Elizabeth Hendrickson/MDN This structure is the first-place winner of the Minot Public Library's LEGO Club’s previous Build Off competition.

Some of the many structures that have been created by the Minot Public Library’s LEGO Club currently are on display in the library.

“The LEGO Club started over 10 years ago and is still continuing to meet twice a month with their number of members increasing over the years.” said Randi Monley, the club’s leader.

The club is open to ages 7 and up as well as encourages families to come for a night out together. Working only with LEGO brand building blocks, the club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

“In one week, the club builds kits by following directions to make their structure. Staff takes careful consideration when choosing which kits to have out for selection as they want all members to be able to finish their creations the same night,” Monley said.

After the kits are completed the staff will display them in a case next to the front door of the library so patrons can view the structures when they come into the library.

“In the second week, the club focuses on free builds. The members have access to the library’s LEGO collection and are able to build anything they would like,” Monley said.

Sometimes the staff will give a prompt to give the members an idea to start with. For instance, during their last free build members were encouraged to make penguins to decorate the children’s library. While some members decided to make penguins, others branched off and created structures or characters on their own such as pieces inspired by Mario, Superheroes and Star Wars.

The club periodically holds competitions among its members. During the last Build Off competition in December, members were instructed to create a piece of their own design while following the guidelines for the size of the structure. First place was a piece inspired by a Stormtrooper from Star Wars. There were two runner-ups that had tied for second place. Both structures being equally complex in design, the tropical design and the boat structure are both displayed in the children’s library along with the first-place winner.

To register for the LEGO Club, contact the Minot Public Library.