Play to Learn

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a......More

Play to Learn is a FREE program for children and adults to play TOGETHER! Play to Learn is for parents, grandparents, neighbors, family, and friends who nurture children ages six and under. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a whole group circle time for children and adults to enjoy together. Provided by Greentrike, made possible through Tacoma Creates.

Teen Time

Middle School and High School students are invited to join us at the Fern Hill branch on Fridays from 3-4:30 for Teen Time. Meet new friends, relax, play games, work on homework, or make a craft. We'll do something different each time!

Tacoma Boat Builders Make & Take Pop-Up Event

Tacoma Boat Builders is an organization whose mission is to enrich lives through craftsmanship. TBB is excited to offer a taste of the work that they do at this library pop-up! They will bring multiple project tables for youth and families to work with wood and explore......More

Tacoma Boat Builders is an organization whose mission is to enrich lives through craftsmanship. TBB is excited to offer a taste of the work that they do at this library pop-up! They will bring multiple project tables for youth and families to work with wood and explore their creativity. Youth will have an opportunity to work with wood and choose a project that speaks to them. Staff will support by helping with the design of the project and crafting something that is meaningful to the individual. TBB is excited to share about their programs and support youth in creating something special to take home.

Family Storytime

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Storytime is followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. Want to continu......More

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Storytime is followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations here.

Family Flicks @Fern Hill

Take a break and join us for Family Flicks @Fern Hill. No reservations needed, but space is limited. Doors open at 2:45pm with the movie starting at 3pm! June 21st â Wicked the Musical â Rated PG, Runtime 2hr 40min

Baby Storytime

Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. For babies and their caregivers. Recommended for ages birth â 18 months. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations ......More

Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. For babies and their caregivers. Recommended for ages birth â 18 months. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations here. Baby storytime is approximately 20 minutes long, followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat.

Up and Atom: Magic Motion: Thaumatrope Illusions

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities.  Kids create old-fashioned spinning optical toys called thaumatropes and learn how persistence of vision makes still images appear to move. A hands-on introduction to how movies ......More

Join us for Up and Atom STEAM Days where we try out different STEAM and craft activities.  Kids create old-fashioned spinning optical toys called thaumatropes and learn how persistence of vision makes still images appear to move. A hands-on introduction to how movies and animations work!

Drop-in Tech Help @Fern Hill

Get assistance with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching, MS Office programs, navigating apps, using your iOS or Android devices, and more. No registration required, but capacity is limited. Patrons will be assisted in the order they arrive. If ......More

Get assistance with learning basic computer skills like email, web searching, MS Office programs, navigating apps, using your iOS or Android devices, and more. No registration required, but capacity is limited. Patrons will be assisted in the order they arrive. If you need help right now, be sure to check out Tacoma Public Library's always available online computer learning and assistance resources as well as the free DigitalLearn online courses available from the Public Library Association.

Free Legal Aid Pop-Ups

Are you facing eviction? Do you need help with a landlord-tenant issue? Do you need help with an eviction on your record or a legal financial obligation you can't pay? Want to learn more about getting help with your legal issue? Stop by for free, drop-in help, in......More

Are you facing eviction? Do you need help with a landlord-tenant issue? Do you need help with an eviction on your record or a legal financial obligation you can't pay? Want to learn more about getting help with your legal issue? Stop by for free, drop-in help, information and resources from Tacomaprobono!

PokĂŠmon League

Grab your PokĂŠmon deck and join your friends at our official PokĂŠmon League. Both experienced players and beginners are welcome. If you collect cards but don't know how to play, we can teach you. If you know how to play and want to get better, we've got that covered......More

Grab your PokĂŠmon deck and join your friends at our official PokĂŠmon League. Both experienced players and beginners are welcome. If you collect cards but don't know how to play, we can teach you. If you know how to play and want to get better, we've got that covered too. The fearless leader of this event is an expert player who has helped judge world championships. Join us to learn from the best! Recommended for ages 6 up to young adults.

Wisdom Cafe @Fern Hill

Seniors - join us for conversation and camaraderie as we discuss universal topics about life, fulfillment, and aging at this monthly program. All are welcome! Juneâs topic: The problem of independence â moving toward interdependence

Designing Just Futures

In this program, youth will have the opportunity to explore issues they care about in their community and co-design solutions using technology as a tool. Throughout the school year, there will be guests from local and national organizations to facilitate conversations ......More

In this program, youth will have the opportunity to explore issues they care about in their community and co-design solutions using technology as a tool. Throughout the school year, there will be guests from local and national organizations to facilitate conversations relevant to the issues theyâre exploring as well as technical workshops. At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their final projects to the community. Fall: participants will focus on learning and research Winter: participants will focus on designing and testing solutions Spring: participants will focus on implementing solutions and sharing their work with the community. This program is run by Fab-5 with support from the Lifelong Kindergarten Research group at the MIT Media Lab. Presented by Fab-5, funded by Tacoma Creates, and hosted by Tacoma Public Library.

Teen Time

Middle School and High School students are invited to join us at the Fern Hill branch on Fridays from 3-4:30 for Teen Time. Meet new friends, relax, play games, work on homework, or make a craft. We'll do something different each time!

Family Storytime

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Storytime is followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. Want to continu......More

Join us for stories, songs, and other fun learning activities designed to develop language, literacy and social skills in an environment the whole family can enjoy. Storytime is followed by play time and an opportunity for grownups to connect and chat. Want to continue the fun at home? View these fun Storytime song and book recommendations here.

Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color

đJoin the Science Heroes for a Day of Experiments, Laughter, and Learning! đŹâ¨ Looking for a family-friendly event thatâs packed with excitement and education? Look no furtherâScience Heroes is coming to town, and theyâre bringing a whirlwind of wacky, wonderful expe......More

đJoin the Science Heroes for a Day of Experiments, Laughter, and Learning! đŹâ¨ Looking for a family-friendly event thatâs packed with excitement and education? Look no furtherâScience Heroes is coming to town, and theyâre bringing a whirlwind of wacky, wonderful experiments with them! 𧪠What to Expect:This isnât your average science show. Science Heroes combines storytelling, science, and supercharged fun to spark curiosity in kids and adults alike. Each of the six experiments begins with a lively story that gets everyone moving and making sound effectsâbecause science should never be boring. From there, the real adventure begins! Audience volunteers will step into the role of junior scientists, helping change variables, test results, and make discoveries in real time. (And no worriesâthereâs no fire or harsh chemicals involved. Just safe, hands-on science fun!) đ Why Youâll Love It: Totally interactive: Kids donât just watchâthey join in! Educational and entertaining: Perfect for curious minds of all ages. Memorable family time: Itâs science, but with a whole lot of laughs. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your energyâthis is one science show you donât want to miss!