Happy (almost) New Year. LS library hosts this festivity to help youth celebrate

The Mid-Continent Public Library has a New Year’s Eve solution for the younger set whose bedtimes might be quite a bit earlier than midnight. Their Countdown to Noon party is open to kids ages 6 to about 15.

The library is offering this party at six of its branches, including the East Lee’s Summit branch at 2240 SE Blue Parkway. Starting at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31, the library will feature many different types of activities.

Kids can make cards for their future selves, as well as a noisemaker to ring in the (almost) new year.

And while there may or may not be actual snow on the ground, there will be some inside when they make snow dough, a combination of lotion and cornstarch that Abby Green, early literacy associate at the East Lee’s Summit branch described as a “very powdery snow.”

Sandwiched in with the fun will be some actual learning too.

“We’re going to talk about forming a hypothesis and a little about the scientific method,” Green said. “That’s the goal of the program—to sneak some learning in and not really let them realize it’s happening.”

Also challenging the kids will be a scavenger hunt that will take them all around the children’s section looking for party hats that have letters on them. Once they’ve uncovered all of them, kids will have to unscramble the letters to figure out the mystery word.

The special balloon drop at noon won’t end the festivities. Following the drop, there will be a balloon tower challenge where kids build structures using the balloons and masking tape and compete to see who can make the tallest one.

In the midst of all the STEAM activities, the kids can let off a little of their own steam with a dance break.

Green has heard from a few folks who are excited to attend.

“I have a couple of regulars that do come to my storytime and told me they are really excited to have an opportunity to celebrate the new year with me, which I thought was really sweet,” she said.

Green said that the program also lets kids and parents know about the library’s resources while school is out for the holidays.

“Since it’s right smack in the middle of winter vacation, it reminds them the library is here for whenever they’re not in school, a place to come and have a good time, relax, read a good book—whatever they need,” Green said.

The library is asking people to register ahead of time for the program at mymcpl.org.