As the song says, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” but the holiday classic also acknowledges that, as the school break drags on and kids get bored, “Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.” Once again, the Longmont Public Library gifts parents and kids with multiple activities to get out of the house and into the fun over the winter break.
First up is a fun “Winter Break Bingo” game for children and teens that starts on Friday, December 20 and carries on through January 6. This program challenges kids to read, watch, and listen to new things over winter break in order to win special prizes.
Bingo players can pick up a bingo card at the Children’s and Teens’ desk or download one from either the children’s or teens’ webpages. When players turn in their completed bingo card but January 6, they’ll receive a special prize. No registration is required to play, and this program is open to children and teens of all ages.
With studies showing that video and online gaming can improve spatial and problem solving skills and create community for some young people, the Library has purchased a new Nintendo Switch gaming system for its tween and teen patrons.
To celebrate, students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to a “Nintendo Switch Launch Party” on Monday, December 23, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Partygoers will get to sample the new system, meet other gamers, and enjoy some snacks at this drop-in event during the school break. No registration is required.
Monday, December 30 offers two different programs to keep kids and their families busy. The first is a Drop-in Winter Craft Time from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. where children of all ages are invited to drop by the Craft Room for a fun make-and-take winter craft. The craft project should take about 20 minutes to complete, and younger children may need assistance from a helpful adult. No registration is required; just stop by.
Later that evening, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, December 30, try another kind of bingo — ¡Lotería Mexicana! This bilingual program features traditional Mexican bingo using chocolate for “money.” Prizes include bilingual books and treats from local Mexican markets. All ages are welcome at this family event, and no registration is required.
On Tuesday, December 31, kids of all ages are invited to drop by the Library between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and build for a while with the library’s giant LEGO collection. Children ages 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult companion while building, but no registration is necessary.
Finally, on Friday, January 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., readers in grades K through 12 are invited to spend a cozy afternoon reading, lounging around, and soaking up the last bit of winter break before school starts again at the Library’s annual Winter Break Read-in for Kids & Teens. All readers are welcome, but children aged 8 and younger must be accompanied by a dedicated adult. No registration is required, and you can bring your favorite book or find a new one.