There’ll be no excuse for the winter ‘blahs’ for anyone who keeps up-to-date on what’s going on at the library this winter.
It is hard to know where to start in describing the array of activities that Cochrane Public Library has in store between now and March, but after sitting down with Program and Engagement Manager Carmen Erison one thing is clear – it’s easy to see why they need a new building.
Crafts, computer skills, Indigenous arts and culture, hands-on experience, book clubs . . . there will be something for everyone and all ages.
And it’s all free.
On any given day, visitors might see preschoolers sitting in a circle being read to, or a group of knitters enjoying their favourite pastime, chatting and clacking away.
“I’m very excited to present this Winter 2024 program,” Erison said.
Most of the programs are a direct result of the extensive survey the library did in November, asking people what they wanted.
“We always want to ensure that we’re presenting a wide, inclusive array,” she said.
The book club was so popular last year they’ve added another one. The introductory meeting is Jan. 23 at 6:30 pm.
Fireside chats will cover a variety of topics. David Falconer, who has developed online teaching programs for kids in conflict regions around the world, will host the first one on Jan. 17.
In February there will be another one about how to keep children safe online.
Teen Night Takeover, a big hit last year, is back. Starting Jan. 26, on most Fridays from 6 to 8 pm, the library is taken over by Grade 9 to 12 kids to do whatever they want. There are some activities available for groups, but there’s also lots of space to just chill and enjoy whatever activity strikes your fancy. And there’s free pizza, so . . .
Erison said the library was excited to see the success of the Takeover.
“Kids can hangout, enjoy games, eat some free pizza, and just be able to have those places to just be themselves – no adults allowed,” she said.
For kids aged 8 and up, there are plenty of STEAM based activities. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math, and there are a number of activities that fall under that description at a program called Imagination Station, on Wednesdays at 3:30. No registration required.
“Kids can just come and just have fun and learn at the library after school,” Erison said.
On the third Mondays of each month at 2 pm, they will be running a program aimed at home-schooled children, called Full Steam Ahead.
“It’s going to be a drop-in program, where children come for an hour-and-a-half, make their way around four different stations, try different activities,” she said.
“This is a great opportunity for the home schooling community – they often can get overlooked.”
Artful Journeys will feature a hands-on experience creating something called a ‘silhouette pour’ (a Carmen Erison production), and another one on creating resin coasters.
Soapstone carving for adults (all supplies included) celebrates Indigenous Arts and Culture Week on March 23 from 1 to 4 pm. There will be another one in February for kids 10 and over.
Phone photography, introduction to 3D printing, and a puppet show – that’s just a random sampling of some of the other offerings.
Erison advises people to check the website early, in case registration is required, as some programs fill up fast.
For more information and to register for any of the programs go to cochranepubliclibrary.ca.
