Library launches robotic Legos for Lego Time

The Havre-Hill County Library introduced a new feature during Lego Time Thursday - robotic Legos.

Lori Roberts, children's librarian, said that it was her idea to bring robotic legos to the library.

"I think it's important that kids know that the library can be educational in more ways than just books," she said.

Roberts said robotic Legos are both educational and fun.

"It teaches them engineering, mechanical skills, computer technology skills. ... So you have everything all combined into one," she said.

A variety of robotic model kits are now available at Lego Time, such as a bumperbot.

Once completed, participants have the opportunity to see their model in action through a computer program called "Cortex."

Roberts said Cortex is available online, as well as on phones and tablets.

In order for the devices to come to life, participants are required to follow certain directions in instruction manuals and transfer that information into the Cortex program.

"It's all color-coordinated," Roberts added.

Calham Thomas, 7, was working on building a car with his father during the robotic Legos launch. He said he was looking forward to "getting to drive it."

People must be 13-years-old or older to build with the robotic Legos by themselves. If younger than 13-years-old, they must have an adult accompanying them.

Lego Time is every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m at the library.

For more information, call 265-2123.