Summer Break brings the STEAM!

Summer Break is well under way! There is still plenty of time to log your reading time and activities, or even sign up if you have not yet done so! While reading is always a focus at the library, we also have a lot of opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math. STEAM is a hot topic these days and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has options for all ages to get involved.

Of course, there are lots of great books with a focus on STEAM. Newer titles you can find at the Library are suggested below.

Want to build your own app? There’s a book for that!

For teens and adults:
Swift Programming in Easy Steps by Darryl Bartlett

Build Your First Web App: Learn to Build Web Applications From Scratch by Deborah Levinson

Beginning Programming With Python by John Mueller

For children:
Programming Awesome Apps by Heather Lyons

Get Coding! Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and Build a Website, App, and Game

Coding for Beginners Using Python by Louie Stowell

The Everything Kids’ Scratch Coding Book by Jason Rukman

Interested in learning more about the wildlife in your neighborhood?

For teens and adults:
Birds of the Central Carolinas: Including Ornithological Records and Firsthand Accounts From the Civil War Era to Today by Donald Seriff

Make a Home for Wildlife: Creating Habitat on Your Land: Backyard to Many Acres by Charles Fergus

For children:

Weird but True! Animals: 300 Outrageous Facts about Wacky Wildlife

A Seed Is the Start by Melissa Stewart

Many of our branches have one-on-one technology tutoring to help you with your tech needs. Whether you need help creating a spreadsheet or figuring out how to download the Library’s free ebooks, contact your local branch to see how we can help. 

Teens and preteens should check out the Messy Makerspace at ImaginOn! During the open hours, teens and preteens can play around with all of the fun stuff, including a 3D printer. ImaginOn also offers specialized programs that focus on a specific projects such as screen printing. 

There are STEAM programs for school-aged kids almost daily at the Library, so be sure to look at our full listing of options, ranging from programs about different building materials to making your own ice cream!

Also, be sure to visit our online resources which are available 24/7 on our website!  
Universal Class and Lynda.com have excellent learning courses and videos on countless topics, including coding and web design. Learn to use whichever program you prefer - Python, Java, MySQL, Git and more. All you have to do is create an account, which is free with your library card!

Additionally, PowerKnowledge Life Science, Physical Science and Earth & Space Science are great resources for kids. Ideal for third to sixth graders, each source is full of articles, videos, games and even ideas for science experiments.

Whatever and however you decide to learn, remember to log it as a learning activity on your Summer Break account and continue to have a great summer!