Library Now - Spring 2021

a publication of the Greenville County Library System

Meet the Author: Sally Handley

Rock with Islander Check it out

Computer Skills for the modern workplace Brush up your digital skills

steam story time Play and learn!

(Pictured) Bookmobile stop in the New Washington Heights neighborhood of Greenville, 1955.

special issue: 1921-2021: Celebrating 100 Years of Public Library Service Service for All Summer Reading

SPRING 2021

Children's Garden, Hughes Main Library

The Children’s Garden at the Hughes Main Library was given in memory of Frances Williams and Daniel Hunter Wallace, Jr. in 2002. Visitors strolling the grounds of Heritage Green are delighted upon discovering the seemingly secret garden located on the side of the Library building that faces the entrance to the Upcountry History Museum. Patrons inside the Children's Area of the Library gather near large windows that allow a tranquil viewing of the garden just outside.

In the spring of 2019, member of the South Carolina Native Plant Society (SCNPS) Kay Stafford found herself contemplating the garden while shelving picture books as a Library volunteer and approached the Youth Services department with her ideas about making some improvements. Coincidentally, 2nd graders from Lead Academy Public Charter School were busily hand-crafting butterfly and insect houses for donation to the Library. These beautiful bug houses were installed while future dreams for the garden were being pondered by Stafford along with Donna, a Youth Services staff member.

Work in the garden resumed in September 2020 when the two were joined by Amy Henderson, a professional gardener and fellow member of SCNPS who created a garden plan consisting of nearly 40 new plants. The revitalized garden, completed in October, is the perfect spot for families, children, butterflies, and insects to visit and explore.

These efforts were supported by the generous donation of native plants, mulch, soil amendments, and hours of work by the South Carolina Native Plant Society.

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LIBRARY NOW // Spring 2021

In This Issue

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LIBRARY NOW

100 Years in the Making

Spring 2021

Explore the history of public library service in Greenville.

Mission To champion literacy, inspire learning, and foster community connection.

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Meet the Author: Sally Handley A mystery writer shares her process.

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Vision To be Greenville County's first choice for exploration, discovery, and information.

About this Publication 11

Library Now is produced by the Greenville County

Rock with Islander

Library System and partially underwritten by the Friends of the Greenville County Library System.

Check it out.

Email communications@greenvillelibrary.org to request copies of this publication for your

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Computer Skills for the Modern Workplace Brush up your digital literacy.

organization or business.

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Library Board of Trustees Mr. Brian Aufmuth Ms. Laura Baker Mr. Kenneth Baxter, Treasurer Mr. S. Allan Hill, Chair

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Mr. Tommy Hughes

STEAM Story Time

Mr. Dick Jensen Mrs. Glenda Julian

Play and learn!

Mrs. Deryl Paradis, Secretary Mr. William Pinkston

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Shadow Puppet Theatre Make it at home with your little ones.

Mr. Joe Poore, Vice Chair Mr. Dan Wooster

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Library Executive Director Beverly James bjames@greenvillelibrary.org Greenville County Library System 25 Heritage Green Place Greenville, SC 29601

greenvillelibrary.org

greenvillelibrary.org/summer-reading • June 4-July 31 Spring 2021 // LIBRARY NOW

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100 Years in the Making Dear reader, As I look back on the past 100 years of public library service in Greenville County, I am filled with pride.

The Greenville Public Library Association was chartered in May of 1921 to establish and maintain a free public library and to promote the “Modern Library Movement” in the city and county of Greenville. What started in a small store on East Coffee Street in downtown Greenville soon expanded to include a branch in the Phillis Wheatley Building as well as two mobile libraries that traveled to rural areas and industrial communities outside the city limits of Greenville.

Today, public library service is available throughout Greenville County via 12 facilities, a bookmobile, and a robust website that offers access to downloadable and streaming resources as well as learning and research databases. From guiding job seekers, entrepreneurs, and researchers to sharing early literacy activities with little ones and their caregivers, Greenville County Library System staff members are happy to assist.

