Star Wars Day 2024

 

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away....

In celebration of Star Wars Day the Bremen Public Library is offering many Star Wars themed activities, as well as many Star Wars materials for checkout!

Movies

Star Wars Episodes 1-3

The Phantom Menace, Attack of The Clones, Revenge of The Sith

Two Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory.

Star Wars Episodes 4-6

A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of The Jedi

Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.

Star Wars Episodes 7-9

The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker

As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.

Rogue One

In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

As the Clone Wars sweep the galaxy, Anakin Skywalker and his new Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, embark on a mission to rescue the kidnapped son of Jabba the Hutt. The renegade Count Dooku, however, is determined to ensure that they fail.

Solo

During an adventure in the criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebel Alliance.

TV Series

The Mandalorian 

The travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

Star Wars The Clone Wars

Jedi Knights lead the Grand Army of the Republic against the droid army of the Separatists.

Star Wars: Rebels

The crew of the spaceship Ghost defends those who cannot fight for themselves against the Empire, providing the spark for a rebellion.

Fiction

Star Wars: The Queens Shadow #1 by E. K. Johnston 

The book largely focuses on the early days of Amidala's Galactic Senate Career, between Episodes I and II. She, along with her handmaidens, make the transition to working on the sprawling city-planet Coruscant, while still retaining the decoy system that they used to great effect in Episode I.

Star Wars The High Republic: Defy the Storm by Tessa Gratton

An anarchistic group known as the Nihil has taken over a section of space now known as the Occlusion Zone. Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh and scientist Avon Starros team up in an attempt to find a way through the Nihil Stormwall to save those on the other side.

Star Wars: Ahsoka by E. K. Johnston

Ahsoka Tano, once a loyal Jedi apprenticed to Anakin Skywalker, planned to spend the rest of her life serving the Jedi Order. But after a heartbreaking betrayal, she left the Order and forged her own path. Anakin and the other Jedi were still there for her, though, whenever she needed them—or they needed her.

Nonfiction

"Do or do not, there is no try." 

~Yoda~

Do checkout some of our Star Wars nonfiction! Get some advise from the wisest minds in the galaxy. 

Comic Books

Stop by the Young Adult Room and checkout our large selection of Star Wars Comics!

Check out our website for all of the happenings at Bremen Public Library. 

Solar Eclipse 2024

 

Like many other libraries across the Nation we celebrated the solar eclipse with a children's make and take craft, scavenger hunt, Adult Total Eclipse of the Art craft, and by supplying the community with solar eclipse glasses. A special thank you to the Indianapolis Public Library and Walkerton Public Library for donating glass. We were able to give out over 100 glasses to community members of all ages. 

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth  line up either fully or partially. Depending on how they align,  eclipses provide a unique, exciting view of either the Sun or the Moon.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun's light in some areas. This only happens occasionally, because the Moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do. The time when they are aligned is known as eclipse season, which happens twice a year.

Except for the fleeting moments of totality during a total solar eclipse, observers should always use eclipse glasses or an alternative safe solar viewing method, such as a pinhole projector, to view the Sun. This includes when watching a partial or annular eclipse, or before or after totality for a total solar eclipse.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People located in the center of the Moon's shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people in the path of total solar eclipse can see the Sun's corona, the outer atmosphere,  which is otherwise usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun. A total eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (which are not the same as regular sunglasses) for the brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun. 

What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the Moon. 

What is a Partial Solar Eclipse?

A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. Only a part of the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape. During a total or annular solar eclipse, people outside the area covered by the Moon's inner shadow see a partial eclipse. 

What is a Hybrid Solar Eclipse?

Because Earth's Surface is curved, sometimes an eclipse can shift between annular and total as the Moon's shadow moves across the globe. This is called a hybrid solar eclipse.

Bolles, Dana. “Types of Solar Eclipses.” NASA, NASA, science.nasa.gov/eclipses/types/. Accessed 13 Apr. 2024.

The Giving Tree

Our Teen Advisory Board was busy decorating for the Christmas season! As well as setting up BPL's Giving Tree.     

