Joliet Public Library is excited to announce a new traveling exhibit will open on June 16. – The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY! Based on the best-selling series of books by author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts, the imaginative world of Questioneers characters Ada Twist, Scientist; Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; Sofia Valdez, Future Prez, and Aaron Slater, Illustrator comes alive in a hands-on exhibition.
“Joliet Public Library is thrilled to host this exciting exhibit,” said Executive Director of the Joliet Public Library, Megan Millen. “Studies show that play is an integral part of learning for children and this fits right in with the Library’s mission. We hope the public will come out to our beautifully remodeled Ottawa Street Branch to see it and that we can bring in more traveling exhibits each year.”
Celebrating diversity, creativity, curiosity, bravery, and resilience, this exhibit will inspire a new generation of thinkers and dreamers through fun, interactive experiences. The story of each character highlights problem-solving, determination, risk-taking, bravery, and the role of caring adults in children’s lives. These topics are the very core of children– and adults –developing a lifelong love of learning and discovery.
“Creating access to quality immersive STEAM experiences advances the Museum’s social mission,” shares Kimberly Stull, Chief of Building and Making, at DuPage Children’s Museum. “We are elated to partner with JPL to nurture joyful discovery and learning in the Joliet community.”
In the exhibit The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY! questions are posed, challenges are identified, and problem-solving begins. Miss Lila Greer’s classroom serves as a launching point for collaboration, creativity, and discovery. Children will get to fly with Rosie in her Cheese Copter, question how the world works while sitting in Ada’s thinking chair, build a bridge to save the class with Iggy, lead a movement with Sofia while playing a game on Sofia’s Citizen’s Park, and tell a story through drawings like Aaron.
Ada, Iggy, Rosie, Sofia and Aaron promote personal empowerment, curiosity, and perseverance. With different abilities, races, ethnicities, genders, and upbringings, each character is uniquely capable and committed to their creative, STEAM-based pursuits. Their passions lead them to experiment, explore, fail, and try again. Through these bold characters, young children learn that math, science, art, and civic responsibility are for everyone, and failure is part of learning.
This exhibition demonstrates a commitment to inclusion while delivering exceptional, innovative Arts and STEM experiences for guests. The experiences and related programs support the social emotional and cognitive development of learners by building the confidence, skills, and engagement of parents and caregivers.
Author Andrea Beaty shared, “I am thrilled knowing that The Questioneers will come to life in this exhibit and inspire kids, young and young at heart, to share their curiosity and passion with others!”
The Library will be hosting an open house for the exhibit on June 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. with special guests, children, and young adult author Sarah Aronson. The community is invited to attend and learn about the importance of exhibits, children’s books, and STEAM/STEM. Aronson is the author of “Head Case”, “Beyond Lucky”, and “Believe”, a young MG series, “The Wish List” as well as “Just Like Rube Goldberg”, illustrated by Robert Neubecker, and “Brand New Bubbe”, illustrated by Ariel Landy.
Plan your visit to step into the world of The Questioneers! Admission is free. The exhibit will be available at the library from June 16 until July 29.
The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY! was created by DuPage Children’s Museum. The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty. Illustrations © David Roberts. “The Questioneers” is a registered trademark owned by Abrams.
The Joliet Public Library is a resource for the Joliet community to read, explore, ask, and discover. For more information, visit https://jolietlibrary.org/ or call 815-740-2660. Library hours are Monday–Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Friday–Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Today's guest post is by Mallory Hewlett, Marketing & Publicity Specialist, Joliet Public Library
