It’s a Lego time of year

While libraries are known for extensive collections of written works, every January the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library is known for its collection of Lego works.

This month, childrens’ Lego creations are on display for all to see, an annual tradition at the Valley Stream library. Local children spent time in December building their projects, hoping they will be enjoyed by all who pass through.

Here are two of the kids whose work is being featured:

Holy Name of Mary School, fifth grade

Matthew’s project, Dino Capture, was built from two different sets that he got for Christmas. It includes a large truck, a small truck and a command base.

He said he owns a lot of Legos and his favorites are the Star Wars sets, some of which have 1,000 pieces. Matthew said he has been interested in Legos since he was a little kid when he would play with the larger Mega Blocks.

“It’s fun because you could either get it from sets or create it on your own,” he said of his Lego creations. “After you build it, you can play with it.”

This is his second year in the library’s display.

Miguel Alberca, 10

Shaw Avenue School, fifth grade

Miguel’s unnamed project includes two small cars that he built on his own and a small boat that he also created from scratch. The boat uses angled pieces on the bottom so it actually could float, he said.

He also made a defense truck, a small robot and a large plane. Miguel said he owns about seven sets of Legos, plus thousands of pieces of basic Legos for his own creative ideas. He said he plays with them almost everyday. His interest in Legos started a few years ago when he built something with his cousins.

“It’s like a toy that you can building anything with,” he said. “You can take it apart and build something else.”