Teen program planned for library

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Amid a cash-strapped economy, the Strathmore Municipal library remains steadfast at attracting support, securing financial backing from a well-known tycoon and providing programs geared at a target audience often left ignored.
Calgary entrepreneur and developer W. Brett Wilson, who owns the Prairie’s Edge development in Strathmore, endorsed the local library on a number of occasions in the past, contributing to new furniture, the children’s section, and resources.
On Jan. 25, the library staff was left awestruck when Wilson doubled the initial request of $1,000.
“His donations have build the capacity of our library significantly, [and] it’s really lovely that he invests in Strathmore so strongly,” said Rachel Dick Hughes, director of library services at the Strathmore Municipal Library.
“There’s a lot of genuine goodwill, I think, behind his donations. We definitely have teens that use the library but we think it’s underused generally by teens, so we’re hoping by having a program specifically for them that they’ll see the library as open and friendly and welcoming.”
Starting on March 21, the library will launch Winging It: Theatre Games for Teens, available for those aged 12 and up. With numerous programs focused on toddlers and the younger generation, including Mother Goose in the Park and Baby Rhyme Time, the library is narrowing the gap in their programming. Through improvisational exercises and various theatre games the institution will be providing teenagers with a free resource to help them build friendships and grow in the arts.
“There are many great programs throughout Strathmore for younger children, and mostly when you’re a teen you have selected options,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director to the Strathmore Municipal Library.
“We are fortunate in Strathmore because we do have the Strathmore Youth Club and sports and recreation, so we want to be able to provide something a little bit unique for the teens that doesn’t fit into those specific areas.”
The idea first sprouted when library clerk Alex Keeling, a 17-year-old with 11 years of dance and theatre experience, noticed the lack in programming for teenagers and approached her superiors with the initiative. With the $2,000 investment, the program will be able run every other week for six weeks, and also sponsor a similar program for kids aged seven to 11 years in the fall. Excited to bring her passion to the program, Keeling has drawn from her own experience, delved into research, and sought advice from various theatre connections and the Calgary theatre community in establishing the program. Keeling is optimistic that the program will not only pique the interest of teenagers, but draw them into the library as well.
“I think that musical theatre is an art and it’s important for a library to be diverse with its programs,” said Keeling. “It’s really important for there to be teen programming because we don’t currently offer a lot of programs for that age bracket. They will be able to participate, but also go into the library and check out books. So it’ll round out our programs because we are missing those teens.”
Winging It: Theatre Games for Teens will start on March 21 from 7-8 p.m. and is free to attend. No registration is required but encouraged.
Those interested are asked to wear loose clothing, indoor shoes and bring a water bottle.