By Avi Silberstein
Nelson Public Library
Being a parent is hard. It’s hard during the diaper years — but also during the school years. And so, this spring break we’re trying to make life a little bit easier for parents who are looking to keep their school-aged children busy these last two weeks of March.
Because this year’s spring break, much like last year’s, will feature a whole lot of not going anywhere for B.C. families. But just because you’re not going anywhere doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, and the library is here to help.
This year we’re launching a spring break contest for kids ages six to 12, to take place between March 12 and 29. Participating is simple: all you have to do is email me, Avi (asilberstein@nelson.ca), a photo or a video of your child using one of the library’s (a) Ozobot robos, (b) Ukuleles, (c) GoPros (brand-new!), (d) Nature Exploration Backpacks, or (e) send us a photo of something your child has written or a drawn.
(And please note in your email if you give us permission to share the photos/videos on social media.) Winners will receive a gift certificate to Secret Garden Toys!
Looking for an extra challenge?
• If you borrow one of our Ozobots, try programming it with colour codes, or using Ozoblockly for more complex coding.
• If you borrow a Ukulele, learn to play the C and F chords, or maybe even a simple song (may we suggest “Three Blind Mice”?).
• If you borrow a GoPro, wear it indoors while building Lego, or take it outside on an epic adventure!
• If you borrow a Nature Exploration Backpack, discover your own backyard or neighbourhood, or go for a hike with your family.
• If you’re writing/drawing, send us a funny picture, or a short story or comic strip.
Aside from this contest, we also have other programs going on during spring break. Local writer Rayya Liebich will be teaching an online workshop on Letter Writing for kids ages nine to 12. The workshop will take place on Tuesday March 16 at 4 p.m. To register email Melodie Rae Storey at mstorey@nelson.ca.
And teens, if you’d like to join our Mother Daughter Book Club (ages 14 to 16) we’ll be reading Moxie. The meeting will take place online, and you can pick a copy of the book at the library anytime. Or you can join our Kootenay Teen Book Club, which will be reading A Study in Charlotte and discussing it (with the author herself!) on March 25 at 6:30 pm. To register for either of these book clubs, email Melodie Rae at mstorey@nelson.ca
If your family enjoys board games and puzzles, we’re now loaning those out too. We’ve got old favourites like Apples to Apples, and new ones like Throw Throw Burrito.
Being a kid is hard, even during spring break. Sometimes those days stretch ahead of you in their emptiness, and it can be easy to fall into a pit of boredom. In those times, you can always turn to the library for help.
Avi Silberstein is the Children’s Librarian at the Nelson Public Library. Check This Out runs every other week. If you’re interested in learning more about library programs and services, sign up for our monthly newsletter on our website or by giving us a call.