STEM

Join us at the library for a fun and messy slime program where kids can explore science and creativity! Each child will get to take home their slime creation - so come dressed for a mess! Program is for kids ages 6-12.

Get ready for Halloween and join us on a spooky walk around Urbana. Starting at the steps of the library and walking to Zion Cemetery, hear ghostly tales of local haunts and maybe meet a spirit or two. For all ages, costumes optional! In case of rain: The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor of the library in room 302.

Pin, preserve, and display! Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the historic science of insect preservation. Using ethically sourced specimens, you will discover basic insect anatomy and learn how to properly pose and pin a specimen to take home. Perfect for science lovers, crafters, and the naturally curious. Open to ages 13+ while supplies last. The Natelli Community Room is located on the ground floor in Room 100.

Come build with us! This program is made for builders of all skill levels to get creative, socialize, and problem-solve with LEGO bricks. We provide the bricks; you bring the imagination. Ages 5-12.

Come build with us! This program is made for builders of all skill levels to get creative, socialize, and problem-solve with LEGO bricks. We provide the bricks; you bring the imagination. Ages 5-12.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Join us for a morning of building! Use the library's blocks and building toys to build with your little one while working on fine motor skills! For ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Enjoy STEAM activities with a spooky theme. Designed as fun for the whole family. Children under 8 must attend with a caregiver.

Explore a variety of experiences related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.  This program is designed for children in grades K-5.

Enjoy the book The Giraft: A Real-Life Giraffe Rescue by Laurel Neme and then build a raft to rescue a toy giraffe! This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10).

Stop by the Emmitsburg Library for some STEM-tastic fun. STEM related stations will be set up for hands on fun and experimentation. Age group: Elementary.

You're trapped in outer space! Solve puzzles and uncover clues to navigate your way back to Earth! This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10).

Have fun exploring and building with the Library’s LEGO. This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10).

Stop by the Emmitsburg Library for some STEM-tastic fun. An evening of magnetic fun for everyone!  Age group: Elementary.

Hop on over the library to meet and learn more about rabbits with the Frederick County 4-H Club. This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10).

Explore the beauty of rainbows through science and art! This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10).

Get ready to rumble.. robot style! Create and explore different types of robots as you complete challenges and activities that exercise your brain.

Explore a variety of experiences related to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.  This program is designed for children in grades K-5.

Come build something special! This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10).

Join us for a fun exploration of all things science! This program is for children in kindergarten through 5th grades (ages 5-10).

Join Dr. Joel Goodman, member of the Howard Astronomical League for an engaging journey through the wonders of the universe. Dr. Goodman will explore the immense scale of our solar system and the universe beyond, share meteorites from his personal collection, discuss how smart lighting can help preserve our view of the night sky, and take attendees on a virtual visit to some of the world’s premier observatories, including those in Chile’s remarkable Atacama Desert.

Join us for an engaging afternoon with hands-on projects and lots of family fun!  Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP), an organization that provides support, resources, and services to children impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, along with their caregivers and formerly/currently incarcerated family members in the Frederick region.

Join us for an engaging afternoon with hands-on projects and lots of family fun!  Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP), an organization that provides support, resources, and services to children impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, along with their caregivers and formerly/currently incarcerated family members in the Frederick region.

Join us for an engaging afternoon with hands-on projects and lots of family fun!  Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP), an organization that provides support, resources, and services to children impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, along with their caregivers and formerly/currently incarcerated family members in the Frederick region.

Join us for an engaging afternoon with hands-on projects and lots of family fun!  Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP), an organization that provides support, resources, and services to children impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, along with their caregivers and formerly/currently incarcerated family members in the Frederick region.

Stop by the Emmitsburg Library for some STEM-tastic fun. STEM related stations will be set up for hands on fun and experimentation. Age group: Elementary.

Visit with local fire fighters and tour their vehicles.  A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

Explore the world of the cutest amphibians: axolotls! See their aquatic habitats, catch food, and discover other endangered species!

Join us for a chalktastic experience! Children and caregivers can showcase their artistic flair by decorating part of the library parking lot with chalk, bringing joy to library patrons young and old!

Can we build it? Yes we can! If your little ones love construction vehicles, building, designing, or deconstructing, this is the Fri-Yay for you. There will be a variety of construction-themed fun to participate in - just don't forget your safety helmets! 

Frozen tundra, tropical rainforests, scalding deserts...what do these places have in common? They are each the perfect home for special animals built specifically for that habitat! Come discover these incredible places and learn what makes them and the animals that live there so special! 

