Milton library program seeks to build curiosity in kids

Curiosity is a fundamental indicator of a child's success and happiness in life and leads to a life-long love of learning. Curiosity developed through free play and self-direction can lead children to an interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). As the only library in New Hampshire to be awarded the Curiosity Creates grant from the Association for Library Service to Children funded by Disney, the Milton Free Public Library is please to announce the date of our first event on February 6, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the library.

The Curiosity Creates grant has allowed the library to purchase a range of materials to encourage free exploration. We have a large scale building set called a Rigamajig, musical instruments, costumes, puppets, word games, Legos, logic puzzles, and kits for scientific exploration into electricity and alternative energy sources, among others.

We have called our program Build It! because we want to inspire our participants to find joy in both physical building, and figurative building, in that creative play results in more ideas that can be explored and built upon. The first part of the program will introduce our attendees to the various fun things available, and the second part will allow everyone to play however they choose. You may arrive and depart as needed, but preference will be given to those who can commit to the full two hours.

Three more events will be held in March, April, and May respectively, with dates to be announced. Children are also welcome to come at any time during library hours and use the upstairs space to explore, play, and discover.

Young people age 6 through 14 are encouraged to sign up early, as space is limited. Please email the library at mfpl@metrocast.net, or call 603-473-8535. Note to parents: We welcome and encourage you to come play with your children, but be aware the upstairs space will be a "screen free" zone during creative play times.