Join the block party — use your imagination, curiosity and problem-solving skills to build different Lego creations. We’ll read a story and then put our creativity to the test — you can use blocks or other building materials, too. Have you read books from the I Survived Series or played the Oregon Trail video game? If so, you might enjoy this building challenge. We’re using our imaginations to create an island and our creativity to survive disasters on a deserted island. Activities are geared toward elementary children. The Lego Club enhances learning with hands-on activities that promote reading and critical-thinking at all ages. (grades K–5)

Join us as John Miles discusses his book Magnus’ Saga Beyond Vinland. In his novel, Miles introduces the reader to the gritty world of Vikings. Using exceptional historical detail he’s able to give insight about what day-to-day life may have been like. The novel is both entertaining as well as informational and will be an captivating read for fans of historical fiction.

Magnus is an established Viking Warlord who organizes an expedition to explore North America, or as the Vikings knew it, Vinland. Sailing up rivers, they journey to modern day New York state where they must discover a way around Niagara Falls. Along the way, the Vikings interact with numerous Native American tribes.

Before sailing back home to Norway, Magnus’ Vikings and the Native Americans learn much from each other. His triumphal return is dampened when Magnus learns that in his absence their village was attacked by other Viking raiders. Magnus’ wife Esja has to fight as a shieldmaiden in defense of the village.

John Miles is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and former college professor who now writes and delivers lectures about historical topics to groups. He’s presented lectures to multiple Scottish Highland Games, Celtic Festivals and military units throughout the Southeast. In addition to his novel Magnus Saga Beyond Vinland, John is a multiple-time published author in Marine Corps Gazette, the professional journal of the Marine Corps.