Library’s current offerings clearly gathering STEAM

In this quickly changing and innovative world, quality, hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education has become essential for younger generations.

Schools have been adding exciting new STEAM educational opportunities so that by the time teens graduate from high school, they are already well-qualified to begin working in a skilled trade within an in-demand science and technology field, while simultaneously continuing their education. The tremendous opportunities available through the local C4 Columbus Area Career Connection program are examples of this new model of hands-on education and training.

The expectations of young adults, as well as the opportunities open to them, have changed dramatically just within the past decade. The Bartholomew County Public Library is in tune with this trend, and we’re offering fun and educational STEAM-themed classes, as well as plenty of reading, viewing and listening materials, for all ages.

For a sampling of what STEAM classes we offer, visit our website at mybcpl.org and view the events calendar. On Monday, kids and teens up to age 18 are welcome to come to the main library between noon and 4 p.m. to build their own cardboard race cars, which will then be raced in the Cardboard Grand Prix on Friday. From 4 to 5 p.m. June 30 at the main library, we’ll be offering a “Build Your Own Dream House” class for children entering Grades 4-6.

Participants will be able to build a replica of their dream house using a variety of materials. Each Thursday evening in July, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., we are offering a special read-aloud story program, “Full Steam Ahead,” for kids in kindergarten through Grade 2, during which participants will do special make-n-take crafts.

On July 25, we’re offering a unique field trip program in collaboration with kidscommons children’s museum. Kids can take a field trip to the local landfill in order to learn all about what happens to their garbage after the garbage trucks take it away.

This is only a smattering of the STEAM programs we’re offering. Check our events calendar for more, and be sure to register ahead of time if the program requires registration.

The library also is packed full of books and media that are informative about a wide variety of STEAM topics. For instance, do you want to pique your child’s interest in computer programming? Try checking out one of our coding books for children, such as “Coding with ScratchJr” or “Coding with Blockly,” which are available in both print and eBook formats.

For older kids, we offer books such as “Understanding Coding with Python” and “Getting Started with Coding.” Or maybe engineering and building are more your kids’ speed, and you’d be interested in “Cool Engineering Project or Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future with 20 Projects.”

The resources available through your local library are nearly endless, especially since we can often borrow books and media from other libraries for you for free. Let us help you in your STEAM learning journey with loads of free learning resources.

If you want to fuel your child’s education with STEAM-power, our knowledgeable library staff members are all aboard with helping you. Please visit us or give us a call to learn more.