Library programs engage youth with art, cooking and engineering activities

The City of Yukon’s Library Board meeting on April 16, 2025, highlighted a series of engaging programs aimed at fostering creativity and learning among community members of all ages. The library's recent initiatives have focused on enriching the educational experience for children, teens, and adults alike.

In the elementary programs for grades K through 5, a variety of creative activities were introduced. January featured a paper weaving project where participants created abstract pictures using oil pastels, followed by a February program that taught children to draw woodland animals against painted backgrounds. March brought a unique challenge where kids constructed wind-powered vehicles using Lego blocks, showcasing their engineering skills.

While tween programs for grades 4 to 7 have been temporarily halted, family programs continue to thrive. February's "Newspaper Engineering" encouraged families to design weight-bearing structures from paper, while March's "Snakes Alive" event allowed families to learn about snakes, sparking interest and excitement among attendees.

The library's teen programs have also seen a resurgence, with January's cooking class celebrating the Year of the Dragon, where teens learned to make Onigiri and Kimbap. This program successfully attracted high school seniors, marking a positive trend in teen engagement. Subsequent programs included a polymer clay workshop and a session on building simple robots from recycled materials, further enhancing the library's appeal to younger audiences.

Adult programming has not been overlooked, with a reading and discussion series titled "Let's Talk About It," focusing on themes of survival and work. This program features discussions led by scholars, fostering a deeper understanding of the selected readings.

Overall, the Yukon Library's diverse programming reflects a commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning, providing valuable resources and activities that cater to all age groups. As these initiatives continue to evolve, they promise to strengthen community ties and enhance the educational landscape in Yukon.