some of the events for adults:

Downsizing and Right-Sizing

The idea of having to downsize the contents of a larger home into a smaller home can be overwhelming. As difficult as this process may be, the end result can be wonderful if done in a systematic and purposeful way. Get tips to downsize and right-size with greater ease.

Tuesday, July 10, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.

 

Nancy Pearl

Join America’s librarian Nancy Pearl and learn about some of her favorite books. Nancy is a best-selling author, librarian, literary critic, as well as a radio and television personality, and first and foremost, she is a reader and has promoted reading as one of the most beneficial and joyful part of life. If the library world has a rock star—Nancy Pearl is it.

Tuesday, July 17, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

Thursday, July 26, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup

 

Additional Summer Reading activities this summer include author events, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math plus art and design) classes, story times, music, visits from the Library’s partners at Tacoma Metro Parks and Pacific Science Center and more.

 

For people in adult care facilities, who are homebound, in child care, or children in low-income neighborhoods, Pierce County Library will take Summer Reading on the road with books, movies and audiobooks, as well as programs and opportunities to earn prizes.

 

Generous contributions from BNSF Railway, Gordon Thomas Honeywell, Gray Lumber Company, Korsmo Construction, Pediatrics Northwest, P.S., Puget Sound Orthopedics, WGW Development/Wayne’s Roofing, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Walmart Puyallup and Tacoma and the Pierce County Library Foundation help support Summer Reading.

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

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

 

For more information on the program, book lists and upcoming activities, visit https://readthissummer.pcls.us/

 

 

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 – Painting, black and white photography, poetic descriptions of current events and a short story about writing a short story are just a few of the artistic talents featured in this year’s Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest from Pierce County Library System. Students, in grades 7 through 12, submitted more than 1,100 poems, short stories, drawings and photographs.

 

“Wow—Pierce County’s got talent. These talented teenagers showed their true, thoughtful, authentic, moving voices through their artist submissions,” said Pierce County Library System Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Each student expressed their personal and unique talents and voices. The Library System is excited to share these gifts with our whole community.”

 

Local artists selected 36 winners from the competitive field of aspiring artists and authors. The winning authors and artists will showcase their work at a free public event at Pacific Lutheran University's Lagerquist Concert Hall, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 7 p.m.  

 

Poetry Winners

• Grades 7-8: 1^st—Livy LeCompte, Fircrest; 2^nd—Vanessa John, Lakewood; 3^rd—Sofia Guerra, University Place
• Grades 9-10: 1^st—Kristine Pham, University Place; 2^nd—Daniel Titov, Spanaway; 3^rd—Kaylie Steinbacher, Bonney Lake
• Grades 11-12: 1^st—Hannah Carter, Tacoma; 2^nd—Keir Adamson, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Allyson Chiou, Gig Harbor

 

Short Story Winners

• Grades 7-8: 1^st— Zoie McCarter, Sumner; 2^nd—Isabelle Tague, Graham; 3^rd—Sam Davidson, Puyallup
• Grades 9-10: 1^st—Alexandra Ellison, Graham; 2^nd—Grace Sieber, Bonney Lake; 3^rd—Maggie Reis, Fircrest
• Grades 11-12: 1^st—Nathan Lawty, University Place; 2^nd—Kaitlin Hochstrasser, Spanaway; 3^rd—Bethan Sullivan, Gig Harbor

 

Photography Winners

• Grades 7-8: 1^st— Kaitlyn Evans, Tacoma; 2^nd—Malia Fraser, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Za’Nia Rushing, Parkland
• Grades 9-10: 1^st—Olivia Morris, Tacoma; 2^nd—Wynter Barnette, Orting; 3^rd—Jade Dickinson, Spanaway
• Grades 11-12: 1^st—Ethan Rutledge, University Place; 2^nd—Kristie Alford, Graham; 3^rd—Carson Fountain, Steilacoom

 

Drawing Winners

• Grades 7-8: 1^st— Ava Monner, Lakewood; 2^nd—Zoe Law, Milton; 3^rd—Deven Loska, Vaughn
• Grades 9-10: 1^st—Avery Li, Federal Way; 2^nd— Tia Christensen, Spanaway; 3^rd—Winter Lovelace, Tacoma
• Grades 11-12: 1^st—Leeza Woodard, Tacoma; 2^nd—Katherine Hunter, Buckley; 3^rd—Addeline Piippo, Graham

 

Judges reviewed the writing entries evaluating originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. Judges evaluated the art and photography entries on the basis of composition, evidence of skill appropriate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media.

 

See the winning entries at expressions.pcls.usand copies of the winners’ booklet at Pierce County Libraries as well as winning students’ school libraries.

 

The Pierce County Library Foundation sponsors the 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 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 – Vote for the next Pierce County Library System’s library cards, created by local students. The Library System is asking residents to cast their votes to select their favorite card by voting online at cardcontest.pcls.us, now through May 31.

 

Nearly 900 students living or attending school in Pierce County submitted original designs in the free contest. Professional artists reviewed entries and selected eight finalists for each age group.

 

For ages 5-11 select from cards designed by Ryland Beaman, Buckley, Elk Ridge Elementary School; Kaitlyn Kurfurst, Bonney Lake, Bonney Lake Elementary School; River Sunshine Martinez, Bonney Lake, Emerald Hills Elementary School; Amelia Ridgeway, Bonney Lake, Bonney Lake Elementary School; Taeeun Son, Milton, Hedden Elementary School; Colleen Sorrels, Gig Harbor, Evergreen Elementary School; Isabel Volk, Roy, Weyerhauser Elementary School; Jasmyn Vribe, Gig Harbor, Harbor Heights Elementary School.

 

For ages 12-18 select from cards designed by Mya Baker, Lakewood, Harrison Preparatory School; Jane Casey, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Lakes High School; Denae Folden, Goodman Middle School; Eishaal Habib, Fife, Edgemont Junior High; Amanda Pitts, Bonney Lake, Bonney Lake High School; Aysia Sukola, Tacoma, Harrison Preparatory School; Amaya Udager, Buckley, Bonney Lake High School; Kierra Yang, Puyallup, Ferrucci Junior High School.

 

“Our young artists have done their work, and now it’s up to Pierce County residents to choose their top choices from the amazing creative, fun designs,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “All 882 of the entries showed originality and genuine artist talent. The choice will be difficult!”

 

The public will vote in two age categories: ages 5-11 and 12-18. The Library plans to announce the winning child- and teen-designed library cards in June. The two winning designs will be created into library cards and are expected to be available starting in fall 2018.

 

A Pierce County Library card offers access to 1.5 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials, use of library computers, and reserving public meeting rooms.

 

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