How do tornadoes get started? Where will a balloon fly when it’s let go? Find answers to these and other questions, go on a dinosaur dig, explore rocket science, win prizes and more! Celebrate early learning outdoors with lots of books and hands-on activities during a free event at Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave., on Wednesday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Young children and their families can have fun and learn with hands-on outdoor science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities and the company of many, many books! Activities will take place outdoors. The community may browse and read high-quality books, and participate in hands-on learning activities.

Families, friends and neighbors will gather and select books and activities from stacked lightweight cubes that form what is called a UNI. The UNI project won the 2013 National Book Award’s Innovation in Reading Award for fostering a stronger, more prominent culture of reading and learning at street level.

All ages may get a library card during the event and check out books from Sumner Library—in this parking lot event.

Early Learning Public Library Partnership, Foundation for Early Learning and Pierce County Library System sponsor this free event. The Early Learning Public Library Partnership strengthens the ability of public libraries to fully participate in the advancement of early learning in Washington State.