At Zelie library, Candy Land part of learning and fun
One room over from the downstairs kids’ library, children at Zelienople Area Public Library can enter a different world and play a board game in real life.
The library’s “Candy Land” room is modeled after the board game.
Last year, the Zelienople library welcomed over 550 visitors to its Candy Land game, where children get to take a break from reading and play the life-sized board game.
“We add new elements each year. This year, new additions include the candy cane fence and the cocoa cup,” said Amy Kellner, adult services librarian. “Alyssa Smith, the children’s librarian, and several volunteers spent two days setting up Candy Land.”
Candy Land is a game that includes taking cards from a pile, moving up on a path based on color pulled and trying to get to the final square.
In the library’s Candy Land room — filled with cutouts of holiday decorations, friendly animals and sweet treats — children can visit various stations, including Cocoa Cove, Lollipop Lane, Gingerbread Grounds, Gumdrop Grove, Peppermint Path, Soft Serve Summit, Donut Drive and Cupcake Cul-de-sac.
“I want to play! I want to get the doughnut,” 6-year-old Cameron Heart said when he walked by the Candy Land room.
The giant display keeps children’s minds active when they need a break from reading their books.
“We always have different reading programs, but depending on the season and how many people are visiting, regular programs like story times take a break right now,” Kellner said.
Kellner said the Zelienople library’s mission statement includes affording people of all ages “a community center dedicated to lifelong learning, enjoyment and discovery.” She said the life-sized Candy Land game is just another example of the library working to engage community members through fun and interesting activities. This ranges from a weekly chess club to a jigsaw puzzle sale the library has coming up later this month.
“A lot of it is activities and engaging people. It’s about connecting people. Anything we do — we have tai-chi, we have chess, all sorts of things. Getting people into the community to meet each other and learn,” Kellner said. “And the kids do love Candy Land. The grandparents come with them. It’s fun.”
