For many, playing with Lego bricks is a memory from the past, but those creative building blocks have taken on a new life at the Duluth Public Library for their regular "Kids Construction" series.
Katie Schmitz is with Youth Services at the Library and is charged with organizing and promoting the program as well as creating a loose structure for the afternoon drop-in sessions. Along with free-build time, there are also challenges for youth participants. "Sometimes it's competitive - who can build the tallest tower," says Schmitz who caters the challenges depending on the age of the children in attendance. "Sometimes it's just 'can you build a monster.'" Lego bridge building, Lego bingo and other ideas are also frequently on the schedule.
The program found its footing years earlier after the library put out a call for Lego donations. Though some Legos have been purchased over the years, the influx of donations was enough for the downtown location to share with Duluth's branch libraries. For Schmitz the value of the program is easy to see. "There's a lot of skills [learned]... it's an opportunity to use your imagination." Schmitz also lists experimentation, goals, teamwork, and social skills as residual outcomes from these events.
The next drop-in event for children 5 years of age and older is Thursday, February 8th from 4-6pm. For more information about youth programming, visit the Duluth Public Library website.
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
