Christmas with the Strathmore Municipal Library

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

The Christmas holidays are right a round the corner, which means kids will also soon be out of school and looking for something to do. As they do every time school is out, the Strathmore Municipal Library has a couple of fun, free events planned.
The Ginger All the Way program runs Dec. 22. The library purchased gingerbread houses and trains for kids to decorate, and had not anticipated the volume of interest that they would see.
“Shortly after we started advertising the program, we had to cap it at 50 participants. Currently the program is full, but the library does have a waiting list,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services.
The library will be calling everyone who has registered to confirm attendance the week before, and there is a chance that someone on the waiting list may still be able to get into the program.
Dec. 23 is the Holiday Make Shop. Libraries are embracing maker spaces, which is a space where people can come and create, said Erison; there’s usually a wide range of tools and materials available.
“We bring the tools, we bring the supplies, they bring the inspiration and they can come and create. We decided on a holiday make shop where we will supply all the tools, the materials and kids can come and create ornaments, gifts, cards, whatever their hearts desire right before Christmas,” said Erison.
In celebration of that day, and to get into the holiday spirit, classic Christmas movies will be playing on the projection screen. This program is drop-in based, and families are welcome to come by anytime during the 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. duration of the program.
Also, from now until Christmas the library is selling holiday gift packs.
“They’re the perfect gift that people will cherish, love and appreciate all year long,” said Erison.
The family pack includes either a backpack or library tote, plus family membership for $35. The senior package is a library tote and senior membership for $20, the adult pack either a backpack or a tote and an adult membership for $25; or there’s the option of a children’s package which includes a popular monkey book bag and a membership for $15.
The library is looking for members to join the board. The term is for one year, and they meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month. A typical trustee puts in about five hours, of which would include the meeting and preparation for it. More info can be found at info at www.strathmorelibrary.ca/libraryboard.