The Arlington Times / The Marysville Globe
December 21, 2013
Library offers hands-on programs BY KIRK BOXLEITNER
Last year’s gingerbread housemaking at the Arlington Library drew 60 participants.
kboxleitner@marysvilleglobe.com
ARLINGTON — Before its winter extravaganza kicks off near the end of the month, the Arlington Library is inviting kids to take part in some hands-on science experiments and holiday activities on Dec. 21 and 23, starting with the Pacific Science Center’s “Volts and
Kirk Boxleitner/Staff Photo
Jolts” exhibit at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. “We’ve had some Pacific Science Center programs in the past, and every winter, the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation gives us a grant for special programs,” said Jocelyn Redel, managing librarian of the Arlington Library. “The ‘Volts and Jolts’ exhibit sounded like something that would be fun,
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interesting and fit well with our focus on STEM education.” Not only is Redel excited to see the Van de Graaff generator and Tesla coil that the Pacific Science Center will bring as part of its “science on wheels” program, which takes exhibits out to communities for those who might not be able to make the trip to the Pacific Science Center itself, but she’s also hopeful that this presentation will foster more interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in ways that traditional classroom lessons tend to be limited from exploring. “I haven’t seen the ‘Volts and Jolts’ exhibit yet myself, so I’ll be just as surprised as everyone else,” said Redel, who estimated that the Arlington Library could fit between 60-70 attendees in its exhibit area, but would be more comfortable with 40-50. “We’re trying to bring greater exposure to STEM subjects through programs like this and our ‘Forensic Detective Academy’ this past spring, and then, once those kids are in the door, we can introduce them to all the library’s resources for further research, from our databases to our online tutoring. It promises to be a hair-raising experience,” she laughed, noting how the electricity from Van de Graaff generators makes people’s hair stand up. On Monday, Dec. 23, at 1 p.m., the Arlington Library will present a slightly less thrilling activity, but one that participants will be able to sink their teeth into, literally. “This is about the fourth or fifth year that we’ve hosted gingerbread housemaking for the kids after the start of their winter break,” Redel said. “We provide all the supplies, and it’s not a contest, so you can build your gingerbread house for whatever you wish, whether it’s to eat or to display.” Redel recalled that last year’s session of gingerbread house-making drew 60 participants, ranging in age from preschool up through adults. “A lot of times, the adults will watch from the sidelines, and then ask if they can use the supplies that are left over,” Redel said. “Over the years, we’ve learned what kinds of frosting work best to put together a gingerbread house, as well as which candies are most popular to decorate them.”