Library busy with programs in June

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Unlike a few years ago, where the corners of the gigantic inflatable planetarium narrowly squeezed into the Strathmore Municipal Library’s then cramped program room, the Calgary Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be returning to Strathmore to celebrate the beginning of summer with a special planetary viewing on June 22.
The society will be setting up their planetarium, an information session and several telescopes just in time for the summer solstice. Spectators can get a glimpse of the moon, Jupiter and Venus during an Evening with the Stars.
Having faced a space crunch in previous years with an inadequate program room for the influx of participants the program attracted, the library’s renovations and spacious new program room will be able to accommodate an even larger crowd this year.
“The turnout was huge,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services at the Strathmore Municipal Library. “When we were in our smaller room we were packed. I see a large interest in this program. I think people like this because it’s very unique and because it’s something that the whole family can attend. It’s something that the kids love and the adults love.”
The event takes place only a week after the library launches their book sale starting June 11 and extending through the week. At the beginning of the year, an attempt to host a book sale lacked traction with not enough book donations. Now, however, the library is bursting at the seams with books and donations and therefore will be stretching their book sale for a week.
“We had to cancel the book sale around that time because we didn’t have enough books to sell, and now we have a lot,” said Erison. “Because we’ve received so many books we are packed to the gills … some make it onto our shelves and some make it into our book sale.”
The library opted to host the book sale for a week, rather than the usual weekend, because the program room has been booked most Saturdays this year.
The money from the sale will aid with programs and services, and replenishing the general reserves – ones that were depleted for the building renovations.
Library staff also continues to fundraise with their vinyl donor mural, which is expected to be hung this summer and has already accumulated $7,500. Donations are still being accepted ranging from $50 to $500 for a book spine, flowerpot or critter on the mural wall.
The local library is also gearing up for their Summer Reading Program with registration on June 9.
Evening with the Stars will take place on June 22 from 8 to 11 p.m. and is free to attend for all ages. The planetarium is a blowup structure and will pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
The book sale is happening June 11-16 during business hours.
For more information on how to donate to the library visit strathmorelibrary.ca/donate.