Jan. 17 is Kid Inventors' Day, a celebration of children who make, break, tinker, and create! This holiday marks the birthday of Benjamin Franklin. Tales of Franklin’s inventions, which include bifocals and the Franklin stove, raised the inventor to a place of honor in the American imagination. The Founding Father was himself a kid inventor: he created a pair of wooden swimming paddles when he was only 11.
Generations of young people have followed in Franklin’s footsteps. Frank Epperson invented the “Eppesicle” when he was 11 (years later, his own children would rename it the Popsicle after their Pop). George Nissen invented the trampoline at 16, while Chester Greenwood created the first earmuffs when he was 15. Stories of kid inventors were so popular in the late 19th century that they sparked a new genre: the Edisonade. These dime novels followed plucky young heroes who created fantastic (and fantastical) inventions.
If you know any future Ben Franklins looking for a little inspiration, why not check out the library events calendar? You can also find STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs. Below, you’ll find a list of this month’s STEAM programs to get you started. Now, get inventing!
Library STEAM Events in January 2024
Wednesday, Jan. 10
Alachua Branch – 3 - 4:30 p.m.
LEGO at the Library
Drop in and use our collection of LEGO bricks to bring your designs to life!
Thursday, Jan. 11
Cone Park Branch – 3 - 4 p.m.
SOAR: Science Oriented Activities and Recreation
A monthly after-school club with hands-on, outdoor activities meeting on the second Thursday of the month.
Friday, Jan. 12
Millhopper Branch – 2 - 4 p.m.
TinkerSpace
Join us in the kid's area for an exciting afternoon of hands-on STEAM exploration!
Thursday, Jan. 18
Headquarters Library – 3 - 4 p.m.
STEAM Crafts: Winnie the Pooh Day
Join us to celebrate author A. A. Milne's birthday with some Winnie the Pooh fun and crafts.
Friday, Jan. 19
Waldo Branch – 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Bots and Blocks: Corrugation Station
Create something amazing with a stack of cardboard in this hands-on STEAM program for teens and tweens.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Alachua Branch – 3 - 4:30 p.m.
LEGO at the Library
Drop in and use our collection of LEGO bricks to bring your designs to life!
High Springs Branch – 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
LegoSpace Plus
Come make LEGO creations with us plus explore other STEAM activities!
Saturday, Jan. 27
Archer Branch – 2 - 3:30 p.m.
STEAM Saturday: Name your Creature Bookmark
Create a creature from YOUR name to be a friendly bookmark all your own.