The days of libraries being fusty places of old books are long gone. Twenty-first century libraries are centers of innovation, information, community and culture, for all ages and backgrounds. Here at Nederland Community Library, we create services that foster thoughtful community engagement.

One of our passions is championing our local youth. The library hires teen library pages and hosts interns and volunteers. The skills gained by our teen employees prep them for success in high school and beyond. There’s so much going on for children, tweens and teens at Nederland Library.

Our amazing teen crew have started an Anime and Manga club, which will meet first on March 6 to watch trailers, movies, read manga, munch on pizza and Japanese snacks, and practice manga illustration techniques. During the first couple of weeks of March, we’re hosting a Frozen Dead Guy Days (FDGD) themed Peeps Diorama contest for all ages. Haven’t heard of a peep diorama? Please, Google it! You will want in on this one. We’ll have recyclables and crafting supplies ready for the taking by March 5th, and entries will be due by March 19 for display during the FDGD weekend and beyond. We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Here’s another way to explore the library a little differently; in place of a traditional Spring break reading challenge, Pre-k through 5th grade kids are invited to participate in the Nederland Library Olympics on Saturday March 12 for a chance to win gold! We’ll have fun, silly activities set up, passports to stamp and medals to give out to all participants. Capacity will be limited for this event, so while walk-ins will be welcome if there’s space available, registration is encouraged.

Over Spring Break, kids can also hop in on NCL’s Spring Break Digital Database Scavenger Hunt through PebbleGo and Pebble Go Next. This is a tool for online research designed specifically for kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Look for clues to spell out a hidden message, then turn in your completed Scavenger Hunt by March 31 for more fun prizes.

Don’t forget about our ongoing family programming. Each Friday morning, we hold Storytimes for 0-4 year olds. From 10 - 10:30 a.m., we read stories, sing songs, learn some ASL, and get the wiggles out in a fun, interactive story-time. From 10:30- 11 a.m., we have free-play, bring out toys and get to know other kids, parents and caregivers. The kids don’t know it, but they’re developing critical early literacy and social skills while having a blast! Singing? That’s phonological awareness. Rhythm? Thinking spatially. Reading books? Developing print motivation, aka. getting kids excited about reading! Crafting? That’s fine motor skills, and direction following. Play time? Communication and socialization. There’s a bonanza of benefits for parents attending story times too. They’re free, may introduce you to new books or authors, give you ideas for songs and games to play at home, and provide a way to meet other parents and caregivers.

The library provides a physical space for the local youth advisory board to meet and discuss the issues directly affecting Peak to Peak young adults. For teens there’s also homework help, resume assistance, access to tutors, and the chance to hop in on the annual summer reading program, which positively impacts literacy skills while giving away amazing prizes and making continued learning fun.

We regularly host craft programs for kids and teens, sometimes these are take home kits, sometimes in-person workshops with preregistration and sometimes casual drop-in crafts. At Valentine’s, we gave away free take and make craft kits so that folks could try their hands at making their own pop-up cards. Some of the crafts we’ve taught have included pine-cone fairies, beaded bubble wands, kite making, book arts, wind socks, painted rocks and more. Visit the library or its website to stay updated on our regular craft and art workshops.

The Nederland Community Library is located at 200 Highway 72 North, Nederland. For more information call 303-258-1101 or go to their website nederlandlibrary@nedlib.org.