Yelm’s Timberland Library has been a hub for events in the city for decades. Entering 2024, the library plans to continue offering fun, free and family-friendly events and looks to expand its horizon in the coming months to serve youth with sensory issues.
The library’s LEGO club is one of many events Yelm’s Timberland branch offers, and Stefan Abuan, public services specialist, said the monthly activity became popular in 2023. The first LEGO club gathering of 2024 will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 13 at the library.
“It’s been a success. We usually have a theme each time we meet for the LEGO club,” Abuan said. “Our next theme will be music. Once they’re done building their object, we have a Polaroid camera, and we send a picture home with them of their creation. Their final creation gets displayed downstairs.”
Wendy Stout, librarian at Yelm’s Timberland branch, said about 25 kids and a handful of adults attended the last LEGO club gathering. She said the designated LEGO club area can get crowded when they meet, but the kids love the event regardless.
“It’s really cool to watch the kids shine through their creativity. I’m not of the LEGO age, but I remember stepping on them as an older teen when my brothers had them,” Stout said. “But to watch these kids build a really neat design out of bricks is so cool. They’re so creative, and it’s really cool to see moms and dads get involved and help their kids with the builds, as well.”
Abuan said participants are provided with a LEGO kit, and that there are typically two kits per table. He added there’s 15 smaller sets and four larger sets for club attendants to use.
“Everyone sits at these tables and works together in sorting the pieces out. It’s really fun to see,” Abuan said. “Our last librarian before Wendy had started this program. She was doing it by herself. The event was consistent for most of 2023, once a month. We’re looking to keep it going.”
Stout said LEGO club presents an opportunity for youth in the community to develop their creativity, make new friends and create memorable experiences at the library at a young age. She added it’s amazing to see how each participant’s LEGO build is unique.
“They take the theme and go in their own little direction, which is great to see,” Stout said. “There’s so much learning and processing that goes on when they’re here creating. They don’t even realize that they’re learning and putting connections together with the world around them. These little bricks are helping them put the pieces together in a fun way.”
Abuan said the Yelm Timberland Library will continue offering events aside from LEGO club in 2024, including family storytime each Thursday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Following the storytime session, a youth playgroup is offered from 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on storytime days.
“These events give Wendy and I a great chance to interact with these kids. We love that,” Abuan said. “It’s one of our favorite parts. We sit on the floor with them and play.”
Stout added, “A lot of the time, younger children that aren’t going to school yet don’t have many opportunities to interact with peers of their age. It’s great for them to have a place to come and learn how to interact, learn how to share and play side-by-side or together with others.”
Abuan said a district-wide push within the Timberland Library system in 2024 is to expand outreach. He said staff will go into the community to share what the library can offer residents.
A specific point of emphasis with the community outreach is to reach out to families with children who have sensory issues, Abuan added.
“These families don’t have much of a chance to get out and do stuff like this. They reached out to us about having time here, just for them, an hour before we open. Who’s out there? Who are we missing,” Abuan questioned.
Stout continued, “We’re working on that. There’s some training that needs to be done to provide good sensory storytimes. There’s some guidelines that can make it more successful for kids, so we’re working on getting that training and getting them space and time to come into the library. This would be a great time for these families to come and be in a public space without worrying about disruptions. We’re hoping to get this on the schedule. We’re working on setting up some time for sensory storytime, which would be once a month.”
If the initial events for children with sensory issues are successful, Stout said the library could look to offer a second event for those children each month.
“It’s really important to have a connection with the community and to show them what services we have for them, and what great things are happening here,” Stout said. “We’re part of the community, and our job is to make it a better place.”
