Library hosts hot dog fundraiser

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Municipal Library hosted a hot dog fundraiser in front of the Peavy Mart, July 27, in support of library programming. 

“As the board, we are in charge of raising $10,000 to support some of the local programs that go within the library. We have great funding from the town and from the province, but it is not enough to keep our programs going,” said Ann Horn, chair of the Strathmore Library Board. “We are trying to raise that additional funds so that we can keep all the programs going within the library. There is the SAIL program … that supports people’s learning, and then there is the library that has all various sorts of programs that engage all ages.”

The idea for a hot dog fundraiser was a relatively simple idea and endeavor, which had aimed to see people coming out to enjoy the warm, sunny weather. Despite the presence of rain over the event, locals periodically stopped in for a bite and to support the library. 

Similarly, the Strathmore Municipal Library will be running another hot dog fundraiser, Aug. 3, in partnership with Martin Shields in Kinsmen Park following the conclusion of the Strathmore Stampede parade. 

“We believe that the library is a really safe place to come for people, especially newcomers, either to Canada or the community, and being able to help people achieve their goals, like getting their GED, or whether it is just to bring your child in to read a book, and we have a mom-and-tots … it is just support for the neighbourhood,” said Horn. “We have a very dedicated staff that runs all these programs, and I couldn’t begin to name all the programs that we have at the library, but if you look at our website, you’ll be able to see some of these programs.”

Some of these include book clubs for teenagers and adults, poetry slams, equipment rentals for fledgling hobbyists, and summer reading programs, among many others. 

Horn added she felt the library has done well to establish itself as a facility for more than just reading books and that it is a safe space for anyone who wishes to engage with what it has to offer. 

“It is a safe space for people, whether they just want to get away and their kids can go read for a while, and they can go read, that is what we want,” said Horn. “We want it to feel like a safe, welcoming space.”

Other current and upcoming activities and fundraisers from the library include a silent auction, as well as lemonade and cookie sales at the Four Sisters.

The library is also always looking for more volunteers to help at the facility or with programs and events. Information about how to get involved is available online, as well as in person.