(Dec. 19, 2019) Interest continues to mount in the Ocean Pines library monthly Lego building challenge slated for Saturday at 1 p.m.
Karen Earp, library youth services specialist, said the creative building activity targeted to children between ages 5-14 began in October as part of the

The Ocean Pines Library will stage a Lego building challenge for children ages 5-14 on Saturday at 1 p.m

Earp said each month a different theme is included that seeks to engage youthful creativity, with participation growing from a few kids in October to more than a dozen at subsequent gatherings.
“This one is trying to write your name with Legos,” she said.
Despite having to provide initial guidance, Earp hopes to avoid stifling originality.
“I give them a theme but no instructions,” she said. “I want them to engineer their own solutions.”
In light of the age range skewing as young as five, Earp said slightly larger Lego alternatives, or Duplo blocks, are also available to help avoid concerns over toddlers indiscriminately taste-testing small plastic pieces.

“These kids are so amazing,” she said. “The only rule is have fun.”
Earp said despite the availability of safety-conscious Duplo blocks, in general, regardless of age, most kids prefer working with Lego blocks.
“It seems like the little kids want to do what the big kids do,” she said.
To further the sense of accomplishment, completed Lego creations are displayed at the Ocean Pines library until the next building challenge event transpires.
“They bring their grandparents in,” she said. “It has a cross-generational appeal.”
The next Lego Building challenge at the library will take place Saturday, Jan. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 15.