Strathmore library prepares for spring break
By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor
The Strathmore Municipal Library is not a science laboratory. Yet in April, mini explosions, thermodynamics and rainbows on paper will attract attention during spring break when the library ensures family-friendly programming throughout the week.
The Mad Science Madness program is among the new initiatives being introduced alongside Pick Your Own Program Day where children and their families have the opportunity to discover new talents as they explore a selection of self-guided creation stations.
“I’ve honestly wanted to host a science program for a very long time, because I’ve always thought that science was very cool and I think kids love cool science experiments,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services at the Strathmore Municipal Library. “We have great programs that are with the arts and acting, and crafting and reading, and all of these wonderful subjects. But we don’t have a whole lot with science, and that’s why we wanted to go with something like this.”
In conjunction with the new programs, the local library is also bringing back Get Your Game On with giant board games including Jenga, Snakes and Ladders, Connect 4 and Checkers. Friday Fun Film also returns with a Disney movie from 1997, and the creative juices are already flowing in anticipation of the fourth annual Edible Book Day contest.
“When we first started Edible Book Day, people didn’t quite know what to expect. But now as this is our fourth year hosting it, I think people are getting more excited and looking to up the ante every year,” Erison said. “So we’re seeing more creative entries each year. I just can’t wait to see what we get this year. It’s strictly voted on by the public. Even if you are not entering into the contest, come by the library and come support these artists, these wizards of food, because there are some excellent entries and they should get that recognition by people coming to see them.”
Last year the library received approximately a dozen entries in the children’s category and nearly 60 votes. While the adult category is slowly growing in popularity, incentives this year are a $50 gift card to Toys R Us for the 15-year-old and younger category, a $50 Visa gift card for the 16-year-old and older category and a $50 Telus Spark gift card for the family category. There is one winner for each category.
Get Your Game On kicks off the week on April 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The program is free to attend, and an adult or older responsible sibling must accompany children under eight years of age. On April 4, the library hosts Pick Your Own Program Day from 1 to 4 p.m. The program is free to attend and no registration is necessary. Mad Science Madness will take place on April 5 for 30 participants. Registration starts on March 19. It is a free program for children 8 and older. The Friday Fun Film happens on April 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. Check out the Strathmore Municipal Library Facebook page for movie details. The week will finish off with the Edible Book Day contest on April 7. Entries will be accepted from 5 p.m. on April 6 until noon on April 7. Public viewing and voting will take place from noon until 1:30 p.m. on April 7. Prizes are awarded at 2 p.m. For more information and program details visit the library website (strathmorelibrary.ca).