Episodes

  • Parachute Parties, Mentors, Business Resources and Teen Street Team
    Oct 1 2021

    Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library!

    In this first episode, we’ll introduce you to your hosts, Rachel and Bob, and to our format. Each show will consist of four segments, as seen below for this episode.

    Leading and Learning: 

    In this segment, we’ll explore resources for lifelong learning with a focus on business and career. Our guest for this episode (and future shows) is Kristin Linscott, from our Outreach & Engagement department, who discusses…

    • SCORE mentorships – information found here on our blog
    • Virtual programs mentioned in this segment (more details can be found here):
      • Wednesdays in October – LinkedIn for Career Success series
      • 10/9/21 Exploring Careers in Construction
      • 10/16/21 Business Plan 101
      • 10/22/21 Better Communication. Better Results.
    • LinkedIn Learning can be accessed from this page, with your library card number and PIN
    • Plano Public Library Youtube channel
    • Business & Partnerships page on our website
    Kids & Family

    The library of course has many programs for children and families, from our popular Story Times to cultural events. Today we spoke to Haggard librarian Andrea Cabrerra and learned about early literacy principles and how the library incorporates these into our programming.

    • The five early literacy practices, from our blog
    Did You Know In this segment, we’ll explore aspects and services of the library of which you might not be aware. Today Schimelpfenig librarian Trish Clark talks with us about equipment and software for business needs you probably don’t have at home, but is available at your library!   Meet the Staff   Finally, in each show you will meet one of our staff members. This episode features Davis Librarian Laura Hargrove, who talks about our Teen Advisory Board, the Teen Street Team.
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    24 mins
  • Planning, Nursery Rhymes, Book Clubs and Art Exhibits
    Nov 1 2021
    featuring Cathe Spencer (Librarian), Jaime Eastman (Librarian), Kristin Linscott (Development Coordinator) and Sarah O’Pella (Librarian) Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library! In this second episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, from nursery rhymes to art exhibits and more. See our show notes below for details and links. Learning & Leading In this segment, we’ll explore resources for lifelong learning with a focus on business and career. Our guest for this episode (and future shows) is Kristin Linscott, from our Outreach & Engagement department, who discusses: Author John C. Maxwell, who has written many titles including: Talent is Never Enough (2020, also in eBook), Leadershift: the 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace (2019, also in Spanish), Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 (2018, also available as eBook, eAudiobook and in Spanish), and Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn for Kids (2016)The importance of planning, from strategic plans to food plans to estate plansLinkedIn Learning Courses: 5 Ways to Control Your TimeUpcoming Programs: SCORE Mentoring, Roadmap to Business Startup Success, Ten Best Practices for Customer Service, and Enduring Job Loss or Pay Cut Kids & Family In this segment, we talk with Librarian and Family Place Coordinator Jaime Eastman who works at the Harrington Library location. Jaime discusses the importance of nursery rhymes in early learning (and how we still use them as adults!) Families with kids ages 2-5 can join us at Mother Goose Mania to explore and celebrate your favorite nursery rhymes with your child through music, play and exploration activities. Mother Goose Mania meets: Thursday, November 4 at 10 a.m. at Harrington LibraryTuesday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Parr LibraryThursday, December 9 at 10 a.m. at Schimelpfenig Library Can't make it? Check out our Mother Goose Mania activities on our Early Literacy in Action page on the blog. Did You Know? In this segment, we interview Librarian Cathe Spencer who works at Schimelpfenig Library and runs the Second Tuesday Book Club. Cathe Spencer leads this event and writes reviews for the upcoming titles on the blog. Learn more about our Book Clubs, when they meet and how you can attend here. Meet the Staff In this segment, we interview Librarian Sarah O'Pella who works at Haggard Library. Sarah has many tasks at the library, including Art Coordinator and working in the Genealogy Center.
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    32 mins
  • Plano Library Speaks: Vision Boarding, Toddler Time, Book Recommendations and Digital Creation Spaces
    Dec 1 2021

    Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library! 

