Spring Break Marked by Fun Activities at Salem Public Library

Salem Library Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - During Spring Break, the Salem Public Library is offering plenty of fun programs to keep kids busy. All programs are offered free and pre-registration is required. Registrations are accepted at the Youth Services Reference Desk in person or by phone at (503) 588-6088. All programs are scheduled at the Central Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.

* Creative expression is the order of the day at the Fantastic LEGO Building Contest, open to all children of elementary school age. Construction gets underway at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 28th in Anderson Rooms A&B. Each contestant is responsible for bringing the LEGOs that they will need; no kits may be used and nothing can be pre-assembled. At 3:00 PM, the results will be judged based on various criteria, such as creativity, use of color, shape, and height. Complete contest rules are available at the Youth Services Desk or online at www.salemlibrary.org/kids.

* Artistic and non-artistic teens ages 12-18 are invited to Junk Art for Teens at 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 29th in Anderson Rooms A&B. Participants will create priceless pieces of art with everyday household "junk" (wood, wire, rubber bands, tin foil, etc.). Participants are asked to bring some "junk" of their own to contribute to the pile. Teens can sign up at the Youth Services Reference Desk or by email at crepplinger@cityofsalem.net.

* "Springy" Crafts gets underway at 2:00 PM Thursday, March 30th in Anderson Rooms A&B. Elementary-age students are invited to create "springy" paper crafts such as Snapping Sharks, Pop-up Cards, Dino Grabbers, Fortune Tellers, and more. Materials are provided.

* Kids can get ready for summer at T-Shirt Decorating, a program scheduled for 2:00 PM Friday, March 31st in Anderson Rooms A&B. Decorated shirts will go along with the pet-themed 2006 Summer Reading Club, "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tails!" Participants should plan to bring a plain white T-shirt from home. The Library will supply the decorations, paints and transfers needed to create beautiful, unique wearable art.