Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

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 Friday, July 18.

 

Hundreds of students who live or attend school in Pierce County submitted original designs in the free contest—this year while finishing out the school year from home. Professional artists reviewed entries and selected six finalists for each age group.

 

For ages 5-11 select from cards designed by Veronica Argirov, Tacoma, Evergreen Elementary School; Arianna Cha, Auburn, Hedden Elementary School; Norah Gawryczik, University Place, Wainwright Intermediate School; Kento Karasawa, Puyallup, Shaw Road Elementary School; Leila Lewis, Buckley, Sumner Middle School; Logan Wilcox, Puyallup, Brouillet Elementary School.

 

For ages 12-18 select from cards designed by Lily Barber, Bonney Lake, Mountain View Middle School; Tabitha Beebe, Tacoma, Stadium High School; Carole Eskew, Puyallup, Liberty Middle School; Eliana Parks, Gig Harbor, homeschool; Ayzia Regules, Tacoma, homeschool; Abigail Tarekegn, Puyallup, Puyallup High School.

 

“This year the Card Design Contest provided parents-turned-teachers a fun art opportunity for their students while doing school at home,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The choice will be difficult for Pierce County residents to choose their favorite designs—the entries reflect the creative talent of our young artists!”

 

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 following the public vote later this summer. The two winning designs will be created into library cards and are expected to be available starting in fall 2020.

 

A Pierce County Library card offers access to 1.1 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Mobile: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 614,000 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, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable 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

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – This year’s Summer Reading program from the Pierce County Library System is going virtual. The Library has reimagined this year’s program and will:

 

• Host online events families can watch from home.
• Offer electronic tracking tools to help readers earn badges.
• Give out grab and go activity packs.
• Provide booklists with e-book and audiobook options for all ages.

 

“While the library buildings are closed to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are bringing Summer Reading directly to the homes of kids, teenagers and adults mostly online,” said Pierce County Library System’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “And for those without internet access or computers, we will have some grab and go activities people can pick up from the libraries later this summer as well as bring our Summer Reading services out to places in our communities.”

 

Summer Reading is enjoyment for all ages. Families may download the Beanstack Tracker app from Google Play or the App Store to get started. Once readers have registered for the program, they can track their reading progress and earn badges and prizes. The app will also include appealing booklists for specific readers and includes online resources. If a person does not have access to the app, visit piercecountylibrary.beanstack.org/reader365.

 

The Library will offer virtual events online throughout the summer and will include Summer Reading program favorites such as Science Tellers and Traveling Lantern. Library events such as story time and STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and math – activities will also be available online.

 

The Summer Reading program is free thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Pierce County Library Foundation and its donors with significant contributions from 18 Friends of the Library groups.

 

For more information, visit http://summerreading.pcls.us.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Mobile: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 614,000 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

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – While the Pierce County Library System’s buildings remain closed to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19), the Library opened a virtual library with online classes and events (https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events).

 

“Challenging times bring out the creativity in people, and here at the Library we’re reimagining how we deliver our services while we can’t welcome you into our buildings,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “People need the Library’s free, valued services now more than ever, so we’re bringing our story times, book recommendations, classes and events online for you.”

 

Using platforms such as Facebook Groups, Zoom and Microsoft Teams, the virtual library will feature story times for young learners and their parents, STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math – events for school-age children, and book discussions and other events for adults. It will also engage teens on the Pierce County Library Teens Instagram page (www.instagram.com/pclteens/). The virtual library furthers the Library’s commitment to support learning, enjoyment and community. Some events will give people opportunities to interact in live programs, while others will be recorded and available to watch anytime on the Library’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/piercecountylibrary1#p/u).

 

Upcoming virtual events:

 

Virtual Story Time

Enjoy stories, art activities, rhymes, singing and finger plays on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/PCLSFamilies/). For families with young children.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10-10:30 a.m.

 

Fantastic Tales on Facebook Live

Calling all elementary age kids! Join Miss Brandi for a lunchtime read aloud on Facebook.

Monday-Friday, 12:30-1:15 p.m.

 

Creative Creations and Games

Create masterpieces, do science projects, and play games on Zoom. Ages 5-10. Registration required at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.

Tuesday, June 16, 23, 30 2:30-3:30 p.m.

 

Together Tea Time

Enjoy themed tea parties and activities on Zoom. Fun for the whole family! Registration required at piercecountylibrary.org/calendar.

Thursday, June 18, 25, July 2 2:30-3:30 p.m.

 

The Library also recently launched online videos (www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIfwpL562-5XEAvXht-zIJ_M2rVfl0LXs) created by staff working remotely, to bring services to computers, phones and mobile devices. The videos for all ages include engaging story times and songs, hands-on science experiments, cooking lessons and more. New videos in English and Spanish continue to be added to the Library’s YouTube channel.

