One of the great things about being a library in a smaller community is having the opportunity to participate, support and give back in many ways. Not only do we play host to groups who use our space (homeschoolers, Scrabble and chess players, yoga practitioners, Toastmasters and the camera club, to name just a few) but we also continue to look for ways to increase our visibility and outreach, and seek out partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
Our children’s librarian, Miss Julie, has been taking story time to Kinnaird and Castlegar Elementary schools for the past 10 years. Teachers and students alike love Miss Julie’s visits, as the thank you cards on the library walls can attest to. Kids who may not have had a chance to visit the library in person can get a taste of what we have, and teachers are even welcome to bring their classes to the library to explore the space and find out how a library works.
At the other end of the age spectrum, Laura Zaytsoff, our outreach librarian, visits Castlewood Village on the last Tuesday of each month with her bins of (mostly large print) books. Even residents who are able to come to the library enjoy browsing the collection and visiting with Laura, while jostling for the latest Danielle Steel novel.
As we move toward the holiday season, the library is again collecting donations for food bank hampers in a couple of ways. From Nov. 12 until Dec. 7, our Food for Fines bin will be available to fill with non-perishable food and toiletry items. For each donated item, the library will remove $2 from patrons’ late charges, but you don’t have to be in arrears in order to donate.
Our Giving Tree will also be set up to receive warm clothing items such as mitts, scarves, hats and socks for all ages. One of our library patrons knits beautiful stuffies for the tree every year. Thank you, Lynne!
On the subject of footwear, the library is selling Blue Sky socks on behalf of the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, in aid of its annual Books for Kids campaign. A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes toward supporting literacy programs in Castlegar. Keep warm and carry on reading.
Finally, Miss Julie and Laura will be reading kids’ books at the Winter Wonderland Family Event on Saturday, Dec. 7. Check out the activities at Spirit Square at City Hall between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and enjoy a hot chocolate and a good story.
Coming in January: our semi-annual book sale. Stay tuned.
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