Library programming provides cost effective community hub

Melissa Strle
Times Reporter

 

Fall programming at the Strathmore library is in full swing and there are many different programs being offered.
According to Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services at the Strathmore Library, fall is “an exciting time of year for us because a lot of our ongoing programs have started up again, from Storytime to our popular Signing Strathmore program as well as Crafternoon.”
“We are finding the library is becoming busier and busier with the way the economy is,” Erison said. “We are becoming more of a community hub where people can come have fun, enjoy, meet people and learn new things.”
Generally, all library programming is free, and “we want to make everything cost effective,” Erison said. “The last thing we want to do is create a barrier for families to not be able to come to the library because they can’t afford a program. We also don’t require people to have a library card to attend our programs. We welcome everybody.”
Baby Goose Rhyme Time is a free drop-in class for parents and new babies up to 12 months of age. The class features rhymes, songs and stories, and is currently running every Monday morning for an hour.
Nighttime Tales is another free, weekly drop-in program offered Wednesday evenings, where children can come in their pajamas with a favourite stuffed animal and enjoy quiet stories and songs.
Signing Strathmore, along with Deanne Wagner-Mercer, leads participants through the American Sign Language University program to teach the basics of sign language on Thursday evenings. The program is in its second year and offers a fun and relaxed way to learn sign language.
Erison said the program “allows people to come in and learn a whole new language for no cost at all.”
Crafternoon started Sept. 12 and is a free, drop-in class every week with different themes. The class is offered to Grade 1 through 6 students or younger children if a parent also attends. This is an after-school kids craft program.
“It really just draws kids’ creativity,” said Erison. “We’re very fortunate we have such a creative group of staff members.”
Other library programs include Lego in the Library, Minecraft Mania, Stitchin’ Time, Storytime and Winging It.
“It’s sort of an unofficial mandate with the library that we will run programming every time the kids are off school,” said Erison, and this is partly accomplished by holding a “fun film day” during school professional development days.
Erison said that even though books and learning are one large aspect of what the library does, it is in the midst of evolving away from strictly books, towards more programming.
The library is always looking for new class and program ideas, and Erison said everyone is welcome to approach the library with possible program ideas.
The library is running a program punch card for kids aged 15 and under. Kids are able to get their cards punched for every program attended and receive a small prize for every fifth, 10th and 15th punch.
In addition, Erison said when cardholders fill their cards, their name is entered for a draw at the end of the year. She said they will be drawing for a $100 gift card of the winner’s choice. The only stipulation is that punch card holders need to have the card with them when they come to the program.
There will be a Halloween program on Oct. 28, along with a Remembrance Day program and various upcoming films. Last year the Halloween program saw up to 100 youth attend.
Erison said she would love to do more adult programming. Currently there is a knitting group that meets once a week. The library has attempted to do author talks but attendance has always been “very slim.”
Library cards are reasonably priced at $20 for the whole family, and every person gets a free card as well.
Families can borrow the latest books and new movie releases, and these are a great way to provide “cost-crunching entertainment during the hard times,” said Erison.