For the next week, Carroll students will be milling about home, playing with their new holiday toys and generally remaining underfoot. For parents who are home with the kids, looking for something to do in the final quiet week of the year, the various branches of the Carroll County Public Library can be a savior of an afternoon, with a selection of fun events for children, parents and families throughout the week.
Eldersburg branch: 6400 W. Hemlock Drive, Sykesville
The Eldersburg branch will host Independent Explorations of their makerspace resources throughout the week, with available sessions starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with an additional session open to the public at 5 p.m. Thursday. The Eldersburg Exploration Point makerspace features a LulzBot Mini 3-D printer, a 3-D scanner, green screen, Lego Mindstorms, Sphero, snap circuits, KIBO robots, Cubetto and a host of software technologies.
For those who would prefer a more guided experience through the technologies of tomorrow, the Eldersburg library is also hosting a 3-D Printing seminar at 2 p.m. Thursday where guests will design and print their own original keychains. Those who are interested in producing another project can schedule a one-on-one tech appointment by speaking with a librarian. For more information on the Exploration Point makerspace, visit library.carr.org/explorationpoint.
Those who prefer a less-technologically-advanced form of creation might be happier attending the library's Knit Wits program for ages 11 to adults. During the program, which starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, will provide a project for beginners and a space to work for expert knitters. Beginners are asked to bring light-colored worsted yarn and size 8 needles, while experts are invited to bring in their own projects.
Celebrate an early New Year with the New Year's at Noon celebration on Saturday, Dec. 31. The event will feature games, snacks, crafts and a countdown to 12...p.m. that is.
Finksburg branch: 2265 Old Westminster Pike
The Teen Advisory Board is hosting a New Year's Eve Pre-Party for youth aged 12 to 17 at the Finksburg library starting at 11 a.m. They'll host games, snacks and other activities. All attendees must register to participate.
North Carroll branch: 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
Celebrate an indoor snow day, while sampling some new technology at the North Carroll branch starting at 1 p.m. Thursday. The branch will be showing off the library's new HTC Vive Virtual Reality headset that will transport you to a digital blustery snowscape through the power of VR. Attendees will also be making 2 and 3-dimensional paper snowflakes.
Countdown to noon with children 8 and younger at North Carroll's Noon Year's Eve celebration, starting at 11:30 a.m.
Mount Airy branch: 705 Ridge Ave., Mount Airy
Children 5 to 11 will have the opportunity to make their own dollhouses Thursday at the Mount Airy branch's This is My Dollhouse project. The library will provide supplies like fabric scraps, paper sponges and boxes, and children will provide the imagination to transform these into a majestic dollhouse.
Starting at 1:30 p.m. the Mount Airy branch will become a teen haven as their large meeting room opens up for a Friday Teen Unlock-In. The event, for youth 11 to 17, will feature Wii games, crafts, snacks and served food.
Children up to 10 years old are invited to celebrate the new year by making a noisemaker and counting down to noon, starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Children must be registered to attend.
Westminster branch: 50 E. Main St., Westminster
Create your own swingin' '60s-style T-shirt Thursday at the library's Tie-Dye Thursday program. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and is open to children 7 up to adults. Participants are asked to bring their own white T-shirts, while the library supplies the rest. Attendees need to register and are asked to wear old clothes in case they become dyed as well.
Ever wanted to hop into a magical world of talking candy canes, gumdrops and off-brand plums? Well the library is providing that opportunity with their Life-Sized Candy Land event. Make your way to the castle of King Kandy through the Candy Cane Forest and Gum Drop Mountain while collecting special treats along the way.
Dance, craft, play and eat to ring in the new year starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. This all-ages event will conclude with a balloon drop at noon.
jacob.denobel@carrollcountytimes.com
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