1921-2021

To keep you connected, we offer free wireless internet access inside and outside all Library System buildings.

Scanners are also available for your use. In addition, you can have documents waiting for you to print on demand. Just download the PrinterOn app to your device and visit any Library System facility.

It is remarkable to see the growth and changes that have made Greenville County the vibrant, engaging, and welcoming place it is today. Your public library system is proud to be a part of such an extraordinary heritage. We look forward to being a strong partner in building a promising future. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020 * 1.13 million visits recorded * 2.77 million items borrowed

Beverly James

* 44,846 new books * 79,314 downloadable items

* Approximately 1.39 million website visits Many images featured on pages 4-9 have been provided by the South Carolina Room collection of the Library System. Visit greenvillelibrary.org/digitize-greenville to explore historic images.

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More About the Library * 719,967 books * 161,970 audiovisual materials

* 277,073 registered borrowers

Simpsonville Branch, 1930s

Reference Librarian, Main Library, 1940s

Bookmobile stop at Southern Bleachery, 1925

Book menders, Main Library, 1954

Our History:

Langdon Cheeves Memorial Library in Mauldin, 1960s

The Greenville County Library System traces its roots to a vacant store room on East Coffee Street featuring some 500 volumes. In 1921, local businessman, philanthropist, and textile magnet, Thomas F. Parker garnered enough community support to create Greenville's public library, and became its first Chairman of the Board.

On October 10, 1923, a new library service was unveiled to the public. Known as the Pathfinder, this truck loaded up with library materials available for checkout was the first ever bookmobile in the South. Created to meet the needs of Greenville County's mill communities, the Pathfinder began providing service to the Parker District in January of 1924. A Library System Bookmobile has been on the road for over 97 years with many vehicle iterations along the way.

Today, the Library System features 12 locations throughout Greenville County as well as a Bookmobile which makes stops at several locations in mostly rural areas delivering books and fond memories.

Listening to vinyl record albums, Main Library, 1971

Simpsonville Branch, 1997

Summer Reading event, Five Forks Branch, 2018 Spring 2021 // LIBRARY NOW

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100 Years in the Making

Annie Watters-McPheeters

Annie Watters McPheeters

Library "read-in" protestors are arrested on charges of disturbing the peace.

Image from the James Wilson Photograph Collection, courtesy of the Upcountry History Museum

Service for All:

Integration of Public Libraries in Greenville County Prior to September 1960, the Greenville Public Library was segregated. Two libraries were in operation at the time—a “whites only” facility on Main Street, and one designated for service to African Americans on McBee Avenue. In March of 1960, members of Greenville’s African-American community initiated a series of sit-ins whose aim was to raise awareness of, and inspire change to, the inherently unequal “separate but equal” policy of the time.

On March 1, 1960, a group of Sterling High students staged a sit-in at the Main Street library during which they used the library, selecting materials and sitting down to enjoy reading. The head librarian responded by asking them to leave and then closed the building for the day. On March 16, 1960, seven students who later became known as the “Greenville Seven” held a sit-in at the same library location leading to their arrest.

Undaunted and inspired, eight students returned on July 16 resulting again in their arrest.

The actions of these young people led to the filing of a federal lawsuit on July 28 that would force the integration of Greenville Public Library facilities.

Faced by implacable determination on the part of Greenville’s African-American community, library leaders closed the doors on September 2, 1960. For over two weeks, Greenville was without a public library. In the end, a decision was reached to open the library to all citizens of Greenville County, regardless of race. On September 19, 1960, this decision became a reality.

(pictured left) 'The Greenville 8' were seven Sterling High School students and one college freshman, Jesse Jackson, arrested after holding a library sit-in. Image from the James Wilson Photograph Collection, courtesy of the Upcountry History Museum.

View the Service For All virtual exhibit at greenvillelibrary.org/service-for-all.

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Librarian Annie Lou Watters McPheeters was born in Floyd County, Georgia on Feb 22, 1908. When she was five years old, her family moved to Rome, Georgia. Her mother was an avid reader and introduced her love of literature to young Annie, eventually inspiring her pursuit of librarianship.

