Free books offered for children

A representative from the Clackamas County Tourism and Cultural Affairs office in West Linn recently brought us a large box of new children’s activity and art books titled “The Oregon Trail: A Historical Adventure Through The Western Frontier.” The workbook is filled with 211⁄2 pages of a variety of stories, learning exercises, and puzzles that are fun as well as informative. Starting with a coloring map of the Oregon Trail from Independence, Missouri plus a few columns of states on the eastern side, the booklet has many features.

Some pages explain about packing the wagon, identifying animals by their footprints, and how to make hardtack biscuits using a Dutch oven and a campfire. Other features introduce native sign language communication, tollgate math, paper dolls, beautiful scenes to color, and numerous other activities. This booklet would be great to have along for a road trip or other uses. The book is well put-together, interesting, artistic, and is free.

For younger children, there is a “Buddy Books” program box full of books maintained by Sandy Friends of the Library in the children’s playroom on the second floor. If a child finds and wants a book, it is free to take home and to keep. (Used books can be donated back at the Sandy Public Library at 38980 Proctor Avenue.)