Library offers more adult programs in October

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Greater emphasis on building stronger relationships with local organizations is giving rise to a higher volume of adult programming at the Strathmore Municipal Library, addressing a void evident for years.
The library assembles a line up of over 300 diverse programs a year. While requests within the community and a desire by staff to focus on more adult programming has been at the forefront this fall, the number of special programs geared towards adults in October is now surpassing those offered for children – for the first time.
“In October we do tend to see a few more extra programs, and we’ve been ramping up a lot of our programs and partnering with different organizations, so that’s unique in itself,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services with the Strathmore Municipal Library.
“As the library continues to grow in its programming we also continue to grow in our partnerships, and because of those partnerships we’re seeing an increase in the programming that we’re able to provide to the public for free.”
In total, the library will offer 82 program sessions – regular weekly programming as well as special programs – for the month of September and October. Out of those, eight sessions are special programs aimed at adults while only three special programs are offered for children, irrespective of the regular library programming.
This month, the library is offering three community education sessions: Physical Literacy & Health, which occurred on Oct. 3; Keeping Kids Safe; and, A Focus on Speech and Language. The sessions are presented by the Community Education Service of the Child and Adolescent, Mental Health and Psychiatry Program of Alberta Health Services and will be presented via videoconference. The programs offer community members information on raising physically literate children, how to spot the signs of child abuse and how to respond, and learning about speech and language difficulties and the impact on children and the youth.
The library is also welcoming cemetery sleuth Jennifer Young who will be discussing the CanadaGenWeb Cemetery Project, which currently offers a free and searchable listing of over 18,000 known Canadian cemeteries. Halfway through the month, the institution is also hosting My Money Coach Financial Educator Mark Kalinowski to talk about purchasing and maintaining a home.
In keeping with patron requests for more author visits, the library is also hosting a multi-author event. Five authors of the Canadian Historical Brides Series will be reading from their novels, followed by a book signing.
Towards the end of the month, Introduction to Reiki offers the community a chance to learn about Reiki, how it works and its benefits.
Staff is also bringing back the Halloween costume exchange for its fifth year, available to all ages, from children to adults.
Most of the special programs are the products of an increased number of partnerships with the Strathmore Municipal Library. Regarding local organizations, Erison estimated anywhere from 10 to 15 partnerships are currently being strengthened while staff is actively searching to build more. Those partnerships include the Marigold Library System, Parent Link Centre, Hope Bridges Society, the Wheatland Society of Arts, the Happy Gang, the Town of Strathmore, and Family and Community Support Services.
As the library is working on building their momentum to continue offering more adult programs, Erison has seen other adult programs and initiatives being introduced in the community by other organizations and businesses.
“I think it’s getting there. It was pretty quiet when I first got here and I’m seeing now, not just with ourselves but other community organizations, I’m seeing there is more of a focus on more events for adults,” Erison said.
Canada’s Cemetery Project takes place Oct. 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Halloween costume exchange goes Oct. 12 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Keeping Kids Safe is on Oct. 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Homeowner’s Basics will run on Oct. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Multi-author event is hosted on Oct. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. Introduction to Reiki takes place on Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A Focus on Speech and Language is happening on Oct. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All programs are free to attend. For more details visit strathmorelibrary.ca.