Schools out, so check out the library.

School doors will be closed, but the libraries will stay open through most of the break . At Stanislo Elementary, they’re encouraging kids to make use of that. The school is having an event at the Delridge Branch’s meeting room from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. They’ll have snacks, board games, and a computer on hand, so that families can learn about the public library’s electronic resources. They’ll also give away free books, said Stanislo teacher-librarian Craig Seasholes. The Seattle Public Library’s branches are open regular hours through most of the break, closing on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1, and closing at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31. And while they are open they are hosting a variety of free events for school-aged kids, including movies, craft sessions, and something called Lego Mania! (The exclamation point is part of the name.) Lego Mania has been running at the Northgate Branch of the Seattle Public Library every Monday after from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. since August. (It’ll stop for a while starting in January, because someone else is using the room.) The librarians put out three plastic tubs of legos, play some music, and let the kids create. It’s been very popular, says Northgate Branch children’s librarian Claire Scott. During the second week of the break, the event will go to three other branches. Lego fits with the library’s mission because it is a very educational toy, promoting math and engineering skills, Scott says. “It all connects to the learning goals we have as a library,” she says. Scott enjoys watching how different kinds of kids work with Legos. For some, it’s a social activity, and they work together. For others it is a chance to retreat into the world of building. “Different kids have different things they need.” Stops for the Lego Mania! Tour: Dec. 31 South Park Branch from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Jan. 2 Columbia Branch from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Jan. 3 Lake City Branch from 1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. -By Fiona Cohen