For the Love of Libraries
This week’s column was written by Invermere library assistant Dallas Husar. Visit the website or call 250-342-6416 for more information.
Summer is in full swing in the Columbia Valley and the Invermere Public Library is no exception.
We have tons of ways to help community members young and old have a fun and exciting summer. All of our programming is open to members and non-members alike, and is free to attend.
Our biggest program of the summer is Summer Reading Club (SRC) designed for kids aged 5-12. The SRC is a two-part program.
The first part encourages children to read at home and track their reading to earn a prize. We still have plenty of read- ing logs available if anyone would like to join. The second part is when children join us on Tuesdays for fun activities, crafts and games centred around a different theme every week.
This year’s SRC theme is “World of Curiosities,” and Japhy and Dee have lots of fun and creative things planned for the kids. There are two sessions, one for 5-8 year olds (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and one for 9-12 year olds (2-3:30 p.m.). Registration is required to attend the program, so please call 250-342-6416 to save your spot.
Interested in completing a reading log to earn a chance at prizes, but a bit older than 12? Do not fear, we have both a Teen Summer Reading Challenge and an Adult Challenge too! Drop by to grab your sheet today.
In addition to SRC, we also have two Storytime sessions a week. Every Friday we host Pop-up Storytime, visiting different locations throughout the valley. Join us at Wilder Memorial Park (August 2), Edible Acres (August 23) and Panorama Adventure Centre (August 30), all at 10:30 a.m.
Head to our website to see the complete list of Pop-up Storytime locations. Or join us for Saturday Storytime at the library at 10:30 a.m. Weather permitting, these Storytime events take place on the lawn.
Following Saturday Storytime, Lego Club meets in the mezzanine from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – all ages are welcome to drop in.
Board game afternoons also take place every Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., and our board game selection is available anytime to use in-house. In fact, as I sit here typing, four families have joined forces for a fun game of Headbandz, sharing plenty of laughs on this hot summer day.
Did you know we offer more than just books on loan? We also have a large ‘Library of Things.’ Are you interested in birding? We have both a kid and adult bird backpack. Maybe you have a child who is interested in fishing. We have a youth fishing kit to borrow (the grown-up must have their fishing licence).
Do these hot days have your kids wanting to read outside? They may enjoy borrowing one of our reading tents to set up and enjoy their books. Or use it for indoor camping play while avoiding the smoke. Something not working on your car? Come borrow our car code scanner (OBD diagnostic tool) before you head to the mechanic.
Every month the library hosts several adult programs that encourage folks to gather and share their different interests. The Novel Idea Book Club is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to join.
Each month, our adult programmer, Katy, selects a book sure to generate a good discussion. ‘Read it and Eat’ is our monthly cookbook club aimed at foodies throughout the valley. A featured cookbook is selected, people come ahead of time to pick which recipe they would like to make for the potluck gathering. ‘Needles and Hooks’ takes place every first and third Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to bring their textile projects to work amongst others, and to share tips and good conversation. We also host ‘CommuniTEA’, the second and fourth Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. All adults are welcome to come and join for a refreshing cup of hot or iced tea. This is a lovely way to get to know fellow community members in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
In the heat, the library is a great spot to cool down during operating hours (Monday, Tuesday 10-5; Wednesday, Thursday 10-8; Friday, Saturday 10- 5). We have plenty of seating and tables, along with a water bottle filling station. Please feel free to come enjoy a break from the warm outdoors. And if a quiet refuge is what you really require, please contact us to book time in our (mostly) soundproof work pod.
We love meeting new people, so if you haven’t had a chance to visit us yet, what are you waiting for? Come by for a visit and let us help make the most of your summer.
