East Riding Libraries partnering with the Marine Conservation Society this February half term

Last October, East Riding Libraries launched their new STREAM offer for children and families, which focuses on delivering fun educational activities designed to encourage an interest in science, technology, reading, arts, engineering and mathematics. 

During this February half term, they will be partnering with the Marine Conservation Society to deliver some amazing hands-on environmental science activities at coastal libraries in Bridlington, Hornsea and Withernsea - the events are free to attend. 

After meeting at a designated point, participants will head for the beach with Kate Whitton from the Marine Conservation Society, who will guide them through either The Seashore Safari (at Bridlington) where they will look for signs of marine life, or The Big Microplastic Survey (at Hornsea and Withernsea) where they can see first-hand the impact that plastic is having on the beautiful East Riding coast. 

All those taking part will then head into the libraries for a hot drink and to learn more from Kate about what they found on the beach.  For The Big Microplastic Surveys, participants will also use the libraries' tablet computers to record findings on a national database and make their contribution to an important Citizen Science survey.  The three- hour sessions will end with a marine-themed Lego Art activity using East Riding Libraries' popular STREAM Lego Art kits.   

Kate Whitton said: "It is hugely important to nurture children's love for the ocean and show the many ways our seas benefit us. I'm very excited to partner with East Riding Libraries to deliver these activities and bring us all closer together as a coastal community."  

Caroline Wilkinson, East Riding Librarian, said: "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to work with Kate and the Marine Conservation Society on our STREAM offer to help children and families in our area to learn more about our wonderful East Yorkshire coast and how we can look after and protect it." 

To complement these partnership sessions, nine other East Riding Libraries sites will also be offering 'Under the Sea' themed STREAM Lego Art activity sessions, and North Bridlington Library will be hosting a Team Lego Engineering Challenge where teams of four or five budding engineers will be challenged to work together to design and build an amphibious vehicle. 

The free educational and creative fun this half term will be held at: 

Seashore Safari with the Marine Conservation Society and Bridlington Central Library 

Monday, 13 February : 1.30pm to 4.30pm 

Suitable for ages 4-11.  Adult supervision required throughout. 

Meeting point: Bridlington Lifeboat Station at 1.30pm 

Limited places available - booking essential via Bridlington Central Library. 

Weatherproof clothing advised. 

The Big Microplastic Survey with the Marine Conservation Society and Withernsea Library & Customer Service Centre 

Tuesday, 14 February : 12.30pm to 3.30pm 

Suitable for ages 7-11.  Adult supervision required throughout. 

Meeting point: Withernsea Library & Customer Service Centre at 12.30pm 

Limited places available - booking essential via Withernsea Library & Customer Service Centre.   

Weatherproof clothing advised. 

The Big Microplastic Survey with the Marine Conservation Society and Hornsea Library & Customer Service Centre 

Friday, 17 February : 9.30am to 12.30pm 

Suitable for ages 7-11.  Adult supervision required throughout. 

Meeting point: Hornsea Library & Customer Service Centre at 9.30am 

Limited places available - booking essential via Hornsea Library & Customer Service Centre.   

Weatherproof clothing advised. 

Team Lego Engineering Challenge 

North Bridlington Library - Friday, 17 February at 10.00am to 12.00pm 

Suitable for ages 4+.  Each team of up to 5 participants must include or be supervised by at least one adult. 

Booking essential via North Bridlington Library. 

'Under The Sea' Lego Art 

• Beverley Library - Monday, 13 February at 10.00am to 11.00am.  Booking required.
• Hedon Library & Customer Service Centre - Monday, 13 February at 10.00am to 11.30am.  Booking required.
• Hessle Library & Customer Service Centre - Tuesday, 14 February at 2.30pm to 3.30pm.  Booking required.
• South Cave Library - Tuesday, 14 February at 2.00pm to 4.00pm.  Drop-in session, no booking required.
• North Ferriby Library - Tuesday, 14 February at 2.30pm to 3.30pm.  Booking required.
• Haltemprice Library & Customer Service Centre - Wednesday, 15 February at 10.00am to 11.30am and 2.00pm to 3.00pm.  Booking required.
• Swanland Library - Wednesday, 15 February at 9.30am to 10.30am.  Booking required.
• Goole Library - Thursday, 16 February at 11.00am to 12.00pm.  Booking required.
• Cottingham Library & Customer Service Centre - Thursday, 16 February at 4.00pm to 5.00pm.  Booking required.

For further information about all of these, and other STREAM activities, visit the East Riding Libraries What's On page at www.eastridinglibraries.co.uk/whats-on and search for STREAM.