    Bremen Public Library is giving back to those teens in need with our new Giving Tree. Teens in need of hats, gloves, and scrafs can come into the Young Adult Room during December select the items needed. Donations are accepted, but must be purchased new and be odor free. 

    We would like to thank the Notty Knitters for their partnership with this event. The tree will be located next to the Care Cabinet in the Young Adult Room. 

Creative Writing Club 2022

 

The Bremen Public Library is happy to announce that we are bringing back our Creative Writing Club this November (2022) in celebration of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate. FREE writing journals will be provided while supplies last. No registration is required.

Participants will meet in the downstairs programing room every Tuesday in November at 4:00-5:00 PM. Here are the dates...

• November 1st
• November 8th
• November 15th
• November 22nd 
• November 29th 

What is NaNoWriMo?

National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel during the thirty days of November.

Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand-new novel. You may know this mass creative explosion by the name National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo—but that's not all that NaNoWriMo is!

NaNoWriMo is a nonprofit organization that supports writing fluency and education. But it's also a social network for writers like LinkedIn is for job professionals, or DeviantArt is for artists, or Facebook is for moms whose kids accept their friend requests only to provide them with "limited profile" access. It tracks words for writers like Fitbit tracks steps for the ambulatory. It's a real-world event, during which 900+ volunteers in places like Mexico City, Seoul, and Milwaukee coordinate communal writing sessions in thousands of partnering libraries, coffee shops, and community centers like… well, like nothing else.

It's internet-famous. It's a community-powered fandom (before there was the Beyhive, or Nerdfighters, there were Wrimos). It's a start-up incubator for novels (books like Water for Elephants, Fangirl, and WOOL began as rough drafts in November!). It's a teaching tool, it's a curriculum, and its programs run year-round.

Whatever you thought NaNoWriMo was, it is more than that.

For more information about NaNoWriMo please click the image below. 

TeenTober Week 2

Week 2 of TeenTober: Freak Out at Your Library was a SCREAM! Teens participated in our Teen Horror Movie event by watching A Quiet Place. Teens were also invited to our Book Brunch, food for the belly and the brain. They talked about their current/favorite reads while eating some delicious treats! As well as our regularly scheduled programs. Anime Club and Let's Get Sketchy. There is still time to register for TeenTober! Students in grades 6-12 can register at the front desk. 

TeenTober Week 1

 Week 1 of TeenTober was a success! With over 20 teens signed up so far for our reading challenge. And with our first event, Mini Golf at the Library, in celebration of National Golf Lovers Day! We are excited to bring back our paint by sticker board! Care to take a guess at what it will be? Here's a hint.... IT'S A SCREAM! :) 

WINNER WINNER!

 During the month of September the teens voted on who our Mii character would be for our Nintendo Switch. It was a very close vote. With over 50 votes summitted the winner is... DONKEY KONG!

Donkey Kong - 13 votes
Yoshi - 11 votes
Princess Peach - 9 votes
Mario - 5 votes
Bowser - 5 votes
Toad - 5 votes
Toadette - 3 votes 
Luigi - 1 vote

Thank you to everyone that participated in this passive program! Be sure to stop by the YA room for more fun passive programs! 

TeenTober 2022

TeenTober is a new, nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October and aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services and the innovative ways teen services helps teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library. TeenTober replaces YALSA’s previous Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week celebrations, allowing libraries the flexibility to celebrate all types of literacies according to their library’s schedule. Library staff are encouraged to utilize this new celebration to advocate for and raise awareness of the importance of year-round teen services in libraries.

This year (2022) the Bremen Public Library is celebrating TeenTober with the Halloween theme Freak Out at Your Library! With several Halloween themed events. Keep an eye on all our social media for more information! 

100 Books before High School

 

The Bremen Public Library is challenging all incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to read 100 books before high school! The goal is for you to develop a lifelong reading habit, so there are no assigned books, no book reports, and no grades to worry about. Read whatever you want during middle school for the 100 Books Before High School challenge.

