Lego Robotics, returns to Redbud Library
CLEARLAKE0 >> The Redbud Library, in Clearlake (at 14785 Burns Valley Rd, right behind Safeway), is promoting the event Lego Robotics the second Saturday of every month, at 11 am. According to staff, children ages 8 to 18 will have the opportunity to meet and enjoy an interactive educational activity for families, where participants will build Lego robots “and then use computer coding to make the robots move. They learn to follow directions and use critical thinking to make decisions about how their robot will look and move,” said Mickey Price, in charge of the branch.
Price added that registration is required and space is limited to six students. Spots can be reserved by calling the phone number (707) 994-5115. The event follows all state/county COVID-19 guidelines. “If it proves to be popular, we can open up space for more stations throughout the children’s section in the library. We have the equipment for a total of 15 children,” said Stephanie Figueroa, a library volunteer who has been working with children doing hands on art and science activities with the community at Redbud Library for the past four years.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the library branch has been going through challenges that are mostly all related to the restrictions that came with it. “We want to make sure everyone is as safe as possible, which entails limiting attendance to our in-person events as space allows. While patron participation at in-person events is limited due to social distancing, our online events continue to be popular. We are always trying new ways to reach out to the community and make sure they know what’s happening at the library,” said Price. “We are bringing back many of our pre-pandemic regular programs, such as Lego Club and story time, with safety precautions in place. We have started a few online only events, such as Gamer’s Paradise (a discussion group for all video game platforms) and Weird Science (monthly science projects), so that the kids in the community can participate without having to leave home. We are also bringing back, once a month, in-person craft events for families.”
Everyone over the age of 2 must be masked when entering the building, regardless of vaccination status. “We sanitize equipment between uses, and offer gloves if patrons would like them. We also have sanitizer stations set up throughout the libraries,” said Price, adding there have been several online meetups via Zoom, besides the option of curbside pickup.
Patience and problem solving skills, working one on one with an instructor and basic computer coding are some of the skills the attendees will be able to have access to during Lego Robotics. “It is a confidence booster when they see their hard work literally coming to life,” said Price. “Lego is familiar to most kids, so tying a familiar toy with a learning activity to stimulate their critical thinking skills just seems natural.” Figueroa added: “They can engage in learning how motors and sensors work together while following instructions. These events are also particularly good for children with autism and other special needs.”
The library volunteer talked about the difficulties of reaching students who are not able to receive information on social media and the newspaper, and who haven’t visited the library. “In the past, we have received permission from Konocti School District to distribute flyers to all the students in the Konocti Unified School District, which has about 3000 students. We hope to begin doing this again,” she said.
All four of the library branches have their own Facebook pages. “We use social media to draw attention to upcoming events and activities. We have a variety of programs for adults as well, ranging from book clubs to gardening and cooking clubs, available online and in person. Our monthly newsletter details all of the happenings, and that information can also be found on our website, at library.lakecountyca.gov,” said Price.