This only tells half of the story, though, of Annie's two-fold quest. The other major part, as recounted by McPheeters later in her life, was that a white librarian refused her entry to the library in Rome, Georgia in the early 1920s.

This spurred her on to a time when she would win the right to enter any library of her choosing during her lifetime.

McPheeters started work as a teacherlibrarian at St. Albans County Training School in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

Later, she was a librarian at the Phillis Wheatley Branch of the Greenville Public Library, where she drove the bookmobile throughout the county's rural areas. She went on to become one of the first African-American professional librarians in the Atlanta Public Library where she profoundly and positively affected the life of young Martin Luther King, Jr. by reading poetry aloud with him.

Upon her retirement from the Atlanta Public Library System, she became Georgia State University's first AfricanAmercan staff person and Librarian.

In 1981, she received the Outstanding Woman Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She later wrote a book, Library Service in Black and White, which recounts her struggles and triumphs as an African-American female Librarian.

Vacation Reading Club participants, 1938

Summer Reading Since the early 1920s, the Library System's Summer Reading program has inspired and supported early literacy in our community. Early participants often enjoyed the honor of having their names listed in the local paper upon completion of reading challenges.

In the present, thousands of children and teens sign up to participate in Summer Reading at the Greenville County Library System. With reading challenges for babies, kids, and teens, Summer Reading encourages participants to continue their reading all year long (even outside of the school classroom) with the chance to earn great prizes including a reading medal.

Summer Reading Kickoff events are attended by as many as 700 people each year and usher in summers filled with live entertainment, art, and science experiments at the Library. Dozens of visits from musicians, magicians, scientists, and other performers are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Greenville County Library System.

The Greenville News, Sunday, September 11, 1927.

Prevent Summer Slide Summer Reading is a great way for parents to prepare children for a successful school year.

Summer learning loss, also known as “summer slide,” can cause a child’s reading achievement and language skills to decline by up to two months.

Studies have shown that children need to be actively engaged in learning during the summer when school isn’t in session. Giving children access to and letting them choose books they’re interested in can help prevent or reverse “summer slide.”

Children often model their caregivers’ behavior. Seeing adults read is inspiration for children to do the same. Reading together is fun, too.

Families can choose a book and make a nightly event of reading and talking about the book together.

Summer Reading participants receive reading medals, 2019.

Be sure to sign your children up for Summer Reading this year! For more information, visit greenvillelibrary.org/summer-reading.

Spring 2021 // LIBRARY NOW

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100 Years in the Making

Opening of the Five Forks Branch In 1993, the Greenville County Council approved an ordinance to replace nine existing library branches, replace the main library in downtown Greenville, and construct a new library for Woodruff Road. In 2004, the Greenville County Planning Commission identified the Five Forks/Woodruff Road area as having a high need for a library branch.

Groundbreaking ceremony, Five Forks Branch

A plot of land at the intersection of Sunnydale Drive and Woodruff Road was purchased in 2013. When its doors opened on Sunday, March 25, 2018, Greenville County Library System’s Five Forks Branch became the second largest Library facility in Greenville County encompassing approximately 28,000 square feet. More than twice the size of the other branch libraries, the branch features a drive-through window, a kiosk that dispenses laptops, a secure outside Play Porch for kids, and a variety of meeting and collaboration spaces for groups large and small.

Branch Honored On September 3, 2019, Greenville County Library System’s Five Forks Branch was honored by the American Library Association in their 2019 Library Design Showcase featuring “the year’s most impressive new and renovated libraries.” The Branch was one of thirteen libraries nationwide that were recognized for “innovative architecture” that meets the needs of the community in “unique, interesting, and effective ways.”

Architecture firm for the project was McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, LLC, Greenville, SC and the General Contractor was Melloul-Blamey Construction SC Ltd., Greenville, SC.

