Tag: STEM & Stories Saturday

April Recap @ The Playground

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April 30, 2021

8:30 am

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Library Events, Youth Programming

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On April 12th at our Makerspace Monday event, we touched and explored each strand of yarn softness, as we weaved and tied our Feathery Fun Macramé! Did you know a “chicken” has the longest feather and a “BEE Hummingbird” has the smallest feather? In fact, this little bird’s nest is the size of a quarter, kid you not! We also learned how to create hanging wall feather macramé art. Not only do we make incredibly “cool” stuff at the MakerSpace events but we also learn about science too.

Next, on April 17th for our STEM and Stories Saturday we met up with Cat, no, not a cat that goes meow, but our friend Cat Turner McAculiffe, TheraPets Coordinator from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Cat shared with us all of the MANY wonderful animal programs that ARL does each and every day around the entire state of Iowa. Cat even introduced us to her parrot that talks! Thank you so much for joining our library for a visit Cat, we are fortunate to have you in our community doing all the good that you do for our furry little friends.

Coming up next month on May 10th for Makerspace Monday Event, we will be using clothespins, twine, and sparkles as we make a Springtime Clothespin Planter, just in time for Mother’s Day! Seeds will be sprouting on May 15th with guest Roger Erpelding, Master Gardner as he shares with us his love for gardening. Who knows, you may want to become a Master Gardner too.

Coming up in May @ the Playground

Makerspace Monday Virtual Event
Date and Time: May 10th 6:30 p.m.
Activity: Springtime Clothespin May Planter
Register Here

STEM and Stories Saturday Virtual Event
Date and Time: May 15th 10:00 p.m.
Activity: Roger Erpeling, Master Gardner
Register Here

Coming up this Summer!

2021 Tales and Travels Summer Reading Program
Dates: June 7, 2021 – August 6, 2021 on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays
Time: 1:00pm – 1:45pm
More Information
Register Here

March Recap @ The Playground

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March 26, 2021

5:39 pm

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Library Events

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On March 8th at our Makerspace Monday, we explored the moon and learned a thing or two about chemistry. Isn’t the moon marvelous! We discovered the science of mixing together self-rising flour with a few sprinkles of water and made puffy paint by using a microwave. Did you know that earth is 4 times bigger than the moon and 12 people have once landed on the moon? We always learn a lot @ the Playground!

Next, on March 20th for our STEM and Stories Saturday our very special library friend Dan Chibnall, from Drake University, treated our senses with actual sounds of the spacecraft called Perseverance. We actually felt like we were on Mars! Not only that, but Dan shared stories of the Red Planet itself, MARS. Did you know that an astronaut’s suit weighs around 75 pounds, wow, can you imagine wearing that to school? Thank you Dan for sharing your story of space, we hope to see you again soon.

Coming up next month on April 12th for the Makerspace Monday Event, we will not only discover the magic of feathers but get ready to tie, trim as you assemble the Feathery Macramé craft! You will learn to turn yarn into wall art just one feather at a time. On April 17th did someone say, “meow” or “ruff-ruff”? For our STEM and Stories Saturday, we will meet our friends from the Animal Rescue League as they share their furry stories of wagging tails and kindness!

Coming up in April @ the Playground

Makerspace Monday Virtual Event
Date and Time: April 12th at 6:30 p.m.
Activity: Feathery Macramé Fun
Register Here

STEM and Stories Saturday Virtual Event
Date and Time: April 17th at 10:00 a.m.
Activity: Friends from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa!
Register Here

Hope to See You Soon!
Denise Bean

February Recap @ The Playground

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March 3, 2021

1:48 pm

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Library Events

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On February 8th at our Makerspace Monday, we were joined with special guest Emily Wharton, it was nothing short of Joyous. Sting art was top on the list. As our fingers weaved, stretched, and crisscrossed creatively through the nails that designed a heart. This beautiful block of wood not only held nails in the shape of a heart but nailheads spelled out the word “Joy” in Braille. This simple block of wood has a story to share, and oh boy, was it a heart-warming good time!

Next, on February 20th for our STEM and Stories Saturday, Sarah Willeford, shared with us the story of a real-life firefighter, Jake Royster! He taught us fire safety tips and shared with us his special Bunker gear that protects him in a fire. Jake’s job is so important. If you missed February’s Makerspace Monday or STEM and Stories Saturday check out the recordings here!

Coming up next month on March 8th for Makerspace Monday Virtual Event, we will touch the moon as we create textures and make science discovery when we learn about the different Moon Phases! Who knows, you may discover chocolate along the way! On March 20th at our STEM and Stories Saturday, it is Story Time with Dan Chibnall, astronomer, as we experience space sounds in space.

Coming up in March @ the Playground

Makerspace Monday Virtual Event
Date and Time: March 8th 6:30 p.m.
Activity: Space with Texture!
Register Here

STEM and Stories Saturday Virtual Event
Date and Time: March 20th 10:00 a.m.
Activity: Featuring special guest, Dan Chibnall Story Time in Space!
Register Here

Braille Babies
Date and Time: March 20th 11:00 a.m.
Activity: Braille, learning and Parenting Tip!
Ages: 0 to 4 years old
Register Here

Hope to See You Soon!
Denise Bean

January Recap @ The Playground

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January 20, 2021

9:17 am

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Library Events

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On January 11th at our Makerspace Monday, we found ourselves basking in the sun, as we enjoyed the scent of the ocean and the sweet smell of coconut. The textures, scents, and temperature was a sensory explosion! Did you know that a coconut tree can live to be 80 years old? Also, another fun fact, a coconut tree doesn’t even grow its first coconut until it turns 6 years old, wow, now that is pretty incredible! It was a blast making Coconut Sugar Scrub and Lotion Souffle.

