Plano families looking for free, educational activities this October need look no further than the Plano Public Library (PPL). The system’s STEAMtober series runs throughout the month, offering hands‑on science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs for children, teens and adults at each of the five library branches.
Explore the Human Body and the Five Senses
Starting October 11, the Spark Space at each branch will host a series of sessions that dive into the human body. Programs include:
- ABCs of DNA (Grades 4‑8) – Sunday, Oct. 11, 2 pm, Haggard Library
- Digestion Exploration (Families) – Tuesday, Oct. 13, 3 pm, Davis Library
- Build a Bacteriophage (Grades 4‑8) – Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6:30 pm, Harrington Library
- Brain Marvels (Families) – Thursday, Oct. 15, 3 pm, Parr Library
- Mighty Muscles (Families) – Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:30 pm, Schimelpfenig Library
- Five Senses (Families) – Friday, Oct. 16, 3 pm, Haggard Library
- Optical Illusions: How Your Brain Tricks You (Grades K‑5) – Saturday, Oct. 17, 3 pm, Schimelpfenig Library
- Bones! Bones! Bones! (Families) – Sunday, Oct. 18, 2 pm, Parr Library
- Imaginative Anatomy (Grades 4‑8) – Saturday, Oct. 24, 3 pm, Harrington Library
- Pulse Pulse Revolution (Families) – Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 pm, Davis Library
STEAM Showcase Highlights Local Student Innovation
On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Davis Library will host a STEAM Showcase from 2:30 pm to 4 pm. Local school robotics and science teams will demonstrate projects, share the challenges they tackled and explain the creative solutions they devised. The event is open to kids, teens and adults who want to see the next generation of innovators in action.
Drop‑In Math Homework Help
For families needing extra support with on‑level math concepts, college students from the University of Texas at Dallas will staff drop‑in sessions at the Haggard Library on Saturdays (Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24) from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Participants can bring their homework and stay for 30‑to‑60 minutes of one‑on‑one assistance.
Family Art Program with HIPsters
Monday, Oct. 12, at 3 pm, the Haggard Library will welcome HIPsters from My Possibilities for a family art workshop titled “Fine Art for Families: Henri Matisse.” The presenters—adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—will guide participants in creating collage masterpieces inspired by Matisse. Tickets are free but limited; attendees should collect a ticket at the front desk 30 minutes before the start time.
Medicare Counseling for Seniors
Senior residents can get personalized guidance on Medicare options at the Schimelpfenig Library. An informational session, “Navigating the Medicare Maze,” will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 pm, followed by appointment‑only counseling sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 9 am to 6 pm.
Library Services and Card Registration
Anyone without a Plano Public Library card can register online. All five branches remain open for computer use, collection browsing and in‑person programs. Patrons can also take advantage of porch‑side pickup for holds and access eLibrary content from home.
Whether you’re curious about DNA, need help with a math assignment, want to explore local student inventions, or are looking for senior health resources, Plano’s libraries provide free, family‑friendly programming throughout October.
Original reporting: Plano Magazine — read the source article.
