As we move into our November/December programming schedule, we’ll be offering additional in- person options while keeping our virtual alternatives available. In October, we slowly and safely reintroduced our first on-site events since March. And after the initial awkwardness of looking round the room and going, “So, do you . . . uhh. . . like books?” we seem to have fallen into step as if it were yesterday.
One of the main things people want to know before rejoining any of our events is what safely protocols we have in place. In addition to what have now become standards of enhanced cleaning, quarantining all borrowed or otherwise handled material, and (properly – that’s key) wearing masks, we are also fortunate enough to have a space that accommodates appropriate social distancing. This means that we’re operating with reduced capacity per session – but we’re set to add identical sessions where needed. So, for us some weeks will be a little bit like Groundhog Day. Except fun. In programs where materials are involved, each person is given their own, which are then quarantined/disinfected for future use.
Registration can be done by phone or in-person at the information desk and is one hundred million percent required for entry into any of our programs. You’ll appreciate the need to keep a close eye on expected participation and room capacity as the safety of our community remains top priority.
So, what kinds of programs are available? Well, in-person we have now brought back All. The. Book clubs. This includes a nonfiction discussion group as well as several fiction options. In the new year, we will also be increasing our offerings to accommodate continued program growth. We kind of hit on something special with this whole reading thing. You’ll also find online options of Fall Reading Clubs, offered for both adults and children and continuing on the success of our Summer Reading groups.
We have also brought back our adult craft night – which now exists in two formats with an online counterpart. Other adult events include the return of Friday movie matinees – formerly known as Coffee, Cookies, a Movie. We sprung for the name change once two thirds of the title was no longer relevant. To balance continued interest with reduced seating, we will now be offering weekly films and new releases will be shown twice. Registration is newly required for this program as well.
For children, we have already seen the return of Baby Time and to the lineup we have added a Christmas crafternoon every Saturday starting late November, scavenger hunt in-person drop-ins, and afternoon S.T.E.A.M. sessions. Kids will explore various makerspace-based learning such as robotics and coding at their own station and using their own equipment. Virtual versions of our popular early literacy options such as Tales for Twos and Threes and Snacks Stories will continue to run online, moving toward in-person returns this January.
You can view the complete list of programs via our website (www.thoroldpubliclibrary.ca) or request a paper copy on your next visit. For more information on any of our programs (including accessing online content), give us a call at 905-227-2581 or email [email protected]
