Issaquah Library summer reading kicks off with visit from Pikachu

“Build a Better World,” the 2017 summer reading program at King County Libraries, kicked off at the Issaquah Library on the afternoon of June 22.

Close to 200 young bookworms came in droves to pick up some new reads and take part in the multitude of activities on offer, from postcard painting to7 Lego building.

Besides fitting in with the “Building” theme, the Legos served to draw kids to the Building Buddies Lego Club, a new club for kids aged 4 to 12 (accompanied by a parent) that will meet weekly in July and will see kids try their hand in the world of architecture.

“This is the time that they can develop critical thinking skills, STEM skills … It’s going to be very imaginative. We hope they’ll work with other Lego buddies to create [something different] every week,” Librarian Anne Crewdson said.

Volunteers from the Issaquah High School Robotics Society will lead the club meetings and instruct kids in the making of different creatures, such as a “Brush Bot” out of toothbrushes.

“I’m really happy to see these brilliant kids are interested in helping little kids too,” Crewdson said.

At a different station, Pepper Hambrick, program coordinator at Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, educated the young attendees in why it is important to protect the salmon in the region.

“I wanted it to be a collaborative event, so I invited all of the neighbors around me,” said Anne Crewdson.

One very special guest delighted attendees with his presence — Pikachu came to the library to greet kids. Crewdson explained that the Issaquah Library is a Pokestop in the popular game Pokemon Go, and therefore it seemed only right to have the game’s most well-known creature show up at the party.

“Usually Pikachu goes somewhere with a lot of electricity, and this was a very electrical event,” laughed Crewdson, in costume as Pikachu. “I count myself lucky that no one has tried to lasso me or throw a Poke Ball at me.”

“Build a Better World” runs now through Aug. 31. Stop by the library to pick up a reading log and participate.

Children who read 500 minutes get a halfway prize of two Seattle Storm tickets, while those who reach the full goal of 1,000 minutes spent reading receive the Storm tickets, as well as a KCLS “techie” backpack, capable of charging electronic devices.