Andrea Johnson/MDN Minot Public Library Teen Librarian Pam Carswell shows off a 3-D soap dish. Kids will make dishes like it during a meeting on March 9. Their designs will be printed for free using the library’s 3D printer. Masks are required for the in-person events.

After months of virtual programming, the Minot Public Library will finally be offering some in-person programs for teenagers in March, said teen librarian Pam Carwell.

Carswell said she has missed seeing kids in person. Any time a teenager visits the library, Carswell said she makes a point to approach and talk about how things are going and what is available at the library. There is an area set aside for teens at the library and a lot of fun programming that hasn’t taken place due to the restrictions in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But restrictions have been eased somewhat due to the lower number of new cases.

One day last week there were a number of teens studying in the library, carefully socially distanced. It was the most kids Carswell had seen together in the space in months.

Masks will be required for all of the programs in March and some “take and make kits” that the kids can pick up at the library and do at home will also be available.

On March 4 at 4 p.m. the group will be doing a Tetris magnet craft project. Kids can also register for the Take and Make kit instead.

On March 9, at 4 p.m. the students will be doing a Soap Dish 3D Build. The kids’ designs will be printed free of charge using the library’s 3D printer.

On March 11 at 2 p.m. kids will have a chance to try out the different tech toys at the library.

On March 17 at 2 p.m. there will be a board game party at the library. Carswell said one of the most popular games at the library right now for kids is a game called “Exploding Kittens.” Kids have a lot of fun with it and they feel more free to try out new games at the library than they might if they had to purchase a game they weren’t familiar with at a department store.

On March 24 at 4 p.m. the students will be making do it yourself soap that can fit the do it yourself soapdish that students will be making earlier in the month.

The in-person teen events will finish up in March with a Perler Bead Party at 2 p.m. on March 31 at the library.

Carswell said she will also be doing a virtual kitchen video showing how to make omelets at 3 p.m. on March 23.

The virtual presentations have also helped her to reach kids during the coronavirus pandemic and kids who live in rural Minot have been better able to participate because they can pick up Take and Make Kits and do the crafts at home.