Library’s new Storybook STEM program to kick off Tuesday
STEUBENVILLE -- Children can be introduced to STEM concepts that will help prepare them for future jobs with a new program starting in November at the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County.
Library Children's Services Coordinator Misty Teasdale has created a new StoryBook STEM -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics -- program for children ages 3-9.
"The StoryBook STEM program will be offered at each library location," Teasdale explained. "There are programs scheduled at each library branch for two age groups, ages 3-5 and 5-9," she said.
"According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are on the rise by 24 percent while many other occupations are hovering at around 4 percent growth," Teasdale noted, adding that, "Workers in STEM industries play a key role in the sustained growth of the U.S. economy."
The library is using funds from the PNC's Churchman Charitable Trust to offer the program to young students in hopes that by exposing them to STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for it and improve their critical thinking skills, she said. "Hopefully, many of these students will someday pursue jobs in STEM-related fields."
StoryBook STEM will include a story and related activity. Each child will receive a free picture book when attending the program, and there will be drawings for additional STEM-related prizes at library branches. For a complete listing of the StoryBook STEM programs, visit the library in person or the website, steubenvillelibrary.org, In addition to StoryBook STEM, the Main Library will offer a STEM Grab-and-Go kit each week in November that children can create at home.
Other programs and activities happening at the library's various locations are:
Main Library, (740) 282-9782
Adult: The library's weekly Tai Chi class will meet Tuesday at 10 a.m. Wear comfortable clothing. The class is instructed by instructor trainer Mike Turrentine.
Children: STEM Grab-and-Go is available for pickup Tuesday while supplies last. Throughout November, a STEM activity is packed in a bag and ready to go for children ages 5-12. This week's activity is a turkey trap.
Story Hour for children ages 2-6 will be on Nov. 3, 10, and 17 at 3 p.m. Call to register.
Adena Branch, (740) 546-3782
Children: Make a turkey, fox or squirrel craft for the Thanksgiving table on Nov 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Dillonvale-Mount Pleasant Branch, (740) 769-2090
Children: Children ages 2-6 can play with toys that promote letter knowledge at Play and Learn the Alphabet on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
Schiappa Branch, (740) 264-6166
Children: Register for StoryBook STEM. Children ages 3-5 can attend the program Tuesday at 11 a.m., and children ages 5-9 can attend the program on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Children will engage in stories and an activity that are STEM-related.
Babygarten is for parents and caregivers with children birth to age 2. It's a lap-sit program that shares stories, songs and rhymes with babies and will be on Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Tiltonsville Branch, (740) 859-5163
Children: Attend StoryBook STEM on Tuesday at 11 a.m. This special program includes stories and an activity for children ages 3-5. Registration is required.
StoryBook STEM for children 5-9 will be on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. This program offers stories and a craft related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Register to attend.