Is it really Thanksgiving without a turkey? But waddle we do when one wily turkey gets loose? You'll gobble up this extra fun program that includes a story and "build it" challenge to help catch a turkey that's running free in the library! Bring your creativity, imagination, and favorite side dish (just kidding) this Thanksgiving Eve! 

Want to make games but don’t know where to start? Swing by  the library and learn fast, easy and fun ways to design games and more!  This month we’re checking out Twine, a free tool that lets you make “Choose Your Own Adventure” style games!

Looking for a natural, hydrating soap recipe that won't parch dry skin even further? Learn how to make glycerin soap at the library.

Join Dr. Carl Gallegos for a deep dive into the how and why of tree identification, and an introduction to the trees we see in our area and why they matter.  Connect with other citizen scientists and tree connoisseurs, and learn how to identify the trees you see on your next nature walk. The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor in Room 302. 

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

Elementary school readers, come find your next favorite book! Listen to the first few chapters of an exciting chapter book read-aloud—a book tasting, if you will. After the read-aloud, we will do a book-related activity. This program encourages literacy in older elementary readers by bringing the excitement of a read-aloud back into their lives! 

Elementary school readers, come find your next favorite book! Listen to the first few chapters of an exciting chapter book read-aloud—a book tasting, if you will. After the read-aloud, we will do a book-related activity. This program encourages literacy in older elementary readers by bringing the excitement of a read-aloud back into their lives! 

Elementary school readers, come find your next favorite book! Listen to the first few chapters of an exciting chapter book read-aloud—a book tasting, if you will. After the read-aloud, we will do a book-related activity. This program encourages literacy in older elementary readers by bringing the excitement of a read-aloud back into their lives! 

Elementary school readers, come find your next favorite book! Listen to the first few chapters of an exciting chapter book read-aloud—a book tasting, if you will. After the read-aloud, we will do a book-related activity. This program encourages literacy in older elementary readers by bringing the excitement of a read-aloud back into their lives! 

Family Retro Gaming (families, ages 8 and up). This is your chance to step back in time and relive the golden era of gaming. Experience the thrill of playing on original Nintendo systems, from the classic NES to the latest consoles, alongside XBox and PlayStation favorites! 

Play the classic computer game Oregon Trail and tackle fun pioneer-themed activities! See if you have what it takes to survive the journey to Oregon while learning about life on the frontier.

Have you ever wondered what owls eat? Do you like bones? Do you like digging for treasure? Join us as we dissect owl pellets!  By looking through this record of their meals, we can see exactly what they've eaten. Dissecting an owl pellet is a great way to learn about the different ecological roles organisms play in their environment.

Apples, pumpkins, and more, it's harvest time!   Explore simple science concepts and hands-on learning inspired by the season. Dress for mess - for ages 3-5 with a caregiver.     

Discover the amazing world of animals that sleep through the winter! Through stories, hands-on activities, simple science concepts, and creative play, preschoolers will explore what hibernation is, why some animals hibernate, and how they prepare for the cold months ahead. Intended for ages 3-5 with a caregiver.

Why do leaves change colors? When do the leaves change? What will happen to the leaves after they fall?  In this program, we'll explore signs of autumn. Explore simple science concepts and hands-on learning inspired by the season. Dress for mess - for ages 3-5 with a caregiver.     

Step inside the pages of some of the world's best stories! In this hands-on program, we will read an award-winning picture book together and use it as inspiration for fun STEAM activities. For ages 6-10. September Book: Stranded: A Mostly True Story from Iceland by Ævar Þór Benediktsson

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social-emotional development.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social-emotional development.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social-emotional development.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social- emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for caregivers and their children, ages 3-5,  to have fun and explore together. Builds school skills and social-emotional development.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

A weekly program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers to have fun and explore together, building preschool and social-emotional skills.

Get creative this spooky season and participate in our Spooky House Design Contest! In this special Spooky House making session, materials will be provided while supplies last. FCPS Closed Submission Guidelines One Spooky House entry per person or team. House can be any theme as long as it is family friendly (Example: themes can be a favorite scene from a book, movie, television show, musical, time in history, etc.) Entries must be no larger than 16" x 12" x 12". Attach the entry form to the back of your House. Houses will be displayed in the branch until October 31. Please pick-up by COB Sunday, Nov 8th @ 5 pm after which they will be discarded/recycled. Entries must be submitted in person between Oct 12th - 26th at the Middletown Branch. Can't make it? That's okay. You are welcome to create one at home using your own materials and following the above guidelines. To be entered please drop off at the branch between Oct 12th - 26th. Stop by the library to vote on your favorite Spooky House, October 26th-31st. 

