OLD ORCHARD BEACH — During February vacation week, local libraries, recreation programs and community centers offered activities to children to offset cabin fever.

At the Edith Belle Libby Library, a handful of children gathered in the community room for Technology Tuesday to have fun playing with robots and other electronic devices, and learn a thing or two at the same time.

The activities offered coincided with regularly scheduled STEAM — science, technology, arts and math — programming the library offers for children.

Children’s Librarian Kim McLaughlin introduced Dash and Dot, two small robots that children can control through an App on a tablet.

 “Kids learn the basics of coding this way,” said McLaughlin.

Also making its way around the room was Sphero, a small ball robot that could be guided through controls on a tablet.

One of the young participants, Saima Gombar, sat at a table and connected plastic tubes together. “I’m making a bug world — a home for robot bugs,” she said. “There are some that can climb up walls. Let me show you.”

Saima took a Hexbug, a small robot bug, and turned on the switch on its belly. The tiny robot scaled up a tube.

“My favorite one, and the kids love it, is the flying saucer,” said McLaughlin. She demonstrated a Snap Circuits learning kit, using electronic circuit components that snap together to make a disc launcher. 

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.