Books are still a big part of libraries, but at Sippican School a newer concept of "learning commons" has allowed the familiar book-lined space to include more interactive activities. Now, librarian Jess Barrett hopes to further expand the idea with a colorful Lego wall.

“The whole library class is not going to be Legos, but I think it will be a nice touch,” said Barrett.

Measuring five feet by six feet, the wall will be a place where kids can create anything they can conjure up.

“It definitely accesses that creative place in the brain,” said Barrett. “And Legos are just fun.”

The Lego blocks can be used to create art pieces on the wall as well as to illustrate math and other lessons.

“Sometimes kids do better having a hands-on artistic display,” Barrett said.

Additionally, the Lego wall will have “a lot of community building aspects. You start a project and the kids in the next class can finish it,” she said.

The Lego wall will be used in addition to other learning commons activities Barrett has already used to expand the focus of the library.

During their weekly library class last school year, kids took a cue from Dr. Seuss’s “Green Eggs and Ham” to write their own story. Seuss used a mere 50 repeating words to create the book, and students did the same.

They also had a trivia challenge that helped them learn to conduct research.

Eventually, Barrett hopes to have more open library blocks for classes to enjoy the space.

In the meantime, she is looking for people to donate their out of use Lego blocks to the library or donate funds to purchase them. To donate Legos, email Barrett at jbarrett@orr.mec.edu. To donate funds, visit Barrett's donorschoose.org page.