New at the library

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Things are always hopping at the Strathmore Municipal Library, so it’s no surprise there are new programs and services being offered in January.
One thing that’s not new, but is undergoing a minor change, is the ‘Get Your Game On’ program. It will no longer be held on the second Saturday of each month, instead it is becoming an after-hours program being offered on the second and fourth Friday nights of the month, running in conjunction with the Minecraft Mania program.
“The reason we decided to move it to a Friday evening is often families are quite busy on the weekend and we hear from community members that they’re often looking for things to do with their children on a Friday evening that doesn’t cost a lot,” said Assistant Director of Library Services Carmen Erison.
This is one of a few different programs that have been funded thanks to a grant from the United Way of Calgary and area.
A new program running on Mondays 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. starting Jan. 12 is baby lap time – the program name is yet to be announced.
“Several of our members have taken Mother Goose training and this was something we have gotten quite a bit of requests for,” said Erison.
“This program will be rhyming and songs and just general lap time type of activities.”
Also new to the library starting in January is the program punch card.
“Family members can pick up their program punch card beginning Jan. 1, and each time they attend a library program they will get a punch taken out of their card,” said Erison.
All of the programs offered at the library are included. Once a family, or participant, has received 10 punches they will be entered into a draw.
“It’s a great way to kind of encourage program participation, but also to get a chance to win something fun,” said Erison.
Are you curious about Windows 8 but aren’t sure you want to take the plunge? The library now has a laptop that’s available for loan within in the library. It has Windows 8, whereas the other computers in the library run Windows 7. It is a touch screen computer and is available to be borrowed in the library to adult cardholders up to two hours at a time.
“Often our computers are so busy that this just gives another little option for people who need to use a computer in the library,” said Erison.
Borrowers will be able to take the laptop to a table at the back if they want to have a quiet spot to log in and check things out.