    In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, from vision boarding to Selfie Book Talks and more. See our show notes below for details and links. 

     

    Learning & Leading 

    We speak with Development Coordinator Kristin Linscott about vision and goals: 

    • Steven Covey – Seven Habits of Highly Effective People 
    • LinkedIn Learning 
    • Pronunciator(language learning) 
    • Kanopy 
    • Vision Board Party at Schimelpfenig Library, December 14 at 7 p.m.: This is a goal-setting event to create a visualization of your 2022 goals, meet new friends and get creative. We will tackle goals through visual representations and reminders. You can place your vision board somewhere you can look at often to keep you focused and on track. A vision board is a collage of images and words representing a person’s wishes or goals, intended to serve as inspiration or motivation. 

     

    Kids & Family 

    We speak with Librarian Emery Courtney about Toddler Time storytime and the importance of early literacy tools: 

    • Every Child Ready to Read– five principles we use to develop early literacy programs 
    • Storytime Calendar

    Be sure to hand around until the final seconds of the show to hear a great audio sample of Toddler Time, including the Goodbye Song! 

     
    Did You Know? 

    We speak with Librarian Erik Knapp about his work on this blog, including: 

    • Selfie Book Talks
    • Early Literacy Tips 

     

    Meet the Staff 

    We speak with Library Instructor and Research Specialist Hannah Bradley about Digital Creation Space programs and services: 

