Youth programs up and running at the library
Even if Wiarton Willie (the Official Ground Hog) predicts an early end of winter on Feb. 2, we are still looking to grind through eight more weeks of blustery winter that can result in that dreaded condition of Cabin Fever Syndrome. Fear not!
We here at the Clearview Public Library have plenty of programs that will entertain, educate and beat back those nasty winter blues. Our regular Story Hour and Ontario Early Years Programs for preschoolers and their caretakers are now are up and running on a weekly basis at each one of our three branches. Hanging at the Library, Mixing it Up and the Lego Challenge are group activities geared to elementary children who are looking to do something fun (and free) after school. The Teen Writers’ Café and the Create! Arts & Crafts Hour cater to young teens from Grade 7 and up. Please call your library branch for dates and times (Creemore, 705-466-3011, Stayner, 705-428-3595 and Sunnidale, 705-424-6288).
Saturday, Feb. 6 is going to be a very special day at the library branches. In Sunnidale, the members of the CyberGirls Robotic Team will be demonstrating their competitive robot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Sunnidale Winterama celebrations. Learn about the world of robots from our displays and create some free robot crafts whilst you are warming up from all of the outdoor fun. Back in the Creemore Branch, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., young minds will be blossoming with imagination and creativity as junior artists in Grades K-8 create artistic masterpieces during this free workshop. This is the second in a series of workshops in celebration of the 22nd year of the Magic of Children in the Arts (registration appreciated). In the Stayner Branch, our regular Saturday drop-in craft table will be chock-a-block full of Valentine activities including our Blind Date with a book exhibit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We are presenting two St. John Ambulance courses during March Break. Registration until March 4 for The Home Alone course ($40) which will offer basic emergency and safety training for children from the ages of 8 -11. Topics include: handling phone calls, strangers at the door, 911 emergencies, first aid and home do’s and don’ts on March 15 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Sunnidale Branch and March 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Clearview Township council chambers.
What every babysitter should know ($50/$65 with kit) will take place on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in council chambers. This course is designed for 10-15-year-olds to teach babysitting, leadership and first aid skills in a fun and informative way. Students will learn how to care for infants, toddlers and older children, what questions to ask parents, how to give first aid and what to do in emergencies. Upon completion, students receive a certificate and wallet card. Payment is due upon registration.
This is advance notice to mark your calendars for our annual March Break Family Entertainment Big Show that will feature vocal illusionist Mark Croker and his extremely funny bunch of puppet characters. Corker will be performing at 10:30 a.m. at the Stayner Community Arena Hall and again at 2 p.m. at Station on the Green in Creemore on Thursday, March 17. Tickets are free (but required and limited) and available by signing up at any one of our circulation desks. Take a moment to catch a flavour of Mark’s shows at www.MarkCrocker.ca and be prepared to laugh.
Take note that our wonderful two computer tutors are here only until the end of March. If you wish to increase your navigating ability on the internet, book a time at any one of our three branches to explore the wonders of cyberspace. These one-hour private lessons are free and can address any of your questions about Facebook, Skype, Google or online shopping.
2016 is shaping up to be an action packed hive of activity here at the library. Please keep a sharp eye out for updates and more news about our library dragons who will be emerging during March Break as we have a very special week planned full of children’s crafts, games and stories to discover all things “teeth, claws and scales.”