Next, on January 16th for our STEM and Stories Saturday we had a very special time with our friends at AHeinz57, we took a tour with Ms. Deb Elings and learned all about; dogs, puppies, kittens, and cats! They were adorable but boy were they talkative! One dog was as white as snow and even had the name, Winterwonderland. We listened to sounds from all different types of dogs! Plus, we even checked out their yellow AHeinz57 Rescue vehicle that saves dogs and cats! I guess you can call our new AHeinz57 friends, our furry friend’s HEROES!

If you missed January’s Makerspace Monday or STEM and Stories Saturday check out the recordings here!

Coming up next month on February 8th for Makerspace Monday Virtual Event, we will get tangled in string art! This is very special string art, as it has a message on the outside in Braille! On February 20th at our STEM and Stories Saturday, we will meet a real live superhero himself, Jake, who is a fireman and EMT [Emergency Medical Team]. He may even teach us a few tips on how to be safe in a fire!

Please don’t forget about our NEW program called BRAILLE BABIES! We had fun learning about the Braille Cell, letter a, dot 1, as a matter of fact! We sang and talked all about opposites. We didn’t want to leave anyone out, grown-ups also learned about a Parenting Tip.   

Coming up in February @ the Playground

Makerspace Monday Virtual Event
Date and Time: February 8th 6:30 p.m.
Activity: String Art!
Register Here

STEM and Stories Saturday Virtual Event
Date and Time: February 20th 10:00 p.m.
Activity: Featuring special guest, Jake Royster, Fire Safety Tips!
Register Here

Braille Babies
Date and Time: February 20th 11:00 p.m.
Activity: Shapes and learning about the Braille letter b!
Ages: 0 to 4 years’ old
Register Here

Hope to See You Soon!
Denise Bean

January Youth Programs @ The Playground

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January 8, 2021

10:50 am

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Library Events, Youth Programming

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In the coming year, the fun has just begun! On January 11th for Makerspace Monday Event, we will be taking a trip to a tropical oasis when we blend, coconut into a sugar scrub and whipped cream soufflé, this is going to be a vacation in a bottle. On January 16th for STEM and Stories Saturday, I can’t wait to meet our heroes from the Heinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport. It is going to be such a furry of a good time.  And our newest program Braille Babies will be on January 16th.

It’s not too late to register for all of these fun programs!

January @ The Playground

Makerspace Monday Virtual Event
Date and Time: January 11th 6:30 p.m.
Activity: Escaping to a tropical oasis – Coconut Sugar Scrub and Body Soufflé
Register Here

STEM and Stories Saturday Virtual Event
Date and Time: January 16th 10:00 a.m.
Activity: Featured Guest from Heniz57 and be ready for a tail-wagging surprise!
Register Here

“NEW” Braille Babies
Date and Time: January 16th 11:00 a.m.
Activity: Activities, Games and More! Making Connections Together!
Ages: 0 to 4 years’ old
Information and Registration Here

If you have any questions please contact Denise Bean, Youth Services Librarian at denise.bean@blind.state.ia.us, (515)452-1338

December Youth Programs

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December 10, 2020

9:00 am

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Library News, Youth Programming

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@ The Playground

Oooohhhh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is delightful… wait a minute, I am not ready for winter yet, are you? Take a deep breath, in the month of December get ready for our two incredible programs! Makerspace Monday, on December 14th, will start our month off by offering a sparkling, dazzling Ornament Workshop mixed-in with hot chocolate and special guest Jodi Aldini. Next, for our STEM and Stories Saturday, on December 19th, we will have a special story time and song with featured guest Emily Tinsman, Miss Iowa 2019-2020. Sign up early and receive a “Woodbead Snowman Kit.”  

Makerspace Monday Virtual Event
Date: December 14, 2020
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Activity: Sparkling and Dazzling Ornament Workshop!
Setting: Zoom
Registration

STEM and Story Saturdays featured guest, Emily Tinsman, Miss Iowa 2019-2020 
Date: December 19, 2020
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Activity: Song and Story Time
Setting: Zoom
Registration

*Upon signing up you will receive a “free” activity kit.

Hooked on Books

Hooked on Books Virtual Autumn Reading Adventures each Wednesday at 4:00pm.  While you are “chillin’ and relaxing at this afterschool event, you will be kicking back with games, story times with a twist, celebrations, and so much more.
Register for Hooked on Books

READsquared

Plus, our library is partnering with READsquared which is an interactive online program! RIGHT NOW, if you sign up, not only will your child be a part of this “cool” learning experience, but this program will track time spent reading and growing, while rewarding “FREE” Activity Kits. Simply click to participate. DON’T MISS OUT!
Register for READsquared

Questions?  Contact Denise Bean, Youth Services Librarian, denise.bean@blind.state.ia.us, 515-452-1228