Legos, Robots and Science: The Library Has It All

The Spring Story Time season is wrapping up at the this week, leaving many parents asking the age-old question: “What will we do now???”

Fear not! Just because there’s no more story time until summer doesn’t mean there’s nothing fun to do at the library. Our May calendar is packed with exciting activities for kids of all ages.

Explore the exciting world of robotics as the robotics team presents a Robotics Expo for all ages from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 5. The morning will include a presentation of First Tech Challenge robots, a driving area for Lego League robots, and an area for children to practice building Lego League robots. This is a fun and educational way to get children involved in robotics, so drop in and join us any time throughout the morning.

If you enjoy the Legos featured in our Robotics Expo, come back at 9:30 a.m. the following Saturday, May 12, for Lego League. Enjoy building an original creation from our huge collection of Legos. This month’s theme is Monsters and Aliens!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and nothing says “I love you” quite like a handmade card. Children of all ages are invited to visit the library between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, May 11, or from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, to make a special card to show mom how much you care.

Everybody loves Mad Science, and next month, kids are in for a special treat with two cool Mad Science activities to help you explore your scientific side. Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 are invited to join us Wednesday, May 16, for “Digging for Dinosaurs.” In this fun-filled program, budding young archaeologists will learn all about where dinosaurs lived, what they are, and how scientists know they existed. Children will have the chance to search for the “fossil remains” of a mystery dinosaur and cast a cool T-Rex tooth to take home. Sessions will be held at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Registration is required. Please call the library’s Children’s Department at 856-234-0333, ext. 5 to register.

School-age science buffs will enjoy Mad Science’s presentation of “Detective Science” at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, and Thursday, May 17. Junior detectives will learn the secrets of super-sleuthing by observing a fictional crime scene, analyzing the evidence, and trying to determine which suspect committed the crime. Each participant will take home a kit to record their own vital information. “Detective Science” is open to children in grades 1-4, and registration is required. Please call the Children’s Department to register.  

Looking for some low-key, after-school fun? Drop in between 4 and 6 p.m. Thursday, May 24, for our monthly Legos and Games events. Enjoy snacks, Lego-building and your choice of a variety of board games for all ages. Bring a friend to double the fun.

Think the library’s just for little kids? No way! Our new series of monthly Crafternoons give kids in grades 4 and up a chance to explore all kinds of cool and creative activities. This month we’ll be experimenting with alternative energy as we build rubber band-powered cars starting at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, May 10. Call the library to register in advance and join the fun!