The Thorold Library has books and crafts and so much more in store, to celebrate October as Canadian Library Month, and Oct. 20 to 26 as Ontario Public Library Week.
Chief Librarian Joanne DeQuadros appeared at city council this week to reveal a whole host of programs and events.
Libraries have evolved far beyond simple book depots of the past, she said, and in Thorold, you’ll find ever-changing and interactive services, like free film screenings, seminars, genealogy workshops, After School Snacks & Stories, Baby Time, book clubs, and a pollinator/planter garden; all in a dynamic, age-friendly and accessible community hub.
The Library will host a free seminar on Downsizing Your Home on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m., and a free screening of the feature film—Red Joan— on Oct. 18 at 2 p.m.
On Oct. 10, everyone’s welcome to make a Halloween painted coir (coconut) mat, with all supplies provided for a fee of $15, and the Library’s 4th annual Literary Pumpkin Contest features a chance to win a Halloween prize pack.
Kids’ Crafternoons continue from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, with all supplies provided for a fee of $2. On Oct. 8, kids can make a spooky spider jar; on Oct. 15, foam Halloween friends; on Oct. 22, unicorn pumpkins; and on Oct. 29, painted pumpkin monsters.
The weekly Make ‘n’ Take program unveils a new project—free at the children’s craft table—every Monday, including: gratitude pumpkin on Oct. 7, shiny owl on Oct. 14, paper hedgehog on Oct. 21, and jack-o-lantern on Oct. 28.
The popular Comic Book club—on Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.—invites youth to create their own graphic novel, and fun science will be provided by Halloween STEAM on Oct. 22 from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., followed by a Goosebumps Party on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. Both events come with a fee of $2.
To win prizes, dress as your favourite book character (be as creative as you can), and drop in all day on Oct. 19 to complete the Library-wide scavenger hunt .
A Coffee Break will be held at the Library from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 23, to support the Alzhiemer Society.
Staff strives to reach out to residents, and connect with them through programs, offering pop-up libraries in Thorold parks in summertime, for rural residents who don’t have transportation to the downtown facility.
“We adapt to cover learning and cultural needs in the community,” said DeQuadros, adding that 7,206 people participated in 539 programs last year, representing an increase of 7.5 per cent from 2017.
That means that Thorold received $2.9 million worth of services, with a $5 return on investment for every $1 spent.
In total, 65,000 items were borrowed last year in Thorold, and the LINC program allows anyone with a Thorold Library card to borrow from five other area libraries, and from Niagara College, through the Thorold branch.
Nearly 12,000 people spent more than 11,000 hours surfing the Internet, using the Thorold Library’s free computers last year, and staff are giving away a free Samsung tablet to one lucky winner, selected from people who fill out a questionnaire.
The Library is currently undergoing a feasibility study, said DeQuadros, which will be completed in January of 2020, “to provide a service model and determine optimum size for our community,” while taking into consideration “the city’s plan for growth, and cost estimates for a renovated, expanded facility.”
Special events are being planned to celebrate the Library’s 125th anniversary next year.
Registration is required for most events by calling 905-227-2581.
For more program information, email [email protected] or visit www.thoroldpubliclibrary.ca
