Forest Park Public Library is looking for bricks, not books, as it expands its children’s programming next year.
The library’s children’s department is seeking Legos, new or used, bricks or minifigures, individuals or sets.
Primary colors are always popular, but “uncommon colors,” like those in the Lego Friends collection, would be swell. Duplos for little fingers are needed, too.
Susan Farnum, the library’s youth service manager, explained that they have been using Legos for the past 10 years, and expanded the programming during the pandemic.
Lego play is fun, she said, and puts kids’ creativity to the test.
“[Over the years], we have done Block Party programs, open play, and have been using them at playgroups and family programs for years before that,” Farnum said. “We’ve even done story times where we integrated Lego bricks.”
For example, at the height of the pandemic, the youth department launched the Lego Masters program, which challenges kids to come up with their own Lego constructs. During the March 20 Lego challenge earlier this year, kids were challenged to build characters, their home bases and their vehicles.
Farnum said that she wasn’t sure exactly how many Lego bricks they have on hand because they always give some bricks away.
“We want the Lego bricks to go out to the community, but we [would] like to have a wide array of options available for interesting constructions at our programs too,” she Farmum said they’ve already gotten interest.
Since sending out the call for donations in the first week of August, her department already received some interest, but they continue looking for donations. There’s no deadline for drop-offs.
“We are hopeful to get more to help us do some great programs in the coming year,” she said.
Anyone interested in donating Lego bricks should reach out to the Youth Department, at ys@fppl.org, to arrange a drop-off.