Children's Area, Five Forks Branch

Expansion & Renovation of the Jean M. Smith Branch in Greer Founded in the fall of 1925, the Greer Library was the first Library branch in the county. In 1938, it also became the first to erect its own building, the Davenport Memorial Library on School Street. Its downstairs meeting room provided a place for local clubs to meet, including the USO during World War II. This room later became the branch children's room as the material collection and activities grew.

In September 1995, a new branch library was constructed to replace the Davenport building.

Teen Room, Greer Branch

Architecture firm for the expanded and renovated Greer Branch was Craig Gaulden Davis and General Contractor was Clayton Construction.

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By August of 2019, Greer’s population had grown nearly two and half times what it had been when the Library’s branch opened in 1995, and the branch closed to undergo an expansion and renovation in order to better accommodate the needs of the community.

Reopened on November 10, 2019 with interior renovations and a 5,500 square foot expansion of the facility, the branch’s innovative features and specially purposed spaces take color cues from historic Downtown Greer, employing millwork in the teen room as a subtle nod to railroad ties, and floor patterns in the children’s area that are resonant of once thriving local textile mills. The combination of new textures, colors, and contemporary furniture provides a welcome refresh to this vital community resource.

Friends

Jeff Holland entertains with an interactive drum performance at the 2019 Summer Reading Kickoff event.

of the Greenville County Library System By 1960, the cost of books had doubled since the Library first opened its doors in 1921, but the Library had been unable to increase the annual budget to purchase new books and repair worn-out materials. In addition, the Library longed to expand branch facilities and bookmobile services for its rapidly growing community.

Friends Shop, Hughes Main Library

On November 17, 1960, the Friends of the Greenville County Library System, a non-profit organization, was created to provide volunteer and financial support. Arthur Magill, the first President of the Friends, focused initial efforts on proposing remedies to the Library's immediate needs as well as working to raise public awareness. The Friends were instrumental in helping to establish a County-wide library with the City and County library being consolidated in 1961.

Throughout the years, the Friends' fundraising efforts, including Friends Used Book Sales, have made it possible to hire outside presenters and performers for Summer Reading events as well as featured speakers and local authors for the Library's Local Author Expo. When the Five Forks Branch opened in March of 2018, the Friends purchased a laptop lending kiosk where patrons can “borrow” a laptop for use during their visit to the location.

The Friends’ fundraising efforts are a labor of love, performed by volunteers who believe in the Library System’s work. Learn more about support and membership opportunities at greenvillelibrary.org/friends.

2009 Sidewalk Sale, Hughes Main Library Spring 2021 // LIBRARY NOW

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Meet the Author

Mystery novels are one of the most popular genres in America. From Agatha Christie to Nancy Drew, the tried and true whodunit formula has created endless dedicated fans. Greenville author Sally Handley finds her inspiration in mystery, having written the Holly and Ivy series which follows two sisters with a passion for gardening and knack for investigating. Handley says she was an avid reader as a child and loved reading Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Trixie Belden, and Cherry Ames.

The heroines of these stories are the reason Handley kept coming back to the genre.

"When it comes to the Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames and Trixie Belden, and these characters--these are girls, and they were doing important things and figuring things out. They were brave and courageous."

"Women are strong, women are brave.

Especially women of a certain age. Don't count us out. We have something to offer.

We may not have superpowers, but we certainly have much to contribute to the world...I'm realizing, in any of the books I'm thinking about, even the ones that fall outside the cozy mystery [genre]...that my heroes are women," Handley says.

The characters of the mystery genre are important to Handley as both a reader and a writer. Characters, according to Handley,

Nancy Drew Diaries: Mystery of the Midnight Rider by Carolyn Keene, J PBK Keene

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are everything in writing a cozy mystery.

“I find that if I pick up a book, and I read a mystery, and I’m only lukewarm about those characters, I’m not coming back to that series. You have to be drawn in.” For her writing process, Handley says she plots a few chapters at a time and writes those out before the story can progress. Once those characters come to life, the plot begins to fall in place. “Out of the suspects, I know who killed them. So we know who’s going to solve the crime, we know who the murder victim is, and we know who did it, but everything else kind of develops as I write,” she says.