Readers are eligible to sign up any time after completing 5th grade and have until the end of 8th grade to finish this challenge. Simply sign up for the challenge at the library, or online (check back soon). Then stop by the library to pick up your reading log. Log every book you complete during this time period. For every 20 books read you will receive a prize. After you complete 100 books you will receive The Ultimate Readers Gift Basket!

For a printable reading log.

Why?

Countless studies have shown that children and teens who read for pleasure and enjoyment do better academically and socially and see improvement in their emotional health and well-being. Additionally, reading for pleasure:

• Can result in higher test scores
• Improves reading achievement (strong vocabulary, greater use of grammatical structures, and improved writing style)
• Increases social skills
• Reduces stress
• Helps cure boredom

And, of course, at the library we strive to introduce, nourish, and grow a love of reading in the community that we serve.

Which books or which types of books do I need to read?

There are no specific titles or genres you need to read for your challenge. Every reader is unique! Part of becoming a lifelong reader is finding the books and authors that excite you and encourage you to make time to read during your day.

Can I use the same book more than once on my log if I re-read it?

No, we would like you to have the chance to read as many books as possible, so each title you count for your challenge should be a separate title.

Can I log books that I read before the date I signed up for the challenge — from when I started 6th grade or grade?

No, we would like everyone to start from the point they sign up for the challenge. We know this might be tricky for those of you who are signing up when you’re already part-way through the time frame, but consider it an extra challenge!

What are the prizes?

For every 20 books read you will receive a prize. After you complete 100 books you will receive The Ultimate Readers Gift Basket! All prizes must be picked up in person at the Bremen Public Library.

I don’t know what to read!

One of the goals of these challenges is to help you become a lifelong reader and to give you a chance to read titles you never would have expected to enjoy. You can find lots of titles to choose from on our Young Adult Blog or you can stop by the library to say hello and browse the shelves for titles that catch your eye.

100 books seem like a lot. How will I have time to read that many?

Reading 100 books is a lot! However, we do not expect you to complete this challenge in a week, a month, or even a year. We do encourage you to join the program at the earliest opportunity possible, which would give you three years to complete the 100 Books Before High School challenge. Remember that the goal is not just to read 100 books, but also to develop a lifelong reading habit. Everyone reads at their own pace, so enjoy the process and take your time.

Do ebooks or audiobooks count? What about graphic novels?

Yes! Reading an ebook or listening to an audiobook totally counts as having read the book. Graphic novels and manga count, too. You can read books in whatever way and format works best for you. Check out our eBooks and Digital Materials on our website.

Can I add the books I need to read for school?

Yes! While we encourage you to read books for fun, school reading counts too.

I finished my 100 Books Challenge and I still have time before the program ends to read another 100 books. Can I register for the challenge again?

Congratulations on reading 100 books! However, readers can only participate in this challenge one time due to our limited prize budget.

If you have more questions, call the library’s Young Adult Department at 574-546-2849 or email Ryan Calhoun at rcalhoun@bremen.lib.in.us

The Importance of Our Library: My Young Adult Perspective

    The other day, I was thinking about how crazy it was that I was approaching five years since I first started volunteering for the library. It was crazy to me that I have been volunteering longer than some people have been working there. I have seen so many different librarians throughout the years, and I can confidently say that, although my volunteering has let me see and work with many different librarians, they all have the goal of bettering the community and almost nothing else. I have seen time and time again how, although the faces may change, they never lose sight of the fact that they are here to serve the community and make it a better place overall. 

    I’ve realized that I can’t understate how important our library is in serving our community. I don’t think there is much I can say that won’t convince you of the library’s importance in our community. Our library continues to create more and more opportunities for connection within our community. One prime example of this is how they started a knitting program just to try and get a small section of our community in the door and get them to build new relationships with our library. Our librarians continue to bring new opportunities to our community to build a stronger relationship with the community.

The library continues to expand and grow the programs that it hosts to try to bring more and more people into the library. The library’s ultimate goal is to help the community, and the single most effective way to do that is to get people into the library and use it as the resource it is meant to be. If people aren’t in the library, then there is no reason to have that library. The library wants people to come in and explore what it has to offer.

