Let’s build a blanket fort!

The Kaye siblings, Emma, 13, and Sam, 8, consider themselves semiprofessional architects when it comes to building something out of nothing. When they heard about Fort Day at the Washington Public Library, they knew they had to go.

Their mom, Erin Kaye, said cardboard forts are a frequent project at their home. The family visits the library often because they enjoy doing things together and having a space where they can try new things.

'They just love forts, so it was a very good thing for them,” she said of this event. 'I think that libraries provide a really important place for people to be social and get together, (and) it's a place you can come that's free -- which is nice.”

Introducing the library as a creative space where people can do things other than read books was the goal of the day, according to youth services librarian Jenisa Harris.

She said the library has hosted a similar Fort Day in the past and was excited for the second one. Participating families brought their own materials, blankets, sheets, etc., and used them to create their own forts. After building, they were encouraged to grab a book and a snack and read together.

Harris said the Rotary Club agreed to partner for the event and donated money for the purchase of several books for the library. Each family that participated in Fort Day then wrote their name in the book and it was donated to the library in their honor.

Harris said Fort Day is just one of the many ways the library promotes fun and family bonding, something she feels is essential for positive growth.

'I think it's so important for people to bond together over reading and having fun and using their imagination,” she said. 'The library is the perfect spot to do that.”