LEGO Club sparks creativity year-round

Published 2:37 pm Monday, January 27, 2025

By Haley Mitchell Godwin

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, LEGO enthusiasts around the world will celebrate International LEGO Day. This annual event honors the 1958 filing of the patent that introduced the iconic interlocking bricks to the world. 

Decades later, LEGOs have become much more than a toy — they are a cultural icon, a creative outlet and an educational tool for millions.

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At the Luverne Public Library, young builders channel their creativity through LEGO Club meetings each month.

“LEGO Club at the Library is a time when children can come and have a chance to explore, imagine and create a project that they can be proud of,” said Library Director Kathryn Tomlin. “We do not guide them or have pre-planned LEGO activities. We want them to use their imaginations to create a one-of-a-kind project that will be displayed in the conference room.”

According to Tomlin, LEGOs are much more than a toy. They represent a tangible and fun way to aid childhood development. 

“It is amazing and fascinating to see what they create using simple LEGO blocks,” Tomlin said. “LEGOs help children develop self-confidence, problem solving skills, patience, concentration and fine-motor skills. What better way to learn while playing than enjoying LEGO Day at the Library.”

The name “LEGO” comes from the Danish words “leg godt,” meaning “play well,” a tribute to the toy beloved by millions of children. Since its founding in 1932, the LEGO Group has grown into the fourth-largest toy manufacturer in the world, producing more than 400 billion LEGO pieces — enough for every person on Earth to have 62 bricks.

The company is headquartered in Denmark, where it operates one of its three global factories. With over 60 billion bricks produced annually and 36,000 pieces made every minute, LEGO continues to captivate builders of all ages.

LEGOs are no longer just for entertainment; they’ve become invaluable educational tools. Teachers and scientists often highlight their role in promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills, problem-solving, and teamwork.

For enthusiasts like Tommy Williamson, founder of BrickNerd and a LEGO Certified Professional, the toy transcends its origins.

“I’m a motion picture professional, LEGO artist, maker and nerd,” said Williamson on the BrickNerd website. “As a child I loved playing with LEGO bricks, as a teen I used them as a filmmaking tool and hobby, as an adult I use them as an art medium. You’ve seen my work in films and TV such as Lost in Space, Watchmen, Westworld, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Pan’s Labyrinth.”

The Luverne Public Library invites the community to participate in several exciting programs, including the popular LEGO Club (Jan.30, Feb. 27 and March 27 at 4 p.m.) Check out the library on social media or visit the Journal’s online calendar at www.luvernejournal.com for a list of upcoming events.

For more information call (334) 335-5326.