Library to Host STEAM Book Club

Middle-graders are invited to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through lively book discussions and hands-on activities during Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly STEAM Book Club.

Continuing Wednesday, December 16 with a discussion of “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett, the STEAM Book Club will encourage area third, fourth and fifth graders to improve their understanding of current core competencies through critical thinking and book-related activities.

“Chasing Vermeer” follows eleven-year-olds Petra and Calder as they combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.  As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer.

Club members will discuss the book and explore pendulum painting and other fusions of art and science.

The STEAM Book Club is free and open to all third, fourth and fifth graders. December’s program will be held from 3:45 to 5  p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Copies of “Chasing Vermeer” can be picked up at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

For more information or to register, contact Kate DeVoe at (607) 272-4557 extension 277 or kdevoe@tcpl.org.

Funding for STEAM programming is provided by the Ujeni Grants for Advancing Public Education Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County and the Erin Aljoe Schlather Dedicated Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.