To get people in the door, the library tries to throw fun events like getting the Berenstain Bears to come to our small town in order to greet the community. Although the Berenstain Bears coming to Bremen wasn’t necessarily targeted to our Young Adult community, it shows the library cares. The library cares enough to put the time and effort in to get fun characters like the Berenstain Bears into the town just so people start associating the library with the community. The library wants to start associating itself with fun and excitement and less of the boring and mundane that people may unfortunately think when it comes to the library. We rewrite the old age stigma that you can’t find a good time within the confines of a library. 

As you may guess, the library’s quest to involve more and more of the community doesn’t stop with only the adult and children departments, it involves us, the young adults. The library has continued to expand its outreach into getting more and more young adults through the door and start using the library’s resources and to not lose the desire to go to the library. The library tries to create these connections through actions like having me, a fellow young adult in the community they are trying to serve, start writing for the blog in order to show us that they are willing to hear our voices and care about what we have to say. The library also expanded what where we can go by building a dedicated part of the library for a place for our people to be and hang out. The library continues to try to push more and more of the young adult community through the door. 

Even after the library was renovated to give us in the young adult community a dedicated space, the library still strives to provide more for us. As some of you may know, the library recently hired Ryan Calhoun to act as the dedicated young adult librarian. In Ryan’s time here so far, he has created many new programs and clubs built around the interests he sees in the young adult community. 

Coming from a string of different libraries, Ryan has experience when it comes to creating programs for the young adult community. In his time here, Ryan has set up clubs like the anime club that brings in people in our young adult community on every Thursday to watch a predetermined anime each month. Ryan has also done things like create the grapix book club in order to bring more young adults with an interest with graphic novels into the library. All around, people like Ryan try their hardest to bring more people from the community into the library.

If the library, and librarians, weren’t a part of our small community, then our community would be worse off. Some people, young adults especially, don’t have a full view of how important the library is in creating a sense of community. The library has stood strong throughout the years, and it continues to try to bring people together in order to strengthen the sense of community as the community gets larger. This is a major portion of why the library wanted to undergo a huge renovation. The library wants people to see the good that it does, and renovating creates greater opportunities for gathering and grows our feeling of community. The library works for the people and people need to rediscover the fact that the library is here to serve. 

This writing brought to you by BPL Student Advisor, Braden Unruh

Recent Young Adult Program: Makeup on a Dime

Back in December, we hosted a Young Adult program called Makeup on a Dime. The premise of Makeup on a Dime is simple, you learn how to do makeup on a dime and then yourself. The program was aimed at anyone in the 6th to 12th grades and was led by Ondraya Perez and they learned how to do Christmas themed makeup.

There is good news, Makeup on a Dime will be returning to the Bremen Public Library! Still being led by Ondraya Perez, Makeup on a Dime will be making a comeback on February 21, 2022 and we'll be learning how to do Valentine's Day themed makeup. You can see all the details on our calendar and can register through this link: Makeup on a Dime

- This writing brought to you by BPL Student Advisor, Braden Unruh.

Book Writing for Teens

Calling all writers! CreativINDIE is hosting a FREE virtual summer camp for teens. The creator, Derek Murphy, is a successful Young Adult author with a doctorate in literature.

Important details...

Class begins June 1st and runs approximately 3 months.

You'll learn:

• How to write compelling fiction readers love
• How to outline a book and hit the right turning points
• How to increase stakes, drama and conflict
• How to design characters readers can't help but love
• How to keep pacing tight so readers are glued to every page
• How to revise and edit your manuscript to make it perfect
• How to breathe life into your writing.

You'll be expected to keep up with the video assignments, and invest an hour or two a day working on your project. The schedule will follow a "plot, write, edit" format.

Your goal will be a clean manuscript of roughly 50,000 words.

Contest...

CreativINDIE is looking to support an amazing story through their imprint Urban Epics. The winner will get a $500 cash bonus, all publishing costs waived, and developmental edit from a bestselling author. More details to come on that front.

