Summer fun at the library

Andrea Roberts
Times Intern

 

School is out and the Strathmore Municipal Library has a line up of programs and events this summer set to entertain both the youth and adults in the community. The library also plans on breaking two more records this year after the success of last year’s longest conga line through a library.
“Summer is here which means we are super busy at the library,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library service at he Strathmore Municipal Library.
“This doesn’t mean we aren’t usually busy just busy in a different way. The kids are out of school so we do see them coming to the library, using our computers and then the summer reading program. We have also created a few unique programs for the kids.”
The long list of events includes a record-breaking attempt on July 15 at 2 p.m. They would like to set the new record for number of cardigans worn in a public library. While Erison understands summer is not cardigan weather she assures the public that the library has an A/C system and participants only need to wear the cardigan for a short period of time. They require 25 participants to break the record
The library will also attempt to set a record for largest pajama party in a library on August 19 at 5.30 p.m. The library will again need 25 people to set the record. Youth of all ages along with their parents are invited to the event. They will be treated to snacks and a movie, which Erison believes will make it a great pajama party. She credited the idea for the records to the Summer Reading Program coordinators, leah Elder and Carly Davidson.
Most of the events hosted by the library are geared towards youth aged 15 and under. There are two free, drop-in events that will take place over the summer. The first is Secret Service Day on July 29 from 2-4 p.m. this event will allow children to follow any fantasies they may have on becoming a secret agent, they will learn code-breaker and how to use disguises. Their agility will also be put to the test as on of the rows of shelves are transformed into a laser maze while their intuition is put to the test as they help to solve mysteries. The second free event will take place on August 12 and will coincide with the Rio Summer Olympics. The Strathmore Municipal Library Summer Olympics will run from 1-3 p.m. where participants will go from booth to booth and have a passport stamped. At the end of the day a winner will be chosen and will receive a gift card from Toys ‘r Us.
One of the programs that Erison is most looking forward to is a program run by 11-year-old Charlie Ziehr called Act the Week, which will run the week of August 8-12 where children between the ages of seven to 10 learn how to act. At the end of the week the children will put on a play that was written by Ziehr.
For Erison these programs help to get people more involved with the community.
“Any way that we can help the community members while bringing enjoyment and literacy into their lives is what we are here for.”