The N.H. State Library, working with the Association for Library Service to Children and Lego Systems, Inc., is making Junior Maker Space toolkits available to public libraries throughout New Hampshire.
Designed specifically to create hands-on activities for public library patrons aged 4-6, each toolkit includes more than 10,000 Lego pieces, donated by Lego Systems, and an activity guide librarians can use to design activities that combine children’s favorite stories with hands-on play.
Several studies have shown that creative play can strengthen language development. When young library patrons combine play activities with story activities, they can increase their developing literacy skills as well as their creativity, imagination and dexterity.
“Young patrons are vitally important users of New Hampshire’s public libraries,” said State Librarian Michael York. “The Junior Maker Space kits will add another dimension to the engaging activities they already enjoy when they visit their library.”
The Junior Maker Space program is part of a nationwide initiative. In New Hampshire, kits have been distributed to regional public library cooperative groups, which will then share them with their member libraries. The State Library also has a kit available for public libraries to borrow.
Kits will remain at libraries and be used solely for on-site activities.
For more information about activities that use Junior Maker Space toolkits, contact your local New Hampshire public library or visit nh.gov/nhsl.
