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Peoria-Area Library STEM Resources

for students, parents, teachers, all

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What STEM Stuff Can I Find at the Library?

STEM Books and Ebooks

Print and electronic; for all ages

STEM Kits

Contain hands-on learning materials such as coding robots, solar energy building toys, circuit building toys, pattern block kits, microscopes, etc. Include instructions and related books.

STEM Programs

Workshops such as Little Explorers, for kids ages 4-6 to explore STEAM (currently virtual).

STEM Take-Home Activities

Individual take-home boxes containing STEM-related activities.

Maker Spaces

Spaces for patrons to create and use physical materials such as 3D printers, audio and video capture tools, sewing machines, etc.

STEM Clubs

LEGO, Robotics, 3D printing, GEMS (for girls), and more (some currently virtual).

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STEM Resources by Library

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Alpha Park Public Library

3527 Airport Road, Bartonville

http://www.alphapark.org/

STEM Items

  • Sphero BB8 Robot
  • Lenovo Virtual Reality Headsets (4)
  • Star Wars Augmented Reality Jedi Challenge (2)
  • GoPro Filming Kit
  • Large collection of books on science experiments and STEM topics

Stem Kits (available Spring 2021)

Will include activities, equipment and youth books (2) on the topic.

  • Rocks and Minerals
  • Electricity
  • Rocketry
  • Microscope
  • Renewable Energy

Available for Checkout

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Fondulac

District Library

400 Richland Street, East Peoria

https://fondulaclibrary.org/

STEM Kits

Robotics (BB8, Ozobots)

Electronics (SNAP Circuits, Makey Makey )

Weights and Measures, Physics, Math

https://fondulaclibrary.org/stem-kits/

Playaway Launchpads

Tablets preloaded with educational apps, including science (not Internet-connected): https://fondulaclibrary.org/launchpad/

Book Bundles on STEM topics

Children’s book sets on particular themes, including science: https://fondulaclibrary.org/book-bundles/

Available for Checkout

STEM Programs

3D printing , Little Explorers (virtual during COVID), science-related Take & Make kits

3D Printing: https://fondulaclibrary.org/3d-printing/

  • For In Library Use

Other

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Morton Public Library

315 W. Pershing Street, Morton https://www.mortonlibrary.org/

STEM Kits (7)

Include lessons, books, and interactive activity. For students grades 4-7; some can be used with younger. For individuals and classrooms. Subjects:

  • space exploration
  • coding and robotics
  • electricity
  • biomedical
  • solar energy

STEM Club

Girls Excelling in Math and Science (G.E.M.S)

  • The library partners with the Morton branch of the American Association of University Women to provide a G.E.M.S. club. The 4th-7th grade girls who attend get hands-on, collaborative experience in STEAM fields.

Available for Checkout

Other

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Lillie M. Evans Library

207 N. Walnut Street, Princeville

https://lmelibrary.org/

STEM Programs and Activities

Through a Project Next Generation grant from the Illinois State Library, the library has created STEM programs for junior high and high school students on audio visual production, cutter machines and 3D printing. Resources pages are here: http://pngatlme.pbworks.com/.

Lego Club

In 2021, the grant focus is on developing a Lego Club for 4th-8th grade students. To date they have had three builds. Robotics will also be incorporated.. Activities on the library YA blog: http://lmeteenspace.blogspot.com/.

Available for Checkout

STEM Books

  • for all ages

Other

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Caterpillar Engineering Library

Technical Information Center

14009 Old Galena Road, Mossville

Engineers, Libraries and Using Science Journals

A presentation a on how engineers use libraries, with the Caterpillar engineering library as a real-world example.

Highlights how engineers use science journals, and includes links to kids science journals and activities.

Other

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All Local Public Libraries offer

STEM Books

Local libraries offers a variety of STEM books for all ages, print and digital.

  • You can check out books from ANY local public library with a Library Card!

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Can’t leave home?

Read STEM books from your device!

SpotLight: TumbleBooks

TumbleBooks offer animated talking picture books, read-along chapter books, national geographic videos, non-fiction books, puzzles and math stories for grades K-6.

  • Available from your local public library

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Using Your Library

a few useful tips ...

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Illinois Library Cards are universal

Illinois Public Library Cards can be used at ANY library in the state!

For example, a Peoria Public Library Card can be used to check out library materials from Morton, Washington, Dunlap, Fondulac, Princeville, etc.

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Pick Up at Any Library

Materials from ANY Illinois library can be delivered to the library of your choice.

Public Library Users

Materials from ANY Illinois library can be delivered to the library of your choice.

Teachers

Certain public library materials can be delivered to your school library.

Contact your local library

for delivery information!

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We Can Help

Librarians can:

  • Locate STEM materials
  • Recommend STEM books
  • Borrow STEM items
  • Provide STEM programming

And more ….

contact your local library!