Maryland STEM Festival at the Pratt

After the ghosts and goblins disappear… it’s time to dive into some Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Last year, Amazon donated STEM tools to both our Patterson Park and Forest Park branches. These students got a first chance to check out the fun.

Now, students across the Pratt system take part in fun programming as part of the Maryland STEM Festival (Oct 26-Nov 11)

Here’s just a taste of a few programs happening at the Pratt:

 

STEM Festival: Engineering Challenge

Pennsylvania Ave Branch

Thursday, November 1, 3:30pm

 

Chemistry is Out of this World

Roland Park Branch

Saturday, November 3, 2pm

 

Build It: Cardboard Edition

Hamilton Branch

Monday, November 5, 3:30pm

 

STEM Cadets

Orleans St. Branch

Monday, November 5, 4pm

 

Amazon STEM Series: 3Doodler Crafts

Patterson Park Branch

Wednesday, November 7, 3pm

 

Slime Time

Washington Village Branch

Thursday, November 8, 3:30pm

 

Check out lots more STEM programming all over the Pratt branches at Maryland STEM Festival. 

 

Teen Titles, Bedtime Stories, & Graphic Novels

The new Kwame Alexander book is just one of the latest titles to hit the shelves for teens and children. Check them out (literally.)

New Children’s Titles

For a complete list of new CHILDREN’S titles, click here

New Young Adult Titles

For a complete list of new YA/TEEN titles, click here

New Graphic Novel Titles

 

Curl up with a Good Book this Fall

From First Lady Michelle Obama’s new book to a biography of Baltimore’s own John Waters, the Pratt has all your hot new titles.

New Fiction Titles

For a complete list of new FICTION titles, click here

For a complete list of new MYSTERY titles, click here

For a complete list of new SCIFI & FANTASY titles, click here

New Nonfiction Titles

 

For a complete list of new NONFICTION titles, click here

 

The Hate U Give: Early Screening

by Demi Gough, Library Associate II

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas spent more than 80 weeks at or near the top of New York Times bestseller list. On Tuesday October 2nd, Harbor East Landmark Theater screened an early showing of the novel’s film adaptation.

The serious, yet at times light, coming-of-age tale follows Starr, a well-to-do private school student whose family still lives in a bad neighborhood because it is their home. She navigates her two realities through a time of growing police brutality cases. In her life, Starr has witnessed the murders of two of her best friends. The most recent murder was a police involved shooting: a police officer shot and killed Khalil; her last best friend and first crush.

This incident puts Starr in a compromising position. Does she speak up for Khalil who no longer has a voice, or keep quiet out of fear of being found out that she does not live in a neighborhood like her classmates? The film brings to the forefront conversations about finding your voice when no one will listen, police involvement in black communities, code switching, and other nuanced race relations.

The film (and novel) pulls in non-people of color to try to get them to understand the reasons why Black people fight to be heard and seen. The film explores the need for empathy from both Black and non-people of color to move forward breaking barriers that once pulled them apart. The film will make you laugh, cry, smile and rejoice as the characters grow. The film premiers everywhere on October 19th.

Click here to check out The Hate U Give at the Pratt before you see the movie.

Marathon Motivation

The Baltimore Running Festival is right around the corner

Do you need some motivation to get you across the finish line? Check out some of these inspirational running stories.  Click the cover to reserve your copy at the Pratt Library now!

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

This 2009 bestseller details the hidden tribe of superathletes, Tarahumara Native Mexican tribe. McDougall takes a deep dive into the mechanics of endurance running.

Learn more by checking out McDougall’s Ted Talk. 

 

 

When I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

While training for the New York City Marathon, Haruki Murakami decided to keep a journal of his progress. The result is a memoir about his intertwined obsessions with running and writing.

 

 

Once A Runner by John L. Parker Jr.

First released in 1978, and recently re-released, Parker details the hard work and dedication that goes into being an elite runner.

 

 

 

 

Running Like A Girl: Notes on Learning to Run by Alexandra Heminsley

This inspiring, funny memoir follows Heminsley’s journey as she transforms her live by learning to run.  From stories of defeat, to victory, even details of choosing the right shoes, it is the Bridget Jones Diary of running.