    • Digital Creation Space
    • Upcoming Classes
    • Previously Recorded Classes
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    25 mins
  • Plano Library Speaks: Business Mentoring, Babes in Arms, STEAM Kits and 3D Printing
    Jan 1 2022
    Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library! In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, from Babes in Arms storytime, business mentoring and more. See our show notes below for details and links. Learning & Leading We speak with Development Coordinator Kristin Linscott and SCORE Mentor Don Walter about business mentoring: Connect with a Dallas SCORE Mentor to receive free small business advice. Highly successful and experienced professionals and entrepreneurs serve as SCORE mentors, delivering valuable, timely and practical advice on every aspect for start-ups or existing businesses.Make an appointment by calling SCORE at 214-987-9491 or email Don WalterAppointments are available on Thursdays at Schimelpfenig Library at 5, 6 and 7pm Other upcoming SCORE workshops: Team Up for Entrepreneurial Success meets monthly on Tuesdays at 6:30pm at Haggard Library Monthly meetings offer opportunities for networking, problem-solving, access to resources and coaching with SCORE Mentors, subject matter experts and Plano Library staff. Group discussion follows a brief business-focused presentation. Bring your challenges to the group for input, resources and solutions January 25: Start-Up RoadmapFebruary 22: Website Creation & Online PresenceMarch 22: Social MediaApril 26: Funding Options Business Plan 101 on Thursday, February 17 at 6pm – Register here Learn the importance of having a plan and some of the essential elements needed to put you on the right path Essential Steps for Starting a Business on Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30pm at Haggard Library An introductory workshop designed for the entrepreneur and small business owner to learn what’s really needed of them to start and run a successful business Roadmap to Business Startup Success on Saturday, April 23 at 10:30am at Haggard Library Review the steps that need to be followed to successfully launch a business – from the genesis of the idea through the legal aspects, competition research, financing, marketing and launch   Kids & Family We speak with Librarian Tenille Miller about Babes in Arms storytime. Babes in Arms is a lapsit storytime to introduce the sounds and rhythms of language, develop motor skills and give babies a head start on learning. Babes in Arms is for babies ages 0-9 months with parents/caregivers. Storytime is followed by a brief playtime with toys, bubbles and socialization for caregivers and babies, and runs typically 20-25 minutes. The weekly spring 2022 Babes in Arms schedule: Mondays, 9:30am at Harrington LibraryTuesdays, 9:30am at Parr LibraryTuesdays, 11am at Haggard LibraryWednesdays, 9:30am at Haggard LibraryThursdays, 11am at Schimelpfenig Library Did You Know? We speak with Librarian Heather Torres about STEAM Kits.   Search “STEAM Kits” in the library catalog to see what’s available and place holds. A great way to explore some of our STEAM Kit activities is during STEAM Stop programs. Our spring 2022 schedule has three STEAM Stop events: Sunday, January 9 at 2pm at Schimelpfenig LibrarySunday, February 6 at 2pm at Parr LibrarySunday, March 6 at 2pm at Haggard Library Meet the Staff We speak with Librarian Peter Jackson about what he does at Plano Public Library, including 3D printing. 3D printing is available at the Davis, Harrington, and Parr Libraries. Objects are printed in ABS thermoplastic 1.75mm filament in a single staff-selected color with a PolyPrinter 229. The size limit is 8.75  by 8.75 by 8.75 inches and the cost is $0.20 per gram (cash, check or credit card). Please take a look at our 3D Printing page for more information.   For anyone interested in learning 3D printing and design, check out our upcoming spring classes: Intro to 3D Printing (grades 3+): Explore the world of 3D printing, see our 3D printer and learn how to submit your designs for printing Saturdays at 1pm at Parr Library: January 22 and March 12 3D Printing Class (grades 3+): Learn the basics of 3D printing and get an introduction to design. Students under 13 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the class. Bring a USB drive to save your projects Saturdays at 1pm at Parr Library: February 12 and April 30
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    33 mins
  • Plano Library Speaks: Reputation, Dino Lab, Genealogy Center and Art
    Feb 1 2022
    Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library!    In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, including science Early Learning programs, the Genealogy Center and more. See our show notes below for details and links.  Learning and Leading  We speak with Development Coordinator Kristin Linscott about how others see you. Some resources and programs mentioned in this segment:  LinkedIn Learning – available for Plano Public Library cardholders  Elevator Pitch  Reputation Management  Personal Branding    Kanopy – available for Plano Public Library cardholders    Upcoming programs:    Resume/Interview Workshop on Friday, February 4 at 2 p.m. Register here Discover best practices for creating a resume. Learn how to turn your interview responses into personalized stories using the SAR (Situation, Action, Result) Method. Pick up tips and tools for interview success and find out how to follow up after the interview. Teens and adults are welcome. Presented by HR professionals from Capital One.   How to Conquer Overwhelm on Friday, February 11 at 1 p.m. Register here We all feel overwhelmed from time to time. It’s not a good feeling and it can be quite paralyzing. Learn how to recognize overwhelm for what it is and get past it, so you can achieve your goals. Presented by Debra Austin, Chaos2Results Business Coaching & Consulting.   Team Up for Entrepreneurial Success (TUES) on Tuesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Haggard Library. Register here This series will have a different topic of discussion each month. This is a great opportunity for the local small business owner/entrepreneur to network and interact with one another while receiving expert advice from a SCORE Dallas Mentor. In this session, we will discuss website creation and online presence.  Designing Your Elevator Speech on Friday, March 4 at 2 p.m. Register here Communicate your idea, who you are, or how you can benefit a company or organization in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time. Learn how to design your pitch to get a positive response. Presented by Andrella Thomas from Capital One.    What Story Are You Telling? on Monday, March 14 at 2 p.m. Register here How others perceive you depends on your choice of words, actions, and even your appearance. If you’re not intentional in telling your story, you may not have the influence or image you desire. Learn the importance of establishing a strong personal brand and the five steps you can take to achieve one. Presented by Debra Austin, Chaos2Results Business Coaching & Consulting.    Personal Branding on Friday, April 8 at 2 p.m. Register here Branding is the conscious and intentional effort to create and influence public perception of an individual by positioning them as an authority in their industry, elevating their credibility, and differentiating themselves from the competition. Benefits are to ultimately advance their career, increase their circle of influence, and have a larger impact. Led by Capital One professionals.    Kids & Family  We speak with Librarian Brin Kieffer about Dino Lab, an Early Learning program.  Dino Lab (ages 2-5 years with parent/caregiver): Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Celebrate everything dinosaur with simple STEAM and early literacy activities. Come & Go.   Upcoming sessions:  February 10 at 10 a.m. at Harrington Library March 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Parr Library April 30 at 10:30 a.m. at Schimelpfenig Library    Did You Know?  We speak with Genealogy Librarian Cheryl Smith about the Genealogy Center.  Check out Genealogy Center resources here For online archives, see Collin County Images Find previously recorded virtual programs on YouTube, and upcoming classes on our calendar    Meet the Staff  We speak with Matt Clark, Library Services Representative, about the personal interests he brings to library programming.  Upcoming workshops that feature art (some of which Matt is leading!):  Intro to Watercolor on Saturday, February 12 at 3 p.m. at Haggard Library (ticketed, tween/teen)  Pistachio Flowers on Tuesday, February 15 at 7 p.m. at Schimelpfenig Library (ticketed, adults) Use pistachio shells to create colorful flowers that will brighten up any room  Paleo Art on Monday, February 21 at 2 p.m. at Haggard Library (ticketed, grades 3-5) How do we know what Wooly Mammoth, T-Rex, and Megatherium looked like if we have never seen one alive? Explore the world of Paleo-art and create your own pre-historic masterpiece.  3D Design – Unreal Engine: Basics (13+) on Wednesday, March 9 at 1 p.m. Register here Learn the basics of the Unreal Engine software and its potential uses for animation, video game development, lighting, and more! All skill levels welcome.  Crash Course in Comics on Friday, March 11 at 3 p.m. at Haggard Library (ticketed, tween/teen) Want to draw your own ...
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    32 mins
  • Plano Library Speaks, Special Episode: Holi
    Feb 27 2022
    In this special episode of the Plano Public Library podcast, your hosts Bob and Rachel speak with Hema (Librarian) and Kanan (Library Support Supervisor) about the Holi festival, what it means to them, and how Holi is celebrated around the world.