Click Here to Learn More!

March Madness - Round 2

March Madness continues at Bremen Public Library! Cast your votes in the comment section.

Second-round matchups include:

Throne of Glass vs. Cinder

Dumplin' vs. Eragon

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Guardians of the Galaxy vs. DC:Women of Action

March Madness

It's March Madness at the Bremen Public Library! Cast your votes in the comment section. First-round matchups include:

Throne of Glass vs. A Court of Thorns and Roses

The Diviners vs. Cinder

To All the Boys I've Loved Before vs. Dumplin'

Ranger's Apprentice vs. Eragon

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time vs. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

My Hero Academia vs. Tokyo Ghoul

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra vs. Guardians of the Galaxy

Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy vs. DC: Women of Action

Brick Club

Brick Club is an exciting endeavor at the Bremen Public Library. In contrast to the "free build" LEGO table featured in our Children's Department, Brick Club is centered around specific subjects of construction.

Themes of the past include: Interplanetary Travel, Robots, Camping, Halloween, Minecraft, Star Wars, Brick Town, Tallest Tower, Unsinkable Ships, DC and Marvel, Medieval Times, Marble Maze, Ninjago, Back to School, LEGO Friends, LEGO City, LEGO Creator, LEGO Movie, Mission Moon, Habitats, 30 Challenge, to name (quite a) few!

On April 10th we will be gathering for a LEGO Education. Participants will work together to design and create stories about transportation. Kits include elements to build an airport, shuttle, helicopters, bus, mail truck, front loader, and much more!

In the meantime, get in the mode for spring with these amazing bird designs that you can build at home. See you soon!

Tackle Twelve

Are you participating in the Tackle Twelve Reading Challenge that’s taking place right here at Bremen Public Library? If you haven’t yet joined in the competition, don’t fret! The promotion has only recently begun and spans all of 2018. So what exactly is Tackle Twelve? Let’s dive in to the specifics.

The mission, should you care to accept, is to complete at least 12 of the following 16 challenges by December 31^:

-        Read a Book of True Crime

-        Read a Celebrity Memoir

-        Read a Book With an Ugly Cover

-        Read a Self-Improvement Book

-        Read a Tome (500 Pages or More)

-        Read an Oprah Book Club Selection

-        Read an Inspirational Fiction Book

-        Read a Paperback

-        Read a Western

-        Read a One-Sitting Book (100 Pages or Less)

-        Read a Caldecott or Newbery Medal Winner

-        Read a Graphic Novel

-        Read a Mystery

-        Read a Young Adult Novel

-        Read a Science Fiction Book

-        Read a Banned Book

For individuals completing 12 of the 16 challenges, a BPL mug will be awarded. For those eager souls who are extra ambitious and complete all 16, we are including a one-year membership to Friends of Bremen Public Library. Benefits of membership:

Free Deluxe Tote Bag
Extended 3-Week Loan Period for Books, Audiobooks, CDs and Magazines
Right to Vote at the Annual Meeting
VIP Invitations to Book Sales and Other Friends Events

Ready to get started? Stop by the library and pick up a Tackle Twelve scorecard. Then, each time a challenge is completed, bring in your card for marking purposes. Be sure to post or tweet about your progress on social media using the hashtag #TackleTwelve for even more chances to win random prizes throughout the year.

Finally, make it a point to regularly stop by our Tackle Twelve display at BPL for featured books on all 16 categories.

Happy Reading!

This event highlight brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Catching Up With Pokémon Go

As of this writing, I personally know of 3 individuals steadfastly dedicated to the joys of Pokémon Go. The game has been recognized for several noteworthy accomplishments, including most downloads in the first month of existence (130 million) and fastest time to gross $100 million by a mobile game (20 days). While its popularity has diminished since launching 1 year ago this month, reports are still showing a healthy 5 million daily unique visitors.

In January I sat down with loyal follower Terrie Bickel for her impressions (it’s featured in the YA blog, don’t ya know) on this addictive leisure phenomenon. Let’s catch up with her for a reunion!