Kick off summer with excitement and fun while you enjoy circus arts by Theatricks! Visit the parking lot for delicious drinks available for purchase from Whistle Stop Coffee and free resources from Helping Hands and Caring Hearts! Check out Whistle Stop's menu and pricing options here and click here to learn more about Helping Hands and Caring Hearts.   

Join us every Thursday this summer for a Tween/Teen Leadership Camp and earn Community Service hours each week. In this lab, students use DNA electrophoresis to solve a mock crime by comparing DNA samples from a crime scene with samples from suspects. By loading real DNA into a gel and observing how the glowing fragments separate into distinct banding patterns, students learn how scientists analyze genetic evidence. This hands-on activity introduces the basics of DNA forensics, showing how DNA can be used as reliable evidence to identify or rule out suspects in an investigation. We will create Take and Make Kits for our Service Project.

Tweens and teens, grades 6 through 12, meet to collaborate with each other and teen librarians on upcoming library events and to plan teen-led projects.  Teen Library Council (TLC) is an opportunity for teens to make an impact within the library and the wider community. Attendees will earn one SSL hour. The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor of the library in room 302.

Tweens and teens, grades 6 through 12, meet to collaborate with each other and teen librarians on upcoming library events and to plan teen-led projects.  Teen Library Council (TLC) is an opportunity for teens to make an impact within the library and the wider community. Attendees will earn one SSL hour. More info to come for October TLC

Tweens and teens, grades 6 through 12, meet to collaborate with each other and teen librarians on upcoming library events and to plan teen-led projects.  Teen Library Council (TLC) is an opportunity for teens to make an impact within the library and the wider community. Attendees will earn one SSL hour. The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor of the library in room 302.

Learn about different ways you can make slimy, goopy substances that are totally safe to eat! This program is for teens in 8th through 12th grades (ages 13-18). This program involves food and allergens may be present. In accordance with county regulations, participants who would like to consume food must be at least 13 years old.

Take apart old electronics and see what's inside! This program is for teens in 6th through 12th grades (ages 11-18).

Find the hidden secret before Cornwallis—and help Washington win the battle! Designed for tweens and teens, this exciting escape room is packed with puzzles, clues, and teamwork as you help George Washington outsmart Cornwallis! 

"In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit."  Cozy up for the season and join us as we make our own hobbit doors using wood, moss, and flowers. Hobbit holes mean comfort, and that's what autumn is all about.  Ages 10-13, while supplies last.  The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor of the library in room 302.

Welcome autumn at the library! Join us for the afternoon and create your own unique flower crowns! For ages 10-13. All activities while supplies last.    The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor of the library in room 302.

Ahoy me hearties! Ye be welcomed to join our crew and craft yer own parrot or other from beads 'n such. It being National Talk Like A Pirate Day, ye'll meet a pirate first hand and learn our words. Transform yer'self from a scallewag to a sea dog and join our band of pirates, savvy? Join us for National Talk Like A Pirate Day and learn how to weave beads and string to create your own pirate parrot! No experience necessary, while supplies last. Suitable for ages 10-13 The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor of the library in room 302.

Make your own cool pen! Twist, shape, and bake colorful clay to design a custom pen, just in time for the new school year. Join us for this fun, hands-on craft afternoon and turn an ordinary pen into a work of art. Ages 8-13

Build your own tiny street art masterpiece! Join our mini graffiti wall workshop where we will use vibrant paints to design a custom name tag that's perfect for displaying on any nightstand, dresser, or desk. Ages 8-13

Embrace spooky season and join us to make your own mask! Learn why we wear masks and costumes on Halloween and the history behind this haunting holiday! While supplies last, ages 10-13 The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor of the library in room 302.

Have you ever noticed the textures on the sidewalk? The walls? A coin, key, or seashell? Join us to learn how to preserve those textures by creating your own stamps. Fill a notebook with these unique patterns pulled from every day items. While supplies last. For ages 10-13 The Small Conference Room is located on the top floor of the library in room 302.

Bring a friend and join us to make, play with, and take home your very own "butter slime" (no, it doesn't contain real butter!) a soft, moldable, and buttery-textured slime that's less sticky that traditional homemade slime.  Explore this fun texure and color experience!This program is for our Tween patrons in 3rd through 8th grades. 

Learn how to spot, appreciate, and protect our feathered friends with The Audubon Society of Central Maryland! Whether you keep your binoculars handy at all times, or just started learning how to use a bird ID app, you'll connect with fellow bird-lovers and learn something new at this presentation that will prepare you for local bird-watching and for conservation gardening. Join us after the presentation for a short walk outside of the library to try to spot some birds! The Small Conference Room is located on the second floor in Room 302.