By BRIDGET TURCOTTE
LYNN — The Lynn Public Library will offer special programming throughout April in recognition of National Library Week and school vacation week.
National Library Week will be observed April 9-15. Children’s librarian Susan Cronin said beginning Monday, a banner will be laid out in the Children’s Room for youths to decorate with comments about what the library means to them. Cronin will also facilitate spring-themed crafts every day after school except Friday.
“It’s a week to celebrate the library and the system,” she said. “I don’t think people realize how important the library is. They don’t know what’s available to them. The landscape of the library is ever changing. We have computers, ESL materials, DVDs, CDs, and of course books. It’s free and accessible to all.”
Storyteller Mark Binder will visit the library to tell silly stories on Wednesday, April 12 at 3 p.m.
During April vacation week, April 17-21, the younger children can enjoy board games, coloring pages, and puzzles will be on hand each day. The QuaranTEEN Tech Room, which houses an Xbox, and iPads, will be open Tuesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 20 for grades 6 through 12.
“It’s really a space where teens can use the technology how they would like,” said Young Adult librarian Katelyn Cole. “The computers have different programs and games. They can be used for photo editing or video editing. The iPads have a ton of apps they can use, including Minecraft. There are Xbox games they can play with friends.”
Maker Time will be Wednesday April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.. Teens can use 3D pens; Sphero and Ollie robots, which are easily programmable with an iPad; make jewelry and key chains using thread and beads, build with Legos, and other activities.
“(Sphero and Ollie) are really a good introduction for teens to robots without it being too intimidating,” Cole said.