Spring break may signal downtime for some, but the youth services Librarians at the Manhasset library know that’s when they need to spring into action!
With more families returning to the library in person, the youth services team decided it was time to turn up the fun factor this school break, so they put on their sorting hats and got to work creating a week of programs and activities for muggles and wizards of all ages.
The week kicked off on Friday, April 15 with an interactive program where kids in grades K-5 got to meet Ozzy the (real live!) Bearded Dragon, and by Monday, a section of the children’s room was transformed into Ollivander’s wand shop and “Harry Potter Week” was officially underway.
Each weekday from 12-4 p.m. kids picked up their official Hogwarts letters in the Library lobby before heading up to the third floor for activities, crafts, and prizes. After selecting a wand, and a stop under the sorting hat for a photo op, participants headed off on the Potter-themed scavenger hunt that ran throughout the library.
Parents accompanying the participants were pleasantly surprised when they explored the newly renovated second floor and the kids were equally surprised to learn there was a fireplace in the library!
Librarians did a phenomenal job turning the new lower-level meeting room into an Azkaban Prison Escape Room. Over 30 students in grades 4-12 took turns working in teams to break out of Azkaban by solving riddles, puzzles and looking for clues.
Although the theme was well-received, kids didn’t have to be Potter fans to get in on the fun, according to Ethan T. “… My favorite part was the escape room. Even if I don’t like Harry Potter, this week, I had lots of fun!”
Other Potter-themed programs included a Fuzzy Monster Book Craft; Take ‘n Make your own wearable Hogwarts Crest for grades 4-12; and Harry Potter Bingo. This month’s Art Club for grades 4 & up got into the action creating mini Harry Potter-themed canvases.
Not to be left out, our littlest patrons from 6 months – to 6 years joined PlayHooray’s Molly Mouse for vacation-themed movement, singing, and fun, and Lisa from Let’s Groove Entertainment played her guitar during a singalong music enrichment program.
Of course, a shout out to the Manhasset Secondary School teen volunteers who did a fantastic job of helping monitor activities. Their extra hands and enthusiasm were appreciated and the Library was able to provide 22 volunteers over 50 service hours!
To round out the week, an educator from Volunteers for Wildlife introduced children to some real local rescued owls! Children learned about owls on Long Island and the importance of protecting our natural environment – a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day!
According to Youth Services Supervisor, Mary Glynn, “It was a real team effort and so much fun for everyone.
Thanks to our wonderful patrons, Harry Potter week was a huge success!”
Submitted by the Manhasset Public Library
