Joining in with New Zealand Children’s Day, 47 children - ranging from toddlers to teens - celebrated being a kiwi kid with their families at Māngere Bridge Library through building with LEGO.
“By promoting play, the library is contributing to each child’s literacy development by increasing attention span, memory, creativity as well as language and vocabulary skills. Building with blocks like LEGO also lays the foundation for logical mathematical thinking, reasoning 
and problem solving.” explained the initiator of this new Manukau Libraries’ Programme, Loryn Tompsett. Loryn has been Children’s Librarian at Māngere Bridge Library for over seven years and is a fierce advocate of using dynamic ways of extending children’s love for books.
“It has been very encouraging the way people in the local community have got behind this initiative,” said Librarian Kathryn Dye. ‘LEGO has been donated by families; one little boy even raided his own collection! Some stores, such as Toyworld at Sylvia Park, gave a generous discount and LEGO NZ let us borrow a hamper of their blocks for the event. However, the collection wouldn’t exist if not for a cheque from the Papatoetoe Lions Club which encouraged us to give the whole idea a go.”
Already massively successful overseas, as in Canada, Block Parties will be happening around Manukau Libraries throughout the year. The next Block Party will be at Māngere East Library during the April school holidays - check our Events calendar for details.
Donations of LEGO or DUPLO would ensure that the Manukau LEGO Literacy Collection will be able to tour all Manukau Libraries throughout the year .
Donations may be made at any Manukau Library.
Photos (from top): Robert Toia; Tama Paraone; scenes at Māngere Bridge Library on Saturday.
