The book series Mathematical Circles Library is co-published by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the American Mathematical Society. The first 12 volumes of the series were edited by Silvio Levy. The series is now partially funded by an endowment from Tom and Bonnie Leighton. To order books in print or to pre-order forthcoming books, click on the link of the book title.
Mathematical circles are gatherings that give mathematicians the opportunity to share their deep understanding and appreciation for the subject with school students who are looking for new challenges in mathematics. Using a variety of approaches such as problem-solving, individual and group exploration of noncurricular topics, reading guidance, competitions, and just plain fun, the circles help students acquire useful mathematical ideas and techniques.
What is MCL? MSRI and the AMS have teamed up to provide support for math circles through the Mathematical Circles Library, which includes books of several types: collections of solved problems, pedagogically sound expositions, discussions of experiences in math teaching, and practical books for organizers of mathematical circles.
Some of the books are translations from the Russian—there has long been a thriving tradition of math circles in Eastern Europe—while others were written in English by mathematicians who lead circles or are otherwise experienced in mathematics education.
Most books are suitable for both students and leaders in math circles. Parents of participants will also find the books useful.
Make a Proposal. We are always on the lookout for a good project! If you would like to suggest a book for publication in the MSRI–MCL series, in any language, whether authored by you or someone else, please write to mcl_library@msri.org, with a brief description of the work.
Projects are judged by an international Editorial Board with a varied membership: authors, Math Circle organizers, leaders in the teaching of mathematics to gifted students, and research mathematicians with an involvement in K–12 education.
The Advisory Board Members are Tatiana Shubin, Chair; Titu Andreescu, David Auckly, Maia Averett, Hélène Barcelo, Zuming Feng, Tony Gardiner, Nikolaj N. Konstantinov, Andy Liu, Alexander Shen, Zvezdelina Stankova, James Tanton, Ravi Vakil, Diana White, Ivan Yashchenko, Paul Zeitz, and Joshua Zucker.
The student volumes (1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18) are available at a reduced price of $26.25.
The volumes 21, 23, and 24 are available at a sale price of $22.75.
Volume 29, Mathematics via Problems, Part 3: Combinatorics, Mikhail B. Skopenkov & Alexey A. Zaslavsky, 2023.
Volume 28, A Festival of Mathematics: A Sourcebook, Alice Peters, Mark Saul, 2022.
Volume 27, Math Out Loud: An Oral Olympiad Handbook, Steven Klee, Kolya Malkin, Julia Pevtsova, 2021.
Volume 26, Mathematics via Problems, Part 2: Geometry, Alexey A. Zaslavsky & Mikhail B. Skopenkov, 2021.
Volume 25, Mathematics via Problems, Part 1: Algebra, Arkadiy Skopenkov, 2021.
Volume 24, Inspiring Mathematics: Lessons from the Navajo Nation Math Circles, edited by Dave Auckly, Bob Klein, Amanda Serenevy, and Tatiana Shubin, 2019.
Volume 23, How Round is a Cube? And Other Curious Mathematical Ponderings, James Tanton, 2019.
Volume 22, Mathematics: Rhyme and Reason, Mel Currie, 2018.
Volume 21, Math Circle by the Bay: Topics for Grades 1–5, Laura Givental, Maria Nemirovskaya, Ilya Zakharevich, 2018.
Volume 20, Mathematical Circle Diaries, Year 2: Complete Curriculum for Grades 6 to 8, Anna Burago, 2018.
Volume 19, Algebraic Inequalities: New Vistas, Titu Andreescu, Mark Saul, 2016.
Volume 18, Geometry in Problems, Alexander Shen, 2016.
Volume 17, Letters and Problems: A Gift to Young Mathematicians, V. I. Arnold, 2015.
Volume 16, Experimental Mathematics, V. I. Arnold, 2015.
Volume 15, The ARML Power Contest, Thomas Kilkelly, 2014.
Volume 14, A Decade of the Berkeley Math Circle: The American Experience, Volume II, edited by Zvezdelina Stankova and Tom Rike, 2014.
Volume 13, Math Circles for Elementary School Students, Natasha Rozhkovskaya, 2014.
Volume 12, Invitation to a Mathematical Festival, Ivan Yashchenko, 2013.
Volume 11, Mathematical Circle Diaries, Year 1: Complete Curriculum for Grades 5 to 7, Anna Burago, 2012.
Volume 10, Integers, Fractions and Arithmetic: A Guide for Teachers, Judith D. Sally and Paul J. Sally, Jr., 2012.
Volume 9, Euclidean Geometry: A Guided Inquiry Approach, David M. Clark, 2012.
Volume 8, A Moscow Math Circle: Week-by-Week Problem Sets, Sergey Dorichenko, 2012.
Volume 7, Moscow Mathematical Olympiads, 2000–2005, edited by Roman Fedorov, Alexei Belov, Alexander Kovaldzhi, and Ivan Yashchenko, 2011.
Volume 6, Introduction to Functional Equations: Theory and Problem-Solving Strategies for Mathematical Competitions and Beyond, Costas Efthimiou, 2011.
Volume 5, Math from Three to Seven: The Story of a Mathematical Circle for Preschoolers, Alexander Zvonkin, 2011.
Volume 4, Moscow Mathematical Olympiads, 1993–1999, edited by Roman Fedorov, Alexei Belov, Alexander Kovaldzhi, and Ivan Yashchenko, 2011.
Volume 3, Geometry: A Guide for Teachers, Judith D. Sally and Paul J. Sally, Jr., 2011.
Volume 2, Circle in a Box, Sam Vandervelde, 2009.
Volume 1, A Decade of the Berkeley Math Circle: The American Experience, Volume I, edited by Zvezdelina Stankova and Tom Rike, 2008.