Contact: Jack Baur
Librarian II
Berkeley Public Library
510-981-6050
jbaur@cityofberkeley.info
Berkeley Public Library focuses on science with new Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library initiative
The new initiative spotlighting science in the community and encouraging citizen scientists
rolls out during National Library Week, April 7 to April 14, 2018.
Berkeley, March 27, 2018 —Berkeley Public Library will celebrate National Library Week – April 7 to April 14, 2018 – by debuting Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library, a new initiative that will see the Library enhancing and expanding its strong tradition of science programming. Through this initiative, the Library will position itself as the central place in the community for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) events, programming, and resources.
The Berkeley community has identified science education and literacy as necessary for an informed public life; many of our most pressing problems require STEM information and skills to identify and evaluate solutions. Engagement with STEM subjects by learners of all ages enhances communitywide capacity to sift through information, draw reasonable conclusions, make decisions based on evidence, and develop creative solutions. Along with the broader SF Bay Area, Berkeley is a central spot for science learning and technological innovation. As a community information provider, Berkeley Public Library recognizes its responsibility to offer STEM information and resources, and aims to emphasize that commitment through the Cornerstones initiative.
To introduce Cornerstones to the public, Berkeley Public Library is offering a week of STEM programming at every location and for every audience during National Library Week, April 7 – April 14, 2018. All of these events are free and open to the public.
Events include:
- STEM Fair at the Claremont Branch, Saturday April 7, 2:00-4:00 pm: Meet scientists, representatives from science organizations, try out hands-on activities, and enjoy presentations about current research!
- Planetarium Show at the Central Library, Monday April 9, 5:00-7:00 pm: Explore the night sky in a 20 minute portable planetarium show from the Chabot Space and Science Center! Three shows, at 5:00, 5:45, and 6:30 pm. Call 981-6223 to register, registration is required!
- STEM Play-Date at Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch, Tuesday April 10, 10:00-11:00 am: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers are invited to our free-play session with STEM toys like Kodo Kids’ Discovery Ramps, KEVA Planks, Duplos, and more! Children will learn through activities that stimulate brain growth, social development, and creative problem-solving.
- Virtual Reality Tour at the West Branch, Wednesday April 11, 5:00-6:30 pm and Thursday, April 12, 6:00-7:30 pm: Take a tour through the International Space Station or a voyage into the human body with our VR headsets! This program is designed for ages 12 and up.
- “Growing Cities: Examining the Role of Urban Farming in America” Film and Discussion at the North Branch, Wednesday April 11, 6:00-8:00 pm: Watch the film “Growing Cities” (from the Library’s streaming film service Kanopy) and then have your questions about the urban farm movement answered by members of Oakland’s own City Slicker Farms.
- Teen Make Some Thing! at North Branch, Thursday April 12, 3:30-4:30 pm: For this special edition of our regular bi-weekly teen crafting program, we will be teaching soldering basics as participants complete a simple electronics project!
- STEAMBreakers at the Central Library, Saturday April 14, 2:00-5:00 pm: A social gathering designed to bring together science professionals, artists, and the public in a fun, casual setting to discuss the intersections between science and art. Enjoy a keynote address and participate in a fun, cross-disciplinary creative challenge!
In addition to public programs, Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library provides staff training, resources, and materials to enhance the Library’s capacity to offer STEM programming and services to our community. The full project includes:
- Enhanced and expanded STEM programs for all ages, across the library system
- Expanded and updated STEM books and materials in our circulating and downloadable collections
- Circulating science kits, including telescopes, microscopes and more
- The launch of a Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library webpage highlighting Library and community STEM offerings
- A new logo and branding to build awareness of Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library
- Staff training to enable our librarians to more effectively incorporate STEM into their work with the public
Cornerstones: STEM at Berkeley Public Library is a collaboration between Berkeley Public Library, the Berkeley Public Library Foundation, and Cornerstones of Science, a non-profit organization that supports public libraries to offer outstanding science experiences. The project is made possible in part by the support of the Stephen M. Silberstein Foundation.
The Central Library is located at 2090 Kittredge Avenue and is open Monday, noon – 8:00 pm; Tuesday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; and Sunday from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
The Claremont Branch is located at 2940 Benvenue Avenue, off of Ashby Avenue. The North Branch is located at 1170 The Alameda, at the corner of The Alameda and Hopkins Street. The Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch is located at 1901 Russell Street off of MLK Jr. Way. The West Branch is located at 1125 University Avenue near San Pablo Avenue. Branch hours are Monday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Thursday 12 noon – 8:00 pm; and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
For more information about Berkeley Public Library Events, visit the library’s website at www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org, or call (510) 981-6100.
Wheelchair accessible. For questions, to request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for this event, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY); at least five working days will help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.
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