WASHBURN, Maine — Children in the Washburn area will soon have the chance to participate in a new after-school Lego program thanks to a grant that the town library received from the Maine Public Library Fund.
In December 2018, the Washburn Memorial Library board of directors learned that they had received a $2,141 grant that will cover expenses related to the establishment of a Lego after-school program. Librarian Lois Walton will use the funds for start-up program costs such as Lego supplies and books and to cover a stipend for the person who will facilitate the program.
The library has not yet found an adult to serve as the program facilitator, but is currently looking for someone who has “enthusiasm for and knowledge of Legos” and “likes the idea of helping kids learn Legos while also having a good time.” She noted that children who participate in the program could build upon the STEM-related skills that they’ve been learning in their science and math courses at school.
“We have a book here at the library about ‘Lego architecture’ and it’s so fascinating. I’m amazed at the amount of information there is out there about what kids can do with Legos,” Walton said. “The unique thing is that kids will be learning despite the fact that they’re also having fun.”
Walton said that the library plans to open registration for the Lego program as soon as they are able to find a facilitator, which they hope will happen within the next few months. The program will be open to registration for girls first.
“We’re aiming for at least six girls and six boys initially,” Walton said. “We want to encourage girls to sign up first because often people will assume that Legos are more of a boy’s activity, although that’s not the case.”
The Lego program will be primarily for children in 4th to 8th grade, though the library board of directors hope to later encourage more high school students to become involved. Walton noted that the program will be the first official library sponsored after-school program for Washburn area youth. United Way of Aroostook also plans to contribute Lego kits for each child in the program, all of which were donated by community members.
The Maine Public Library Fund provides grants to public libraries throughout the state through donations by taxpayers when they check off a specified box on their state income tax forms. The fund awards grants every spring and fall.
Folks can follow future announcements regarding the Lego after-school program on Washburn Memorial Library’s website and Facebook page. The library is located at 1290 Main Street in Washburn.