For those aspiring to write their own stories, Handley says the first step is to silence any negativity and sit down and write. It is also crucial to join writing critique groups and be open to criticism from peers. “When you work with critique groups, your work will get better. You listen to what other people have to say, and you make the decision at the end as to what you will or will not change, because your writing is your writing at the end of the day. But the bottom line is, you have to have input from other people. It just makes you better.” She suggests joining a critique group that is comprised of likeminded writers that understand the ins and outs of the genre you’re writing for.

Handley has recently published the fourth novel in the Holly and Ivy mystery series, Murder Under Tuscan Blooms. Looking towards the future of mystery novels, Handley believes the timeless genre will only continue to grow.

“These are escapist in a way. And if you want to read something that’s very dark, you have the noir end of this. At the far end, you have the cozy mysteries. And in between, you have Jack Reacher, Stephen King...you’ve got such a wide range within this formula,” she says.

Handley thinks the diversity of the genre will continue to draw mystery readers in. “You’ve got police procedurals, you’ve got these hard-broiled detectives, you’ve got cozy sleuths, you’ve got everything.

Within that genre, you have everything you could possibly want in terms of character types to read about. So I think it is timeless…it’s exploded into many, many subgenres, and it’s got something for everyone, and that’s why it will continue to just grow.”

Stay tuned for An Afternoon of Mystery, a live virtual event featuring Sally Handley coming in April. greenvillelibrary.org/events

CHECK IT OUT: Never Go Back: A Jack Reacher novel

by Lee Childs, Fic Childs

Full Bloom by Sally Handley LOCAUTH Fic Handley

Read / Watch / Listen

Download books, movies, and music free at greenvillelibrary.org/downloads.

Rock with Islander Download & listen with Freegal Music and Hoopla.

Islander lead singer, Mikey Carvajal's

Current Favorites Copeland – Erase from Ixora Available on Freegal Music

Crystal Castles – Not in Love feat. Robert Smith from II Available on Hoopla

New Order – Restless from Music Complete

Native Greenville band, Islander.

Available on Hoopla

GET KEYED UP Get ready to rock and read this summer with Library selections from Greenville natives, Islander. Formed in 2011, the alt-metal band has shared the stage with Papa Roach, P.O.D., and Korn. They have released music through Victory Records and most recently Eleven Seven Label Group (Better Noise Music). Mikey Carvajal, lead singer, recently shared some of his favorite tracks. Check out these songs along with albums by Islander on Freegal Music and Hoopla, free with your library card.

Starflyer 59 – We're

Rockumentaries

Vision /Audio Tree Live

the Ordinary from The Fashion Focus Available on Hoopla

Turnover – New Scream from Peripheral Available on Hoopla

Watch your favorites at home.

Zao –Savannah from Liberate Te Ex Inferis Available on Hoopla

Listen to Islander on Freegal Music The Wrecking Crew Hoopla

Sound City Hoopla

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream DVD 781.66

Power Under Control

by Islander Available on Freegal Music

Violence & Destruction

by Islander Available on Freegal Music

Pains – by Islander Available on Freegal

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage DVD 781.66 Rush

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan DVD B

Shut Up and Play the Hits: The Very Loud Ending of LCD Soundsystem Hoopla

Music

Spring 2021 // LIBRARY NOW

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Computer Skills

Computer Skills for the

Modern Workplace While 2021 finds us in a high-speed internet world, many people use workarounds to fill the gaps in their digital knowledge. Whether you are hoping to transition into a new work environment altogether or interested in increasing the value of the work you already do, Greenville County Library System's staff and resources can help further your basic skills and competencies.

EMAIL Folders Sort emails that you receive into folders to make it easier to locate messages later. Use your chosen email platform’s builtin folder feature to organize your inbox by general topics like “customer inquiries,” “inventory,” “partners and sponsors,” “administrative updates,” and more.