Terrie, you’ve been playing since August 2016. Are you still having just as much fun?
No, not really. I still enjoy the walking, but it gets tiring catching the same things all the time. The 5k and 10k eggs, with more exciting creatures, are harder to come by.

What’s the motivation for keeping at it?
The exercise, plus my son still enjoys playing. When ‘specials’ are released, such as around Christmas and Easter, that’s also exciting.

Approximately how much time is invested each week? Our earlier report had you at 1.5 hours.
Between 2 to 3 hours.

Last we connected, you were on Level 21. How about now?
Level 23. After a winter hiatus, I’m back in the swing of things.

Chrarmander, Squirtle, and Butterfree were a few early-on favorites. Any new ones to add?
Octillery, Ledian, and Spinarak.

Your previous capture of Rhydon featured a CP of 1745. Which Pokémon in your bag currently reigns supreme?
Exeggutor at 1945.

If you could change one thing about the game, what would it be?
I think they should move various Pokémon around more frequently.

Should we plan another reunion in six months to see where you’re at?
Absolutely!


This gaming update is brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Photography Walk

Rooted in a love for our surroundings, natural and otherwise, Photography Walk was conceived in June 2016. The turnout so promising, additional gatherings were added to the Young Adult program schedule in August and October. With the harsh cold of winter passed, and a spring that’s yielded a return of buds and blossoms, the time becomes right to unpack the gear and head out.

There was a time I used to tote my digital Sony and Canon cameras on routine travels. Whether it be casually strolling the University of Notre Dame campus or grand escapades navigating throughout Las Vegas, the common variable was snapping pictures of everything in sight (I see you, squirrel). Not much has changed, exception being that nowadays an iPhone serves as a capable replacement for this everlasting hobby.

Ah, memories. Now where was I?

Oh yes! On Tuesday, June 13th, we shall embark on a journey into the Bremen community neighborhoods. As with previous Photography Walk programs, a theme will be involved (previous concepts have included Fall Foliage and Back to School). Aligning with the Summer Reading message of Build a Better World, we will be investigating various architecture surrounding BPL. From residential to business, houses to storefronts, unique designs abound.

By setting forth on this trek, a mission exists. Who amongst the group can capture the most intriguing snapshot? As with our other ventures, voting will take place, and prize awarded. A carrot of enticement, if you will, in addition to the outdoor splendor and joyous company of fellow photogs. Your selection may even end up on the library’s social media pages for all the world to see!

Departure from the library is set for 1 p.m. and will last one hour. Dress accordingly for comfort and weather conditions.

This program highlight brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Brick Club

Lots of smiles at Brick Club!

A more appropriate title to this blog might be, “What I love about LEGOs.” Fact of the matter is, the list would be extensively long. This is one reason, actually, why Brick Club was launched in March 2016. The enjoyment of LEGOs has no boundary when it comes to age. From young to not so young, and everywhere in between. It’s also undoubtedly a factor in why libraries across the country have programming specifically devoted to these interlocking plastic building blocks.

At Bremen Public Library, however, we’ve taken the activity and added a twist. You see, whereas many institutions conduct what are known as free-builds, Brick Club is based on themes. Each month when we gather, there is a specific goal in mind for construction. Some of our past titles include: Robots, Trucks and Cars, Camping, Halloween, Blast Off, and Minecraft.

Our first Brick Club theme

We begin with a short reading from a book relevant to the topic on hand; I’m all about books, after all. Interspersed is a Q&A session, a discussion of the particular mission, and goals being set out to achieve. Plenty of reference resources are always available, with individuals having the option of working solo or in teams.

Families are greatly encouraged to join us for this time of discovery and imagination. Bonds are formed, friendships made, ideas shared. Furthermore, the sessions are highly educational and grounded in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) principles. The creativity exhibited never ceases to amaze me, with finished products then put on display in our Children’s Department for all to observe.

Upcoming Brick Club meetings:

Saturday, April 29, 10:30 to noon – Tallest Tower

Saturday, May 27, 10:30 to noon – Ship Building

Hope to see you there!

This program highlight brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.