Imagination Club starts Oct. 13

By: 
Esther Noe
 
 
In years past, the Hill City Public Library hosted a Lego Club for the kids in town. Meetings were sporadic. When Tammy Alexander became the new library director four years ago she decided to turn the club into a weekly event throughout the school year. 
 
This library-sponsored after school program is now called Imagination Club. Every Thursday 12 kids gather in the library’s Kids’ Annex to participate in activities that stimulate the imagination. This provides kids with a creative outlet and a chance to do some special projects. 
 
“They do a different activity every Thursday. Sometimes it’s Legos. Sometimes it’s a painting project,” Alexander said.
 
Some of the activities include things like a movie and popcorn, playing games inside and outside, making squishy balls, playing with slime kits, making bouncy balls, painting birdhouses, painting pottery bowls, customizing backpacks and coffee cups with a Cricut machine and coding on laptops. 
 
“We do a lot of STEM activities,” Alexander said. 
 
Of course, Legos are still a popular option. Sometimes kids are given prompts or challenges like building bridges. Other times they have a free build where kids can create whatever they can imagine like intricate castles. 
 
Alexander’s favorite part is to watch the kids learn. 
 
“It’s kind of hands-off,” she said. “We give them whatever we’re doing. We give the basic instruction, and it’s kind of like a maker space thing.”
 
As a result the kids can learn how to read instructions and follow steps with help readily available. They also can experiment with what works and what doesn’t and learn why that is. If something goes wrong, they then get to learn how to fix their mistakes. This teaches kids how to think outside the box without pressure or fear of failure. 
 
Alexander said since the kids have been sitting in class all day the club is kept a little more free-form. As a result their schedule is different depending on the day. 
 
Kids are also encouraged to participate in deciding what they do at Imagination Club. The library staff will give them ideas, and the kids will too. The library especially tries to do things that the kids suggest or have expressed interest in. 
 
The average club time is about an hour and a half depending on the activity. Parents can drop off and pick up or they are welcome to sit in with the group. Occasionally volunteers are needed for special projects like last year’s gear bots.
 
Imagination Club runs from Oct. 13 to the week before school finishes in May. It meets at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday except for major holidays. Alexander is in charge of this free program. 
 
In total there is room for 12 kids from third to eighth grade. Anyone within that age range is welcome to sign up whether public-schooled or home-schooled. Ideally members will consistently attend throughout the school year and participate in the activities. Although the official registration day was Oct. 6, a few spaces may yet be available. Anyone interested can call 605-574-4529 or stop by the Hill City Public Library. 
 
“It’s a fun program,” Alexander said. 

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