The importance of children developing basic abilities in literacy and numeracy in the early years is recognized globally. Block-Fest, an award winning, research-based program developed by the University of Idaho, offers parents the opportunity to help their children become math and science thinkers.

Block Fest is a traveling exhibit. It will make four stops in Lewis County to provide families with young children ages 8 months to 8 years a hands-on math and science learning experience. Timberland Regional Library branches in Lewis County are organizing and managing the exhibits at locations large enough to comfortably accommodate the exhibit and up to 40 children and their parents per session. Twelve one-hour sessions will be available, three at each location.

A brief introduction by a youth services librarian will explain how to get the most from Block Fest. The exhibit includes five stations and a large number of blocks of various sizes, shapes and materials. Librarians and volunteers will help out at each station and model learning strategies, math and science concepts, vocabulary and other skills. To extend what is learned during Block Fest, most participating families will receive a free copy of "Play and Learning with Blocks! A Handbook for Parents." Registration is required.

April 18 – LOCATION: Winlock Community Building, 607 NW Kerron, Winlock, WA 98596

• Times: 10:30-11:30 a.m., 1-2 p.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• To register: Call the Winlock Timberland Library at (360) 785-3461.

April 25 – LOCATION: Fords Prairie Elementary School, 1620 Harrison Ave, Centralia, WA 98531

• Times: 2:30-3:30 p.m., 4-5 p.m., 5:30-6:30 p.m
• To register: Call the Centralia Timberland Library at (360) 736-0183.

April 26 – LOCATION: Cascade Elementary School, 89 SW 3rd St, Chehalis, WA 98532

• Times: 1:30-2:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., and 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• To register: Call the Chehalis Timberland Library at (360) 748-3301.

CANCELLED - May 9 – LOCATION: White Pass Elementary School, 127 Kindle Rd., Randle, WA 98377

• Times: 3-4 p.m., 4:30-5:30 p.m., 6-7 p.m.
• To register: Call the Mountain View Timberland Library (in Randle) at (360) 497-2665.

More information on Block Fest is at www.blockfest.org. For more information on the events, call any of the sponsoring Timberland Regional libraries listed above.