Signature Create a custom signature and use it on your outgoing messages. This provides an easy means for recipients wishing to contact you further. Your signature should feature your name, position, title of business or organization, and your preferred method(s) of contact.

Automatic Replies Create automatic replies and use them in those instances when you will be away from work. Automatic replies should feature the date you expect to return to work as well as the contact information for a colleague who may be able to answer questions and fulfill requests while you are away.

Create Rules for Automatic Sorting Create rules to automatically sort, mark as read, or even delete incoming mail to keep your inbox free of clutter.

Automatic sorting helps you save time by showing you only the incoming messages that are the most valuable.

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PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE Word Processing Word processing software like Google Docs and Microsoft Word feature a variety of tools to optimize the clarity of the information you are trying to convey. Before creating a new document, explore available template and page design options. When sharing a document with a group, try using comments or tracking your changes, so your team can see the editing process unfold.

Spreadsheets With so many features, spreadsheet software like Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel can intimidate new users. Rest assured, these tools exist to make your work less complicated.

Practice basic data sorting and filtering. After that, apply one or two simple formulas—for example, exploring functions for adding up cell data. Once your comfort level increases, start incorporating charts and tables in your worksheets.

Presentations Though you may never have to create a presentation in your work environment, being comfortable with digital slideshow software like Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint often comes in handy. Practice by creating a basic presentation with a few slides featuring images and text. For a bit more visual interest, add some transitions and animations.

Book a Librarian for a one-on-one appointment and get help with your digital literacy skills.

INTERNET & WEB BROWSERS Browser Optimization Take advantage of built-in browser tools like favorite lists, browsing history, and installable extensions to get the most out of your visits to the web.

Search Techniques Remember that websites can show up at the top of search results for all sorts of reasons—this is not a signal that this website is the best or only source for the information you are trying to find. Use different search terms, advanced search features, and dedicated resources like themed online databases.

Online Safety Many internet tools require users to create accounts. Practice good digital hygiene by using unique passwords for all accounts, periodically clearing your browsing history, and making sure that any sites requesting information are using secure https certificates.

LEARN & PRACTICE

Greenville County Library System provides a wide variety of resources and services that can assist you in your continued digital learning.

Learning & Research greenvillelibrary.org/learning-and-research From the Library's website, the dropdown menu of the Learning & Research tab presents a long list of online resources sorted by topic. Visit the “Computers & Technology” page for access to a variety of free web-based resources to assist in digital learning.

Book a Librarian greenvillelibrary.org/book-a-librarian Schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one with a library staff member to help assist in digital learning and research. Virtual Book a Librarian appointments are available from the comfort of your home.

WiFi & Public Computers All Library System locations have public computers available for patron use during operating hours. WiFi is available, and network coverage includes the lawn in the front of Hughes Main Library as well as the parking areas at all 11 branch libraries. The 'gclswireless' network access is available daily from 6a–9p.

For more information about these and other library resources and services, call 864-527-9258 or visit www.greenvillelibrary.org.

Spring 2021 // LIBRARY NOW

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Make atStory STEAM HomeTimes

Play & Learn The wonder of children! From first smiles to first steps, we hold their hands as they discover the world. Throughout the era of childhood, inquiry and experimentation inspire learning, growth, and development. They are scientists, and we are their loving guides.

STEAM has become a buzz word of our time. Originally an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, "Art" was soon added to the mix, and STEAM was born. Studies show that careers related to these subjects will increase by 16% in the next few years. How can we make sure our children have access to career paths like these? The answer is simple: play!

Even small interactions can become learning experiences. During snack time, get out a single serving of your child's favorite healthy treat (raisins, cereal, crackers, etc.). Show the package to your child and describe it. "What a pretty, green square box." Pause, and ask your child if they can guess how many treats there are inside. Then, count together to see if their prediction is correct. With a school aged child, arrange the treats into groups of five for counting. When you are done with your counting activity, remember to enjoy that treat together.

