In preparation for the Solar Eclipse on August 21 we are inviting you to cast your eyes upward. Flint's Longway Planetarium's traveling program is bringing an inflatable dome of state-of-the-art video technology to our library, immersing the viewer in a dark, cloudless night sky during the daytime. Participants will experience the wonder of scientific exploration as the inflatable dome is rendered in a realistic model of the night sky over Michigan. With the aid of video images and simulations, students will get an up-close look at some of the most distant objects that can be seen from Earth.

There will be one show, repeated three times according to the schedule below. Each show is approximately 30-40 minutes. Please sign up for only one of the time slots. Registration is required for ALL participants. The program is appropriate for patrons aged 5 and up.

Let's think outside of the box for a second...What does STEAM mean to you? This summer CPL is deviating from the norm and providing innovative programming around the science, technology, engineering, art and math disciplines. This programming is developed for patrons aged 11-13 and registration is required. Topics are as follows...

• Friday, June 23 -  HTML - In this first session you will learn the basics of HTML coding, and design your own website. Customize the font, content, colors, and more. Bring a flash drive so you can save it, take it home, and show off your work. Designed for students with no coding experience. Registration is required and begins May 25.
• Thursday, July 6 - Industrial Design: Where Art Meets Science - What's your big idea? Learn how Industrial Design helps tell the story of science ideas. Sketch, draw and design away. Registration is required and begins on June 23.
• Thursday, August 10 - Sound Frequencies of a DJ - Motown DJ and producer Mike Huckaby visits the library for a STEAM experience like no other. Learn the ins and outs of sound mixing as well as the science behind the sound. Registration is required and begins July 25.

[light and sound image by Derek Σωκράτης Finch shared under CC 2.0]

Children in ages 7-10 interested in science, technology, engineering and math will learn something new each month in a STEM topic. Get introduced to concepts through presentations, active exploration, and creative projects. Registration Required.

• Saturday, September 23 - Spheros - Test drive these little rotund robots resembling BB8 without a head. You are the brains behind their movements. Registration is required and begins August 25.
• Saturday, October 21 - HTML - Learn how computers process information and some basic HTML prompts. We'll meet in the Computer Lab and put our new knowledge to the test. Bring a flash drive to save your work for future editing opportunities. Registration is required and begins September 25.

Children in ages 7-10 interested in science, technology, engineering and math will learn something new each month in a STEM topic. This month, learn about bridges, how their structural supports function, and then work to design the strongest bridge out of household supplies. Registration is required.

Image of Mackinaw bridge at night by J Dykstra is licensed under CC BY 2.0