Legos a hit at Millbrook Free Library

Millbrook — Young architects and engineers flocked to the Millbrook Free Library Wednesday, Aug. 24, for a Lego night.“Legos are so popular with kids and even some adults,” said Joan Frenzel, Youth Services coordinator. “They challenge the mind on many levels. We see children and parents building together often.”Frenzel said she had wanted to start a Lego program for years but had difficulty collecting Legos.“People are reluctant to donate their old Legos because they are timeless and can be used for generations,” said Frenzel.In February, Frenzel received a call from a teacher at Elm Drive Elementary School informing her that the Millbrook Teachers’ Association wanted to nominate the Millbrook Library’s Youth Services for a grant. “She asked me to think of something I thought I could use, and I immediately said Legos,” said Frenzel. “The grant came from the Dutchess County United Teachers’ Council. We have since received some grant money from Stewart’s Shops as well to supplement this program.”Frenzel said the library’s Legos have been put to good use.“Since the children usually have Lego theme kits at home, we decided to only purchase basic Lego bricks, wheel sets, windows and door sets,” she said. “This allows them to really use their imagination and experience some trial and error in their designs. The results are impressive.”This grant is not the first for the Youth Services department. In the past the department has received grants from Praxair, New York Council for the Humanities and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, said Frenzel.The Youth Service department hosts programs for youth ranging 18 months to 18 years old. Upcoming programs for the fall include story time for preschoolers and toddlers. An afternoon Book Bunch program is aimed at children in school, and there will be craft programs for ages 8 and older. For older children, there will be the Teen Café for grades six through 12 and the Youth Service Department’s annual Teen Alternative Fashion Show in November. Lego events also will continue throughout the year.“We received the grant to purchase Legos in March 2011, and our first Lego event was on April 13,” Frenzel said. “Registration filled up immediately, and we had such big a wait list, I had to open up a second event later in April. Now, depending on the month and how busy people are, we often do two Lego programs per month so that everybody has a chance to come.”