    Mark your calendars: celebrate Holi with Plano Public Library on Saturday, March 5, 2022, from 2-4 pm at Haggard Library! All ages will learn about the Holi festival and South Asian culture through a variety of activities for all ages.

    Learn More About Holi

    Baby’s First Holi by Dorling Kindersley Ltd. Print
    This classic first picture book for babies and toddlers has simple language and engaging, real-life photos that bring the joy and traditions of Holi to life.

    Holi Hai by Chitra Soundar Print
    Gauri is excited to splash colors on everyone for Holi. But when she doesn’t get her favorite color, Gauri gets mad. Will she find a way to overcome her anger and join in the festivities?

    A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals by Christopher Corr Print
    With fact-filled text accompanied by beautifully bright illustrations from the wonderfully talented Chris Corr, prepare yourself for a journey as we travel around the world celebrating and uncovering a visual feast of culture.

    Holi Colors by Rina Singh Print
    A mother expresses the beauty of Holi and the many colors that come with it to her child.

    Festival of Colors by Kabir Sehgal Print
    Siblings Chintoo and Mintoo collect flowers and press the petals into a fine powder as they prepare for Holi, the Indian springtime Festival of Colors.

    Hindu Festivals Cookbook by Kerena Marchant Print
    Students will discover the diverse backgrounds of serving these special foods during the holiday season. Step-by-step instructions, along with corresponding full-color photographs, provide the reader with complete directions for the successful completion of the recipe.

    Browse databases like Credo Reference and EBSCO for “Holi”, “Holi festival”, “Vishnu”, “Radha” and “Hola Mohalla” to learn more about the different topics Kanan and Hema discussed.

