SHOW 'EM OFF. A new opportunity for kids in grades K-12 just popped up at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. "Here's Lookin' At You, Kid" is basically a blend of a talent show and vendor fair – and is free to participate in.

Whatever your “thing” is – singing, cooking, LEGO building, jewelry making, joke telling, Pokémon card collecting, etc. – the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library wants to give you a platform for it (if you’re a student, that is).

Open to local youths in grades K-12, downtown Eau Claire’s public library is now accepting applications for its first ever “Here’s Looking At You, Kid” event. The unique format – talent show meets vendor fair – means just about any passion could be spotlighted.

Similar opportunities exist on a smaller scale already at the library through activities such as the Young Artists Gallery, Young Writers Gallery and youth display cases, and are always popular, the Youth Services team shared. Plus, creative programming – and spaces, like the library’s Dabble Box makerspace – is offered year-round, often with waitlists.

With spring break coming up for Eau Claire area schools, staff are hopeful an array of interests and passions will find common space at the library, where the Here’s Looking At You, Kid showcase will be held.

The event is free to participate in and attend, with applications due by March 15 online.

Possible submissions include but are NOT limited to: 

• Performances: Singing, musical instruments, poetry, joke telling, martial arts, etc.
• Hobbies & Skills: Rubik's Cube solving, yo-yo tricks, cooking, roller skating, etc.
• Collections & Crafts: Pokémon cards, LEGO builds, painting, homemade jewelry, crochet, sewing, etc. 

To accommodate the variety of applicants expected, the event – to be held in the Riverview Room on the building’s third floor – will feature a performance area in one section of the Riverview Room, with tables and booths around the perimeter of the room. “Think a science fair-type layout,” the Youth Services team said.

Booth spaces will be about six-feet-by-six-feet; the library can provide tables and chairs. Other supplies or equipment will be on the participant to bring along.

Have questions? Reach out to the library's team at (715) 839-5007 or ysstaff@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.

What's your kiddo's "thing"? Jewelry making, Pokémon card collecting, martial arts, singing, dancing, or something else? Consider spotlighting that passion at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library's new event this spring. (Photo by McKenna Scherer)

"Here's Lookin' At You, Kid" will accept entries (free to apply) online through March 15 • The inaugural event is slated for Friday, April 3 at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire)