Your child will learn about the time in which the artist lived and worked. We'll share the science behind the artist's point of view and look at how art reacts to science and science is advanced through art. Your children will then have an opportunity to create their own art projects based on the work of the artist and the new understanding of how the artist attempted to represent the world as he knew it. Be sure to wear play clothes, because science and art can both be messy, and we don't mind! Registration is required, and this program is designed for children ages 6 through 10.

Register online here or at the Children's Desk at C. Burr Artz Public Library.

Submitted by Deb Schepp

Leap into reading at the Emmitsburg Branch Library on Wednesday, June 4th at 11:00 am for our 2nd annual Early Literacy Fair where families can discover simple activities to do at home to help children find success in learning to read. This family event is designed to provide children birth to three years of age and their caregivers with early experiences in language development that will help lay the foundations for reading readiness.

During the Early Literacy Fair we will focus on the early literacy practices that every child needs to get ready to read. Participate in yoga and sign language presentations that will delight your child as well as give you new and exciting ideas to try at home! Local community agencies such as the Frederick County Infants and Toddlers Program and the YMCA of Frederick County Head Start will also be at the library to provide families with information regarding their educational programs for young children.

Join us as we help your child take the leap into reading and see how much fun it can be! Please register for this program online at fcpl.org or by calling 301-600-6329.

Julie Scott

Join Frederick County Public Libraries, the Fort Detrick Alliance, and BINK the Robot for more STEM-related programs led by local scientists. Programs are designed to inspire elementary age children to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Jim Swearengen, DVM, Board of Directors of the Fort Detrick Alliance, notes, "I feel strongly that these types of interactions are vital in establishing scientific curiosity and the feeling of accomplishment that comes from learning new things that help us understand our world, and will hopefully inspire some of these great young minds to endeavor to make it a better place through science."

Topics for June, July, and August are:

Playing with Polymers with Dr. Matthew Rittler, Director, Master of Science in Biotechnology and Management at Mount St. Mary's University

What do LEGO^®, milk jugs, Rainbow Loom bracelets, sandwich bags, and chewing gum all have in common? They are all made of polymers! Polymers are groups of molecules that are connected to create something tangible (something you can touch.) They may be solid, squishy, sticky, bendable, or anything else you can think of. While many polymers are manmade, some occur naturally, as in the juice of rubber or aloe plants. Join us as we have fun exploring-and making-polymers!

Bones in Space with Dr. Tiziana Cavinato, Assistant Professor of Biology at Hood College

Do you know that the average speed of growth of your bones is 2 inches per year at eight years old? And that even after you reach the adult age your bones are continually remodeled, for example, the head of the femur is replaced about every four months! Do you know that Astronauts lose about 1% of their bones per week when in space? Genes, nutrition and exercise are important factors that influence the development of our bones. In this meeting we will explore these factors and what happens to the astronauts' skeleton in the absence of gravity.

Backyard Bugs with Dr. Louis M. Huzella, Veterinary Pathologist

Have you ever wondered about the bugs that you often see in your backyard, at the playground, or in the park? Do you know which ones are potentially harmful? Which are harmless? Which bugs are beneficial to the environment? How about which bugs might be harmful to the environment? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this informative presentation on backyard bugs.

Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung Street, Frederick

Monthly on Wednesday at 4 pm: June 4, July 16, August 6

C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick Street, Downtown Frederick

Monthly on 3rd Tuesday at 4 pm: June 17, July 15, August 19

Students from across the state voted in schools, public libraries, and online to select their favorite books as part of the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award program.

The student selections are:

Picture Book: Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds

Grades 4-6: Ungifted by Gordon Korman

Graphic Novels 4-6: Sidekicks by Dan Santat

Grades 6-9: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

High School: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Congratulations to the winning authors and publishers and to the students, teachers, and librarians who, every year, make the program such a resounding success!

After consulting with FCPS Media Specialist, Merri Jo Wright of Urbana Elementary, it was confirmed that Creepy Carrots! was indeed, the hands-down winner. Ms. Wright did state that although it was a humorous and silly story, there were many other fine books in the running as well. Two titles she highly recommends; Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson and A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg.

All of the Black-Eyed Susan titles can be found at your local FCPL branch.

Submitted by Marlene Bordner