Strathmore Library hits big: Larger space, larger programs

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

The Strathmore Municipal Library is back in the newly renovated Lambert Centre, with a larger program room, more quiet areas and greater overall square footage.
Newly energized library staff have large ambitions for ringing in the new year, and not just where the Get Your Game On program is concerned.
Now that the library has a large program room available, the program can now accommodate giant Jenga, Yahtzee and Checkers games, courtesy of the Marigold Library System.
The new space also allows for greater capacity, as was recently recognized during the Friday Fun Films when 80 people were able to attend comfortably without being squished and bothered by heat.
“I’m just super thrilled to be finally getting back into that momentum of providing programs for the community again,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director to library services at the Strathmore Municipal Library.
“We’re bigger so let’s bring on the giant stuff. People have missed our programs. We really missed running those kind of programs this year. Being in that temporary location we strived to continue our programming as much as possible; and thanks to groups like the Wheatland Society of Arts and the ParentLink Centre, it allowed us to continue our weekly programming.”
In 2016, the organization provided the community with 378 programs. With interruptions to the programs caused by the renovation at Lambert Centre, the numbers have declined somewhat this year. However, Erison already has plans to add more programs alongside regular programming in 2018.
That includes the first ever Nutty New Year Party, which is based on a round-robin style program that has been successful for the library in the past. The staff is currently working on designing their stations, which will be themed around everything silly.
“We sure missed all of those little giggles while we were closed, and we want to bring back those giggles with the nuttiest, wackiest program we can find,” Erison added. “Now this year with us having so much space we know we can spread out our stations a little bit larger and further apart. We can have more stations so that there’s not as many children at one station at a time, to make it more streamlined and a more enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Also following in the round-robin style is the fan-favourite Library Olympics, which will be brought back next year.
And, the library is looking for more volunteers to help out with their upcoming programs.
The library being back in the swing of things also silences many questions about Minecraft Mania. The United Way of Calgary provided the organization with a grant to purchase laptops that allows the library to offer Minecraft Mania as an afterschool program instead of an after-hours library program. Having the option will resolve previous time conflicts between the program, Winging It or the Teen Advisory Council. Registration dates for Minecraft Mania are expected to be announced in January.
The renovated library space also now features a fully equipped kitchen with a stove, microwave and refrigerator that already has Erison’s mind toying with new programming ideas.
Get Your Game On is returning Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. No registration is required for this free program.
The Nutty New Year Party goes Jan. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. It’s open to all ages and free to attend. Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult or responsible older sibling.
Musical Theatre Game Day will be introduced on Jan. 4 for ages six to nine from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and ages 10 and older from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Registration opens on Dec. 18 at 10 a.m.
Friday Fun Film will be back on Jan. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m., while Winging It returns from Jan. 30 to May 7.
For more information visit their website (strathmorelibrary.ca).