Library kids can 'Roominate' on fun building projects

The Cathhlamet Public Library is one of many libraries throughout Washington that now have Roominate toy kits available for children to try out before the kits move to the next library.

Roominate is a building toy designed to appeal to girls as well as boys, ages 6 and older.

“Roominate will be available to use in the library during open hours (2-5 p.m.) April 8-9, 12-14, and 19-22,” said Librarian, Carol Blix.

The Washington State Library provided the libraries with the building toy kits. Carolyn Petersen, the State Library’s assistant program manager for library development, said Roominate should be a hit with girls and boys alike.

“When we saw recent photos from libraries showing more boys than girls playing with Legos, we realized we needed to provide libraries with a building toy that would appeal to both sexes, so we decided to send them Roominate.”

Petersen said kids can do a lot with the Roominate toy, including:

• Connect wall and floor panels to build a structure and use modular building pieces to create bookshelves, tables, slides, seesaws and more.

• Wire up circuits to make spinning windmills, carousels, street lights and elevators.

“Roominate teaches important STEM skills, including hands-on problem solving, spatial and fine motor skills, self-confidence and creativity. It’s a toy that’s not only fun but also helps kids think,” Petersen said.

For questions about the State Library’s efforts to distribute Roominate to local libraries, contact Petersen at (360) 570-5560 or carolyn.petersen@sos.wa.gov.