STEM Kits and Tonieboxes

MCPL Wausau has two new kinds of interactive children’s materials available for checkout: STEM Kits and Tonieboxes!

STEM Kits are perfect for school-age children eager to explore the world of science, technology, and engineering through fun, hands-on learning.

Each STEM Kit includes a variety of nonfiction books and various educational materials such as a mini planetarium projector or a pocket microscope. Our current themes include Birds, Insects, Ocean, Outer Space, and Plants. Whether your child is fascinated by the stars, intrigued by insects, or curious about ocean life, there’s a STEM Kit to match their interests!

In addition to books and materials, each kit contains an activity sheet designed to expand learning opportunities. These sheets offer exciting experiments and tasks that encourage kids to apply what they’ve learned and dive deeper into each subject.

STEM Kits can be checked out for two weeks, providing plenty of time for thorough exploration and discovery. Patrons are allowed to check out one juvenile kit at a time, either a Traveling Tale or STEM Kit. STEM Kits may only be checked out and returned at our Wausau location.

Tonieboxes are innovative audio systems designed specifically for little listeners. Simply turn it on, place a “Tonie” on top, and the fun begins! These engaging devices offer a unique and interactive way to enjoy stories and songs.
Tonieboxes are designed for independent use by children age three and older. (Younger children may enjoy them with adult supervision.) They can be played directly from the box itself, or users can plug in headphones for independent listening. Tonieboxes have up to seven hours of battery life, allowing you to take your Tonie adventures on the go!

Each Toniebox includes a “Playtime Puppy Tonie” that offers children’s songs like “Wheels on the Bus,” “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and “Baby Shark.” Tonie Packs are sets that contain three themed Tonies, like Paw Patrol or Dr. Seuss.

At this time, Tonieboxes and Tonie Packs are available exclusively for Marathon County Public Library cardholders. Patrons are limited to four preloaded reading and learning devices which includes Tonieboxes, Tonie Packs, and various Playaway devices.

Stop by MCPL Wausau to check out a STEM Kit or Toniebox, and let the adventures in learning begin!