Libraries

Your school library can help you connect with physical books, e-books, and much more.

At the Jones Library and its branch libraries you can:

• Sign out a take-home science kit! Through a partnership with Mount Holyoke, library patrons may sign out a “Passport to Chemistry” kit for one week. Activities include chromatography, creating mixtures, making chemical indicators, and building a potato-powered clock.

• Join a young readers’ nonfiction book club.

• Borrow a museum pass for free or discounted admission at many local museums. It is best to reserve these ahead of time online or by calling 413-259-3091.

• Try the after school LEGO club.

• Stop in for craft time or to use the blocks and building sets.

• Borrow books that reinforce the message that anyone can be a scientist. Here are some reading lists to get you started:

  • 14 Books That Connect Students With Valuable Scientists’ Struggles (KQED)

  • 50+ Multicultural STEAM Books for Children (Colours of Us)

  • Science Is For Girls: 30 Books About Female Scientists (A Mighty Girl)

  • Five Books Guaranteed to Make Kids Love Science (Science Friday)

  • Best STEM Books (National Science Teachers Association)

  • STEM Books for Young Children (American Scientist)

  • 13 Cool STEM Books for Kids Who Love Science (Common Sense Media)

  • Building STEAM with Día booklists (Diversity in Action/Association for Library Service to Children)

  • 15 Must-Have Books for an Arts Integration & STEAM Library (Education Closet)

  • Young Adult Novels That Teach a Growth Mindset (Edutopia)

  • Summer Reading List (Project Learning Tree)

  • The 100 Best Science Books For Kids of All Ages (Geek Wrapped)

• Check the kids events calendar for other science-themed events throughout the year.