 

The new virtual library is in addition to the library’s digital offerings of e-books, audiobooks and magazines online (www.piercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/audiobooks-ebooks/Default.htm) and online e-sources (polariscatalog.piercecountylibrary.org/POLARIS/search/misc/esources.aspx). People can get and start using a library card (www.piercecountylibrary.org/ecard.aspx?id=1502) today with access to all online library services.

 

As the pandemic is a constantly evolving situation, Pierce County Library has continued to adjust and respond quickly. At this time, it is not setting a time period for this temporary closure, or a date when the libraries will reopen. Watch for further updates while the libraries are closed at www.piercecountylibrary.org.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-229-4477-mobile

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 614,000 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, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable 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

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Kids and teenagers while you are Staying Home, Staying Healthy, and Staying Studying, have some fun and show your creativity by designing a Pierce County Library System library card. This is a student’s chance to design a library card that will be in the hands and wallets of thousands of Pierce County residents.

 

Submit designs in the Pierce County Library’s free design contest now through Friday, May 29.

 

“We love the creative and unique ways kids in our community see the Library,” said the Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “We issue about 60,000 new cards every year, and student-designed cards are always crowd-pleasers. We look forward to showcasing the student talent on thousands of library cards.”

 

Children between the ages of 5-11 and teenagers between the ages of 12-18 living or attending school in Pierce County are eligible to enter. Students may complete an entry form at cardcontest.pcls.us. For the contest, artists must submit entry forms with their library card design online at cardcontest.pcls.usor by mail to Library Card Contest, Pierce County Library System, 3005 112^th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215.

 

Art must be original and not published elsewhere. Submitted art becomes the property of Pierce County Library. The Library will retain all submissions. The artist’s name will appear along with the artwork on the printed card, which will be available throughout Pierce County.

 

Professional artists will review entries and select finalists for the two age categories. The public will select the winners from the finalists by voting online later this year.

 

The child- and teen-designed library cards will be available for free, in addition to other designs the Library offers. The student-designed cards are expected to be available later this year.

 

A Pierce County Library card offers access to 1.1 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials for learning and enjoyment at www.piercecountylibrary.org.

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Mobile: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 614,000 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

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Stimulate young minds with STEAM activities from the Pierce County Library System. Explore and learn science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) with free, hands-on events for all ages.

 

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 understand and show STEAM skills.

 

“Technology is growing at a fast pace,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “STEAM activities help the younger generation learn the skills needed to solve problems, gather data and evaluate conditions. These are skills critical for tomorrow’s workers, plus STEAM is really fun.”

 

Upcoming events include:

 

Ozobots and Bee-Bots: Create with Technology

            Learn early math concepts through play! Ages 2-6 with an adult.

            Saturday, Jan. 18, 2-3 p.m., Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E.

Friday, Jan. 24, 3-4 p.m., Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave S.

Friday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

 

Bridge Building Challenge

Work together to construct the longest, strongest or widest bridge. Ages 7 and older.

Monday, Jan. 27, 1-2:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.

 

STEAM Explorers: Catapults

Experiment and build a catapult out of basic materials. All supplies provided. Ages 7 and older.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 1-2 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma

 

Science Explorer

Discover the microscopic world, try out a banana piano with Makey Makey, investigate density and more. Ages 7 and up.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 4-5:30 p.m., Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma

 

Petite Picasso: Fizzy Heart Art

Prepare to get messy with fun, creative and process-driven art activities. Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary ages.

Thurs., Feb. 6, 2-3 p.m., South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup

 

 

Altered Art

Create altered works of art using paints, stencils, cutout images, decoupage and other materials. All materials provided. Teens and adults.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6-7:30 p.m., Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton

 

Leap Into Science: Wind and Air

Examine science concepts around air, wind and breathe in with experiments and activities for young scientists. Ages 3-10.

Saturday, Feb. 29, noon-1 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

 

Families may also find books to explore STEAM subjects, Science to Go backpacks and online resources to help with science projects, math and technology at Pierce County Library.

 

The Pierce County Library Foundations helps sponsor the Library’s STEAM activities.

 

Find more STEAM activities to build school success and discover new interests at https://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 620,000 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

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Learning to read can be ruff! Kids can improve their reading skills while sharing a book with a furry friend at the Pierce County Library System’s Read to a Dog events.

 

“Dogs are attentive and happy to interact with young readers,” said Pierce County Library’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “The sessions make kids feel comfortable and more confident in their reading abilities, and the dogs sure seem to like it, too!”

 

Upcoming events include:

 

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 4-5 p.m., University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100

 

Monday, Jan. 13 and Tuesday, Jan. 21, 4:30 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th
St. E.

 

Saturday, Jan. 18 and Feb. 15, 1-2 p.m., DuPont Pierce County Library, 1540 Wilmington Drive

 

All Read to a Dog canines are trained service dogs.

 

Find more resources to help kids achieve school success and develop a love of reading at www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens.

 

 

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

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 9^th 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

 

 

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

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

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.

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