NORWALK, Conn. — With April vacation right around the corner, Norwalk Public Library and its South Norwalk branch are planning a number of free activities and programs—including Paint Your Pet and Build Your Own Birdhouse workshops—to entertain and inform kids during the break.
SoNo Branch Library, which is located at 10 Washington St., will begin its April vacation with the Paint Your Pet workshop on Saturday, April 12, from noon to 2 p.m.
“This program received rave reviews when we hosted it previously, so we’re thrilled to offer it again,” said SoNo Branch Manager Marcus Eason, adding that the workshop will be led by “talented watercolor artist Nancy Roman.”
Those interested in this program are encouraged to sign up now at norwalkpl.org/104/SoNo since the session is limited to the first 15 children who register.
According to Eason, anyone participating in this program must bring a 5” x 7” printed photo of their pet (a color copy is fine).
He added that due to the drawing technique used, photos must be printed, not digital (e.g., on a phone or tablet); if you need help resizing or printing your photo, let library staff know in advance, and they’ll assist you.
A close-up of your pet’s face works best, but a full-body picture is also acceptable, according to Eason. If you don’t have a pet or a photo, it’s not a problem, as the instructor will provide several sample photos to choose from.
“Additionally, our fantastic children’s librarian, Michelle Wellansky, will lead several engaging craft activities throughout the week,” added Eason.
These activities include Full STEAM Ahead (for ages 6-11) on Monday, April 14, from 4 to 5 p.m.; Build Your Own Birdhouse (for ages 5-11) on Tuesday, April 15, from 4 to 5 p.m.; and Rock Painting (also for ages 5-11) on Wednesday, April 16, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Along with the kids getting a week off for April break, “We believe spring break should be a time of relaxation for adults too!” said Eason.
To that end, on Tuesday, April 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., SoNo will host a Zodiac Cross-Stitching Workshop with Kate Noonan, which Eason called “a great opportunity for parents and adults to unwind after a busy week.”
All supplies will be provided, and no experience is necessary.
Norwalk Public Library, located at 1 Belden Ave., also has some fun programs planned for school vacation week, according to Director of Youth Library Services Vicki Oatis.
A Train Conductor Hat Craft is slated for Tuesday, April 15, at 3 p.m. Kids of all ages are encouraged to take part in this drop-in program to make a train conductor hat (while supplies last).
On Wednesday, April 16, at 4 p.m., Critter Caravan will give kids a chance to “safari around the world,” according to the library, while learning about, holding and petting a variety of animals, including a chinchilla, hedgehog, lizard, snake, and a tortoise or guinea pig.
Space is limited, so anyone interested in attending is encouraged to come early to ensure their spot.
Regular library programs like Coding Saturdays, which will be held on April 12 and 19 from 11 a.m. to noon on Zoom, will also take place during the school break. This program teaches kids in grades 2 and up how to code from scratch. Login information will be emailed to participants after they register.
Robotics for Teens, another weekly main branch offering, will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on April 12 and 19. Registration is required for this in-person class for kids in grades 6-12. The library notes that a parent/guardian should be present with each student, who will learn to build and program LEGO Mindstorm EV3 physical robots.
The library will also offer its weekly LEGO Club, where kids build LEGO creations, for K-5 students on Thursday, April 17, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
As always, “All library programs are free,” said Oatis. “We want to make them accessible to everyone.”
For more information or to register for a program, visit norwalkpl.org or norwalkpl.org/104/SoNo.
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