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    12 mins
  • Plano Library Speaks: Skill developing, littleBits, Digital Creation Spaces and Writing
    Mar 1 2022
    Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library!   In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, including using littleBits to make fun circuits, maintaining and upgrading professional skills and more. See our show notes below for details and links. Learning & Leading   We speak with Development Coordinator Kristin Linscott about ongoing professional skill-building. Some resources and programs mentioned in this segment: LinkedIn Learning – provides online training courses that cover a variety of topics (including business, design, web development and multimedia skills) and software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and open source applications) Topics worth searching for on LinkedIn Learning: § Teamwork § Communication § Marketing § Time Management Skills   Upcoming Programs Microsoft Excel: Basics – Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel Haggard Library, Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30pm Microsoft Excel: Formulas & Functions – Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel Formulas and Functions and their uses Haggard Library, Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30pm Microsoft Excel: Budget Basics – Apply formulas and functions to the basics of budgeting in Microsoft Excel Haggard Library, Tuesday, March 22 at 6:30pm Microsoft Excel: Pivot Tables – Learn how to create and use Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel Haggard Library, Tuesday, March 29 at 6:30pm   Create Your Elevator Speech (Adults) – Communicate your idea, who you are, or how you can benefit a company or organization in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time. Learn how to design your pitch to get a positive response. Presented by Andrella Thomas from Capital One Virtual, Friday, March 4 at 2pm – Register   Career Trends with Business Source Complete (Teen, Adult) – Use EBSCO Business Source Complete to research industry trends. Sort industry information by career, location and potential earnings Virtual, Monday, March 7 at 1pm – Register   What Story Are You Telling? (Teen) – How others perceive you depends on your choice of words, actions, and even your appearance. If you’re not intentional in telling your story, you may not have the influence or image you desire. Learn the importance of establishing a strong personal brand and the five steps you can take to achieve one. Presented by Debra Austin, Chaos2Results Business Coaching & Consulting Virtual, Monday, March 14 at 2pm – Register   Kids & Family We speak with Library Services Representative Amy Belotte about the upcoming littleBits Challenge program. littleBits Challenge (All Ages) – Explore circuits through different challenges Haggard Library, Saturday, April 2 at 3pm Check out our littleBits Synth Kit in our STEAM Kit collection (as mentioned by Bob) from the library. Search for it in the catalog to place a hold.   Did You Know? We speak with Librarian Caitlyn Tipps about the Digital Creation Spaces and the technology available. Recently added software includes:   § Unity – game coding software; free open-source § Visual Studio Code – coding software; free open-source (Needed to work with Unity) § Soundbridge – a complete digital audio workstation (DAW) works with DCS MIDI sound mixer; free open-source § UnReal Engine 4 – 3D design software; free open-source   Upcoming Programs Unreal Engine: Basics (Teen, Adult) – Learn the basics of the Unreal Engine software and its potential uses for animation, video game development, lighting and more! All skill levels welcome Virtual, Wednesday, March 9 at 1pm – Register Photoshop: Headshots (Adult) – Learn about headshot photography and editing using Photoshop. Virtual, Monday, April 18 at 6:30pm – Register   Audition: Podcast Editing (Teen, Adult) – Learn the basics of audio editing in Adobe Audition for Podcasting Virtual, Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30pm – Register   Meet the Staff We speak with Library Services Representative Evan Gan about the variety of programs and tasks does at the library. Some of The Write Workshop classes have been taught virtually and are recorded: · Oh, I Have An Idea! – Have an idea for a story, but need help getting started? Join Plano Public Library to brainstorm your next short story or best-selling novel! Check out resources on the blog. · The Construction of Space – Learn how to construct a literary space for your story using characters, object details, and a film-like lens. Check out resources on the blog. · The Manipulation of Time – How does time work in narratives? Learn how to manipulate the difference between a reader’s experienced time and the story’s fictionalized time to strengthen your narrative. Check our resources on the blog. · Check out our other National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) blog posts for additional resources on finding your voice, building characters and your final draft.   Evan also helps select and catalog the World Languages ...
