Library resumes regular programming
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Family-friendly activities suitable for a host of age demographics are set to resume at the Strathmore Municipal Library for the start of the new year.
“Two of our early literacy programs are postponed … Our Twinkle Babies and ABC Kids won’t start until February this year just due to some scheduling, but our toddler time is open for registrations already,” said Laura Henderson, public services manager for the library. “Winging it, there is a tween session and a teen session; that one is open for registration, and then our book buddy program is another one of those regular programs that we do require registration.”
The Poetry Café has already resumed regular operations, being scheduled for the second Friday of every month.
Coming into the start of the new year, Henderson explained the library evaluated all of its programs in December to see what was adding value to the local community and the library environment.
This was in terms of whether programs were reaching the correct audiences and if people were showing up to participate.
“What we are continuing with are the ones that are continuously well received, like our early literacy programs,” she said. “We do have drop-in programs for some of those as well, so there is always an opportunity if you miss registration.”
The Book Buddies program in particular is popular in terms of registration of school-age children but is also volunteer operated and requires folks who are interested in being of aid to make themselves known.
Coffee Connections, which was a senior program taking place on Monday afternoons, has now been limited to one Monday a month instead.
“Dungeons and Dragons, I am shocked – I think we had over 20 teens at the last one this past Monday, which is so exciting,” Henderson added. “One of the things that we are trying to do is maybe a little bit more Saturday programming. Those are a little bit difficult based on our scheduling and staff availability, so we are trying to do a few – we do have a family literacy day program coming up on Jan. 24.”
She explained the library is also always open to ideas from the community for new regular programs to potentially introduce through the facility. Those who have ideas are encouraged to reach out to the library via email to initiate discussion.
“I would love to offer more programs, but actually one of the issues we have is just space availability. We have our program room and it’s fantastic, but we are using it very consistently, plus it is also a rental space,” said Henderson. “An issue is just having the space to offer all these amazing programs that we have the opportunity to run.”
Further regular programs set to resume include In Stitches, Book Dragons, Lego Club, WYN for teens, Stitch Together, Lire Ensemble, Tidbits with Tanya, and the Busy People Book Club. The schedules for each program are available through the library’s website or in person.