ALSC and LEGO Systems partner to create Junior Maker Spaces

CHICAGO – The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and LEGO Systems, Inc. are working together to bring Junior Maker Spaces to libraries across the country. This project will focus on giving children ages 4 to 6 areas to make and create in their local libraries.

Beginning in August, librarians can download a free, digital toolkit with information and inspiration to host Junior Maker Sessions via the ALSC website. In addition, 750+ libraries nationwide (15 per state capital) will receive a physical toolkit to host ongoing Junior Maker sessions in children’s reading areas. Each toolkit will include over 10,000 LEGO® bricks, an inspirational poster, activity guide and salient academic insights from the Cultures of Creativity report. Additionally, the partners will co-host Junior Make sessions, as recently held at the Washington, D.C., Mini Maker Faire, in 20 libraries. For further inspiration please watch the Junior Maker video.

“Children’s librarians have always spearheaded programs and activities that foster young children’s development and as enthusiasm swells for libraries as community maker spaces, it is important that we continue and expand appropriate hands-on experiences for young children,” said Starr LaTronica, immediate past president of ALSC. “We’re thrilled that through our ongoing LEGO partnership we’re able to provide digital and physical tools and inspiration that will allow librarians to deliver age-appropriate ‘make’ experiences to children.”

“Creativity is innate in children across cultures and backgrounds. However, sustaining creativity is universally challenging for parents, teachers and governmental institutions,” said Bo Stjerne Thomsen, director of research and learning, The LEGO Foundation and co-author Cultures of Creativity. “We are failing our children if we do not recognize the crucial role of playing, making and sharing in the development of both the individual human being, and the innovative society.”

ALSC and LEGO Systems are excited to work together to help develop creativity in young children through libraries.

About LEGO Systems, Inc.

LEGO Systems, Inc. is the North American division of The LEGO Group, a privately-held, family-owned company based in Billund, Denmark, one of the world's leading manufacturers of creatively educational play materials for children. The company is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: "Only the best is good enough." Visit the virtual LEGO world at www.LEGO.com

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure and brick and knob configuration are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group.

About ALSC

ALSC, a Division of the ALA, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC visit www.ala.org/alsc.