What did you and your child learn? You used words to describe color and shape and showed your child how to count and group. Most significantly, you introduced the concept of the scientific method, allowing them to offer a hypothesis and then, test the outcome.

STEAM Story Times

The Library System offers many opportunities to explore and learn—one is STEAM Story Time. Led by Youth Services librarians, STEAM Story Time starts with a selection of fiction and nonfiction picture books and concludes with time allotted for experiments and activities that reflect the theme of the books chosen. STEAM Story Times are available for viewing on the Library’s YouTube channel, but you don’t have to wait for the next video. You are your child's best teacher, and you can plan your own STEAM story times. For instance, you can plan a STEAM story time centered around shadows. Two choices of fiction books that focus on this theme might be The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers and The Wolf and His Shadow by Thierry Robberecht & Loufane. Choose a nonfiction picture book with a shadow theme, too. If you’re not sure how to find the subject you’re looking for, ask library staff for help. Read the books with your child and talk about them.

Now it’s time for guided activities! Use your hands and a flashlight to create shadow puppets on the wall or build your own puppet theatre. Most of all, have fun as you and your child play and learn!

CHECK IT OUT: @GreenvilleLibrary Find STEAM Story Times from the Greenville County Library System on YouTube.

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The Black Rabbit

by Philippa Leathers E Leathers

The Wolf and His Shadow

by Thierry Robberecht E Robberecht

Make at Home

Shadow Puppet Theatre

Create your own puppet theatre at home for hours of creative fun with your children.

Materials: • • • • • • • •

Cardboard box (even a cereal box will work) Ruler Scissors Tape Writing instrument Thin white paper or wax paper (printer paper will also work) Straws, craft sticks, or skewers Desk lamp or big sturdy flashlight

Make Your Puppet Theatre: 1. Apply tape to the corners of the box and across the lid to make sure it is sturdy and stays closed.

2. Place the box on a steady surface, lying flat.

Grab a flashlight... it’s Showtime!

1. Have your child hold the puppet by its stick and place it between the lamp/flashlight and the theatre.

2. Have your child retell one of the shadow stories. (This helps with language development and sequencing.)

3. Observe the shadows created by the puppets. Below are some ideas to think about and discuss with your child.

3. Using the edges of the front surface of the box as your guide, use a ruler to measure 1 ½ inches in from each of the four edges. Make ticks with a writing instrument.

4. Using a writing instrument and ruler, connect your tick marks to form a rectangle.

5. Flip your box over and repeat these steps on the reverse side.

6. Use scissors to carefully cut out the rectangle on the front of the box and repeat for the other side.

7. Save the cardboard pieces you just cut out for use in making your puppets.

8. Apply tape, as needed, to add strength to the box now that it is missing some of its cardboard.

9. Tape a sheet of wax paper over one side of the box, covering the rectangular cutout. This will be the “front” of your theatre which faces your audience!

10. Leave the rectangular hole open on the other side. This will be the side of the box where your characters enter the “stage.”

Explore & Discuss:

11. Decorate the front of your stage with curtains, glitter, stickers, and more!

1. Ask your child to think about why the shadows form. (Light is blocked by a solid object, and a shadow forms.)

Make Your Puppets:

2. Experiment! Hold characters closer and farther away from the light source to see how it affects the height of the shadows produced.

1. On the leftover pieces of cardboard (step 7 above), draw simple characters or shapes.

2. Color and decorate your characters for their "theatrical debut" and cut them out.

3. Use glue or tape to attach a straw or a stick to the back of each of your cardboard characters.

Want some more fun activities to try?

Visit greenvillelibrary.org/kids/littlelearners-club to explore downloadable lists featuring hundreds of themed activities.

Spring 2021 // LIBRARY NOW

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 656 GREENVILLE, SC 29601

25 Heritage Green Place Greenville, SC 29601-2034 864-242-5000 greenvillelibrary.org

Virtual Story Time!

Enjoy virtual story times on YouTube featuring stories, songs, and movement led by your favorite Youth Services librarians. @GreenvilleLibrary

LIBRARY NOW SPRING 2021