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    36 mins
  • Plano Library Speaks: Financial Literacy, Memory Keepers and STEAM
    Apr 4 2022
    Welcome to Plano Library Speaks, the podcast of Plano Public Library! In this episode, your hosts, Rachel and Bob chat with library staff about a variety of topics, including Financial Literacy Month and how you can boost your financial capability, STEAM programs and exhibits, and our monthly Memory Keepers program. Learning & Leading We speak with Development Coordinator Kristin Linscott about ongoing financial literacy skill-building. Upcoming Financial Literacy Programs A Plan for My Money (All Ages) | April 2 at 2pm at Parr Library Ever wonder how money works? Join us for activities about earning, spending, and saving your money. Ticketed event Introduction to Value Line (Adult) | April 4 at 1pm via Zoom - Register here Learn how to access Value Line and use it to evaluate stock trading information Building Wealth – Beginner’s Guide (Teen, Adult) | April 5 at 7pm via Zoom - Register here Secure your financial future by taking control of your financial choices. You can create personal wealth and meet your financial goals by using basic concepts to launch you towards the future you want Also meets April 9 at 3pm at Parr Library. Ticketed event 10 Ways to Earn Extra Cash (Adult) | April 21 at 6:30pm via Zoom - Register here We can all use some extra cash from time to time – whether it’s to take care of necessities, pay down debt or save for something special. Here are 10 ways to make some extra money. Presented by Bank of America Salud Financiera Familiar: Conceptos Básicos Financieros (Teen, Adult) | April 23 at 2pm at Haggard Library Usando conceptos básicos de dinero y tomando el control de sus opciones financieras para lanzarlo hacia el futuro que desea. Ticketed event   Kids & Family We talk with Instructor Ellen Solomon about the Art Shop program the library hosts often to help kids and families learn the basics of budgeting while being creative. What can you create with $5.00? Browse our art shop for supplies to make your masterpiece! With play money received at the store entrance, purchase paper, markers, glue and scissors, and specialty supplies to make your work of art spectacular. Spend however you like, but budget wisely. Upcoming Programs Art Shop is scheduled to happen this summer, along with programs like Counting Coins, Art of Money, Party Planning and A Plan for My Money. The next sessions for Art Shop are: Wednesday, May 11 at 3pm at Schimelpfenig LibraryWednesday, July 13 at 6pm at Haggard LibraryWednesday, August 24 at 6pm at Haggard Library Art Shop is a ticketed event. Tickets are available in-person beginning 30 minutes before the program starts.   Did You Know? We speak with Librarian Bethany Ross about the Memory Keepers program, which has been running since 2019. During Memory Keepers, attendees share memories with guided prompts in a relaxing space. This program is for people who are experiencing early-stage dementia and a family member or care partner. Upcoming Programs Memory Keepers meets monthly on the third Monday at 10:30am via Zoom. You will need to register to attend. April 18: MusicMay 16: TravelJune 20: Summer FunJuly 18: GamerAugust 15: School Alzheimer's and Dementia Resources | Tuesday, June 14 at 11am via Zoom - Register here Learn the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and discover resources and programs for living well. Presented by the Alzheimer's Association and Plano Public Library Dementia Conversations | Thursday, June 30 at 11am via Zoom - Register here When someone is showing signs of dementia, it’s time to talk. Often, conversations with family can be challenging and uncomfortable. Learn tips for breaking the ice with your family to address difficult-to-discuss issues including seeing a doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care. Presented in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association Dementia-Friendly Programs in North Texas | Tuesday, July 12 at 11am via Zoom - Register here Socializing, sharing and collecting memories, and enjoying informal conversation are important strategies for individuals experiencing dementia and their families to combat isolation and depression. Hear about local programs from these North Texas organizations: Meadows Museum, Plano Public Library and The Wellness Center. Moderated by the Alzheimer's Association   Meet the Staff We talk with Librarian Lauren Stotts about the variety of projects she does around the library, including storytime, scheduling and facilitating STEAM programs, and developing Spark Space interactive learning exhibits. Upcoming Programs littleBits Challenge | Saturday, April 2 at 3pm at Haggard Library Explore circuits through different challenges. This is a ticketed event Paper Roller Coaster Challenge | Saturday, April 16 at 3pm at Haggard Library Design, build and test your own roller coaster in this engineering challenge. This is a ticketed event Earthquake! (Grades K-5) | Saturday, April 23 at 3pm at Schimelpfenig ...
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    40 mins