Ellsworth Public Library celebrates Screen Free Week with new tween makerspace

ELLSWORTH, Maine (WABI) - May 4-10 is Screen-Free Week.

Aiming to engage kids with real-life activities, the Ellsworth Public Library is celebrating by debuting their newest Makerspace.

With the goal of creating a dedicated spot for tweens, the makerspace serves as a place to practice fine motor skills and creativity. This can be applied through games, activities like Snap Circuits, crafts and more.

Library organizers say Screen Free Week was the perfect time to introduce the new room to showcase what the library has to offer patrons of all ages.

“It’s really good to be focusing on how our kids’ brains are developing and to find ways to be off of our screens,” describes Jean Pauly, Ellsworth Public Library’s youth programmer. “There’s a lot that can be learned from screens, but we also want to have other ways for kids to be engaged in their environment and with their hands and making things.“

If you’re looking for another way to spend Screen Free Week or the next month, the Ellsworth Public Library’s Tiny Art Show has returned for another year!

Those interested can stop by to pick up a little canvas to make their own. Supplies are limited and submissions go until the end of May.