Photo by Kate Stow Jaci and Jemma Sullivan got their very own library card. It’s free, and only takes a few minutes, and an adult to fill out the form. Now they can check out any books and videos they want to read!
Photo by Kate Stow Members of the Lego Club, Dakota, Stephen, Hayden and Isaac, are hard at work building their first mission.
Photo by Kate Stow Members of the Doll Club include: Angelica with her doll Mia, Alexis with Addy, and Anastasia with Jewel. Club leader Alisa Taylor is on the far right.
Library offers unique after school clubs
The Atlanta Public Library has always been a fun place for kids, but recently it’s become even more exciting with the addition of a couple of free after-school clubs. Both the Doll Club and Lego Club meet on the second and fourth Thursday from 4-5 p.m. at the library, and both are for children in second grade and up.
The Doll Club is the brainchild of Alisa Taylor who is also the local Girl Scout troop leader. She’s also studying to be a teacher, and that is how she came up with the seven-week format. The classes are based on the American Girl brand of dolls, but participants may also bring Our Generation and My Life brand dolls.
American Girl dolls are based on historical characters—all have an accompanying book (available for check-out at the library) that entails how each overcame uncertainty and triumphed over adversity in their time.
During the course, participants will learn about one doll in each seven-week period and do related crafts. At the end of the course, participants in each class will receive the same American Girl doll, totally free.
The first course, that began on Aug. 13, is a about the “Melody” doll, whose story takes place in the 1960’s. Taylor discussed the topics of racism, music, fashion and more.
Another new class, the Lego class, is held in the library basement on the same dates and times as the doll club. This class is for children second grade and up who do not play with dolls.
The Lego Club is taught by Deborah Harwell, the local Boy Scout Troop 201 Scoutmaster. She is using the book “Choose Your Ninja Mission” as a guide to find interesting STEM challenges for the participants.
The first class was held on Aug. 13, and the challenge was “If a snake built a boat, what would it look like?” Participants then had 15 minutes to build their version of the answer.
Club members may bring their own Legos or may use a baggy of sanitized blocks that are provided. They will also receive a membership card.
The library is located at 101 West Hiram Street. Space in the clubs is limited due to COVID-19. Please call 903-796- 2112 or message the Facebook page of Atlanta Texas Public Library for available space information.
The Atlanta Public Library is open: Monday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The librarian is Jackie Icenhower.