Tacoma Public Library: TPL February Kids and Family Newsletter: Storytime S.T.E.A.M. Backpacks, Fun Programs, and More!

February 2022

New! Storytime S.T.E.A.M Backpacks

Add some S.T.E.A.M to your storytimes at home!

Check the catalog to see which kits are available at a branch near you.

TPL Children’s Librarians have designed these backpacks as a fun way to provide tools that focus on exploring and playing with different mathematical ideas.
Each kit features books, toys, and a paper with suggested activities.
S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

Please note:

Due to limited supply, the Storytime S.T.E.A.M. backpacks are available on a first come first serve basis and are not holdable.
While you wait, take a look at the activity sheets here:

Youth are the future

Tacoma Public Library believes that youth are the future and we will prioritize services, programs, and partnerships that nurture and develop young minds. With this strategic goal in mind, you'll find all sorts of useful information in this newsletter.

Find out how to Visit a Library. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Also, check out the Kids & Families page on our website for more great information!

Special Virtual Events

Vietnamese Children's Songs

Presented by Tacoma Refugee Choir

Friday, Feb. 25, 4:00 p.m.

Bebop to Hip Hop

Presented by Kareem Kandi World Orchestra

Saturday, Feb. 26, 4:00 p.m.

Activities

Lei Making

Presented by Asia Pacific Cultural Center

*registration required*

Saturday, Feb. 12, 3:00 p.m.

Pasado's Pen Pals

Pickup (or download) a form to get started.

All Month

Program Kits Click here for full event calendar

Program kits are a fun way to bring our arts and crafts activities home with you. There is no live program element to program kits.

Take one home and let it spark your creativity!

Kits are available at designated branches while supplies last.

Paper Heart Frog

Tuesday, Feb. 1

Moore and South Tacoma

Dinosaur Puppet
Tuesday, Feb. 1

Fern Hill and Main

Valentine Picture Frames

Tuesday, Feb. 8

Moore and South Tacoma

Valentines Day Twirler
Tuesday, Feb. 8
Swasey and Wheelock

Craftopia TicTac Toe

Saturday, Feb. 12
All Branches

Wooden Bracelet

Tuesday, Feb. 15
Fern Hill and Main

Black History Month

Tuesday, Feb. 15
All Branches

Paper Plate Cat

Tuesday, Feb. 22

Moore and South Tacoma

Tie Dye Book Art

Tuesday, Feb. 22

Swasey and Wheelock

Rocket Like Mae Jemison

Tuesday, Feb. 22
Mottet and Kobetich

Craftopia Paper Flowers

Saturday, Feb. 25
Swasey and Wheelock

Virtual Storytimes Click here for full event calendar

Black History Month Storytime With WayOut Kids
Saturday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.

Pajama Storytime

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Family Storytime

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.

Baby Storytime

Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Bilingual Storytime

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.

Recorded Virtual Storytimes

Recurring Programs Click here for full event calendar

Radical Readers Book Club

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 4 p.m.

Join a totally different book club for kids! Each month we will read and discuss books from different categories. You get to pick any book you want, as long as it fits the category. For independent readers under age 13.

Pokemon League
Wednesdays, 4 p.m.

Feb. 9 and Feb. 23

Join your friends at our official Pokemon League. Both experienced players and beginners are welcome. The event facilitator is an expert player who has helped judge world championships!

Educator Tools

Request a Visit

Librarians are available to visit your class virtually!

Bring the library to your students with storytime, eResource instruction, and more. Librarians are available to attend back to school nights and PTA meetings too!

eBook Club Picks

Tacoma Public Library offers eBook club picks for Kids and Teens. Selected by TPL’s Youth Services staff, these eBook titles are always available to checkout through Overdrive/Libby, with no holds and no waiting!

Check out our eBook Club Picks for Grades 4-8

Check out our eBook Club Picks for Teens

Whole Class Participation
Some library programs are great opportunities for whole classes or schools to participate. Pasado's Pen Pals is a great example! If you see something you'd like your class to participate in, contact us to see if it is something we can accommodate.

Free Tutoring
(Grades 3-12) Live Homework Help, Skills Building, and Writing Workshops. Live tutors are available every day from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Need a library card?
We've got you covered!
Don't forget that Tacoma Public Schools students and educators have library access using their school ID numbers. Visit our Pathway Partnership page to learn more.

Ask A Librarian

Book Recommendations

Take a look at these fun booklists created by youth services librarians.

If you would like customized reading guidance, contact us!

Meet Your Youth Services Librarians

Brian L.
Main Branch
Fern Hill Branch

Cherise F.
Kobetich Branch
Mottet Branch

Elizabeth C.
Wheelock Branch
Swasey Branch

Jamie G.
Eastside Outreach
Hilltop Outreach

Kalie J.
Moore Branch

Sara H.
Teen Services
South Tacoma Branch

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Mission Statement
Tacoma Public Library's mission is to empower our community by bringing people together to discover, connect, create, learn, and thrive. Learn more on our website.