Kids get their build on at Wantagh Library

With a week off from school, parents were looking for ways to keep their children occupied. Some found that opportunity at the Wantagh Public Library, which hosted Bricks 4 Kidz on Feb. 20.

Josephine Giardina, of Wantagh, owner of the local Bricks 4 Kidz franchise, brought boxes of Legos to the library, and close to 20 children spent an hour building. First, she gave them free play time, where they were able to use their imaginations and create anything they wanted. Afterwards, the children paired up and built snow plows, using kits that included step-by-step instructions.

“It’s a really great program,” Giardina said, who added that is cost just $5 per child. She last visited the library over the summer.

Children’s librarian Susan Finck said the program has a good mix of activities, with both a structured project and a chance for the children to let their imaginations roam free. Bricks 4 Kids reinforces STEM — science, technology, engineering and math. “We feel this is a great, fun way to reinforce those concepts,” Finck said.

Liam Fields, 7, took part in the program last summer in which he built a car and a plane, and was excited to be back last Friday morning. “I like Legos,” he said. “It’s fun and you can create stuff.”

His mother, Stefanie, looked around the community room of the library and saw Legos strewn out all over the floor, and it reminded of her house where Liam is constantly creating.

She said she likes bringing her son to Bricks 4 Kidz because it gives him a chance to work with other children while doing something he loves. “He’s very creative,” she said. “He’s very hands on.”

Finck said Bricks 4 Kidz, like many children’s program, gives students from Wantagh’s different elementary schools a chance to meet and socialize. ‘We like to do things for the children when they’re off from school,” she said. “It’s a great way for the community to mix together.”