by Kaitlyn and Kristy
Have you or your child visited our Builders Barn at HCLS Glenwood Branch? This unique space was created for younger learners to mirror the newly added Makerspace during Glenwood’s renovation. (For more information about Glenwood’s Makerspace, visit https://hclibrary.org/maker-space/ to learn more.)
The Builders Barn provides children with a spot to invent, build, and create with many hands-on materials. This exploration encourages and supports experiential learning, STEAM concepts, early literacy skills, and collaboration, to name a few. Children are welcome to take their creations home or display them within the room.
The Builders Barn has become a well-loved space that many look forward to using each time they visit the library. When watching families creating together in the Builders Barn, the adults are having as much fun creating as the kids! One family even shared that they created a “Builders Barn at home” in their dining room, so the fun could continue outside the library.
The Builders Barn has become a community endeavor, with (most of) the materials donated by the families that use the Builders Barn.
If you want to help by donating materials, they can be brought to HCLS Glenwood Branch.
Favorite donated materials are…
- tape
- glue sticks
- leftover craft supplies
- paper
- ribbon
- egg cartons
- corks
- cereal, tissue, and pasta boxes
- unused paper goods (paper plates, coffee filters, etc.)
Are you looking for some reading suggestions related to the Builders’ Barn? Here are some staff favorites:
Kaitlyn M. has worked as a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist for HCLS for three years. When she is not at work, you can find her with family, reading, crafting, or spending time outdoors.
Kristy G. has worked as a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist for HCLS for 24 years at both the Miller and Glenwood Branches. The Builders’ Barn is one of her favorite places at the library. She has her own style of ‘Builders’ Barn” at home.
CHAPTER CHATS 