Submitted Photo A fairy tale succulent jar put together by Minot Public Library Teen Librarian Pam Carswell.

Minot Public Library teen librarian Pam Carswell has plenty of ideas to help kids be creative and still maintain social distancing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Carswell assembles materials in a “take and make kit” that kids or their parents can pick up at the library. Kids then use to make crafts at home by following along with a video Carswell posts on the library’s Facebook page. In the past few months some of the crafts have included decorated masks, “fall in a jar” and “creature light jars.”

The next planned activity is the “Fairy Tale Succulent Take and Make,” planned for Oct. 8. Carswell is putting together a miniature glass jar, plant, dirt and other things that kids will need to create their own miniature garden in a “take and make kit” that can be picked up at the library or via curbside service. To reserve a kit, call 852-1045. The library will post videos showing how to put together the fairy tale garden on the library’s Facebook page on the afternoon of Oct. 8.

Carswell said she thought kids who are learning at home might need a plant to brighten up their home office or learning space, but the craft is open to all and can help provide some much needed fun and relaxation.

Carswell said she had enough material for 25 kits but would find ways to put more together if they are needed. Miniature glass yogurt jars are the perfect container for the gardens and other crafts, which Carswell said might look a bit like Sherwood Forest.

Other teen activities planned for October are also virtual events.

Carswell will teach kids how to design a special Halloween design for 3D printing at 3 p.m. Oct. 15 during a virtual event on the library’s Facebook page. At 3 p.m. Oct. 22, Carswell will show kids how to make applesauce on the library’s Facebook page, with kids able to follow along if they have two pounds of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a large pot and bowl handy. On Oct. 29, kids will be able to make their own pencil jar for their home office. The library will send home a “take and make kit” including a jar, cloth, glue, and trimmings that can be picked up at the library on Oct. 29. People can call 852-1045 to reserve the kit. How to videos will be posted on the library’s website.

The Minot Public Library is also offering virtual programming for children this fall.

Virtual story times are available for all children on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. on the library’s Facebook page. There will be craft kits that accompany the Monday story time in a tote bag by the library’s outside book drop. The library will also be starting virtual STEAM activities at 4 p.m. Tuesdays via live streaming on the library’s Facebook page. These activities are for school-aged children and incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math. There will be some supplies for these activities in other tote bags outside the library by the book drop.

For more information, call the children’s library at 838-0606.