JEFFERSON COUNTY — Winter break for provides a lot of downtime for students, and Jefferson County Public Library is hoping to help some of that time pass more congenially.
Library activities during winter break are in full swing and the Columbine Library has plenty of craft activities for youth to participate in before heading back to school Jan. 7.
The Columbine Library — 7706 W. Bowles Ave. in the Littleton area — is building off some of the success of Thanksgiving break, when youth services librarian Sheryl Ditton said there was a good turnout.
The library’s activities are geared toward elementary schoolage students with craft activities such as making superhero masks one day and an art project including yarn and foil the next.
“We have a lot of programs for younger kids and wanted to provide something for families that’s free to do during school breaks,” Ditton said.
The library hosted events Dec. 22, 23, 29 and 30 and has more coming up Jan. 2 and 5. All of the programming runs from 1-5 p.m. on those days and are drop-in sessions.
On Dec. 23, young children and their parents worked on a foil project that, when finished, resembled stained glass.
Librarian and patron experience associate Linda Reardon ran the session and said she discovered the project on Pinterest. Students could draw a pattern on a piece of cardboard and trace their lines with glue and yarn. They would then wrap that in foil and press down, leaving an impression. Next, they would use Sharpies to mark the foil.
“I just really enjoy seeing their creativity,” Reardon said.
Reardon added that she is new at Columbine and jumps at any chance she has to be creative. She also thinks the programming can be really beneficial to children.
“I think it’s a really nice option,” she said. “Everything we do here is built on that concept of early literacy.”
Other Jefferson County Library branches planned their own events during winter break, ranging from art to movie days. Information can be found at .
James Meyer didn’t know there were any programs happening at the Columbine Library when he brought his two daughters in Dec. 23 to check out some books. He watched and helped as his two girls — Emily, 5, and Sidney, 3 — worked on their foil projects. He said they would definitely be back the next week.
“Now that we know it’s here, it’s a great option, especially when cooped up in the house and it’s cold,” Meyer said.
Kristine Faiks had a similar experience that day when she brought her daughters — Audrey, 6, and Lillian, 4 — to check out some books about fairies. She said they had come to events last year, but nothing since then.
“It’s fantastic — we love the library because there’s so much to do here. Arts and crafts means we get to stay a little longer,” Faiks said. “Anything that involves markers or crayons is a hit.”
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or
