The St. Paul Public Library (SPPL) is offering space for free hands-on events for kids and teens ages 7-18 during the winter break. In collaboration with organizations like Badwolf Adventure Studio, Children’s Theatre Company, COMPAS Arts, Now Make Art, and The Loft Literary Center, the library is launching a series of engaging programs at various library locations.
“Winter break is a great time for kids, teens and families to visit the library,” said Kelsey Johnon-Kaiser, SPPL’s youth and family services manager. “We have lots of free, hands-on activities to spark fun, excitement and creativity around theater, writing, watercolor, and even Pokémon.”
Winter break events:
Writing Great College Application Essays for ages 16-18: Aspiring college students learn basic creative writing elements such as strong characterization, compelling narrative structure, and an interesting premise to write the best possible college application essay. Presented by The Loft Literary Center.
- December 27, 3-4:30 p.m. at Sun Ray, 2105 Wilson Ave.
- January 2, 6:30-8 p.m. at Dayton’s Bluff, 645 E. 7th St.
Pokémon party for ages 7-12: Celebrate all things Pokémon with crafts and activities like making a Poké Ball, Pokémon keychain, Pikachu wallet, and more.
- December 27, 2-4 p.m. at West 7th Library, 265 Oneida St.
- December 28, 4-5 p.m. at Hayden Heights Library, 1456 White Bear Ave.
- December 30, 11 a.m.-Noon at George Latimer Central Library, 90 4th St. W.
- January 4, 2-3 p.m. at Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave.
- January 6, 2-4 p.m. at Dayton’s Bluff Library, 645 7th St. E.
Theatrical makeup design for ages 13-18: In this three-day workshop, teens learn the illusion of theatrical makeup techniques to transform the actor. Presented by Children’s Theatre Company. Call 651-266-7400 to register.
- December 27, 28 & 29 from 3-5 p.m. at Rondo Library, 461 Dale Street N.
Dungeons & Dragons for ages 7-12: Kids learn to build a character and play D&D during these workshops. Presented by Badwolf Adventure Studio. All experience levels welcome.
- January 2, 3, 4 from 2-4 p.m. at Arlington Hills Library, 1200 Payne Ave.
- January 5, 6, 7 from 3-5 p.m. at Rondo Library, 461 Dale St. N.
Color X Chalk Creations for ages 7-12: Kids create custom colors by blending multiple chalk colors on paper. Each unique color creation gets a name and is added to a hanging color collection mural. Presented by Now. Make. Art.
- January 3, 3-5 p.m. at Sun Ray Library, 2105 Wilson Ave.
- January 7, 2-4 p.m. at Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Pkwy.
Theater props and crafts for ages 13-18: Teens use found, recycled, and unusual objects to create props that will be used in the Children’s Theatre Company’s upcoming “Alice in Wonderland” theater production. This three-day workshop is presented by Children’s Theatre Company.
- January 3, 4, 5 from 3-5 p.m. at George Latimer Central Library, 90 4th St. W.
Clay Play for ages 13-18: Teens learn the tools and techniques of working with clay including sgraffito, inlay, and underglaze techniques. Completed creations will be fired and available to pick up afterward. Presented by COMPAS.
- January 3, 4-6 p.m. at Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway
Watercolor Painting for ages 7-12: Kids learn how to paint with watercolors to create a landscape, bird painting, or any nature-inspired work. Explore basic painting techniques including brushwork and color mixing. Presented by COMPAS Arts.
- January 4, 2-4 p.m. at Riverview Library, 1 George Street E.
- January 6, 3-5 p.m. at Rice Street Library, 1011 Rice Street
DIY Slime for ages 7-12: Kids make their own slime to bring home.
- January 4, 4-5 p.m. at Hayden Heights Library, 1456 White Bear Avenue
Information provided by SPPL. For more information, visit sppl.org/winter-break.
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