The Mansfield Richland County Public Library hosted a Build a Robot contest in July as part of their Summer Reading Program. The contest was held at all eight locations as well as at the main library, said Katie Gatten, coordinator of services for children at MRCPL, and there were two ages groups: kindergarten through third grades and fourth through sixth grades.
“The children were asked to design their own robot,” she said. “The only thing they couldn’t use were perishable items.”
Gatten said the library tries to have a unique contest every year that is part of the summer reading program.
“The children really enjoy being creative and we always get really good entries that the children have put a lot of effort into creating,” she said.
A plethora of mediums – cans, silverware, Legos, cardboard, and candy, etc. – were used to make the vast variety of robots. “Some actually had workable parts,” said Gatten. “There were all kinds and they were all fantastic.”
Cameron Kegley, took home the first place prize for his robot which he submitted to the Lucas branch of the MRCPL. His robot was made out of an old thermos and parts of old toys.
Cameron, who said he frequents the Lucas branch at least two to three times a week, said“I like to build stuff and be creative. I just looked around the house until I found stuff that I could use together.”
He said it took him two days to make the robot and what he liked best about his robot was the eye.
Gatten said hosting contests and programs such as this are a way to peak a child’s innovation.
“It gives them the spark to think about doing something they may not have thought of on their own,” she said. “We try not to give them many restrictions so that they can stretch their minds creatively and be enthusiastic about participating in library activities and trying new things. That way, they will keep coming in to discover what else they can learn at their local library.”
Because everyone learns in different ways, the library tries to offer a variety of resources for children and their parents, she said.
“We have story times, we offer fun programs, we have music, we have access to computers, we have toys, games, puppets, magazines and we have many digital resources that families can access online from home as well,” said Gatten. “It is all provided free to encourage growth and learning for children of all ages.”
There was a first and second place prize for both age groups at all locations. Gionino’s Pizza owner Roger Nelson, donated certificates for large and medium pizzas, respectively, for each of the winners.
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