Fastest ever sign-up for the Whitecourt Library’s Summer Reading Program

The Whitecourt & District Public Library has a summer of programming on the horizon. The always popular Summer Reading Program is nearly full, with just a few spots left to scoop up at the time of this article. In fact, this year is the fastest sign-up for the Summer Reading Program ever!

“This year, we are running a hybrid program. People can pick up kits for age groups 3-5, 6-8, tweens and teens, and adults through the last two weeks of June. We also have some in-person programs that people can register for and some programs that people can drop in for without registering, both here at the library and Rotary Park. There is so much for people to do,” explained Library Director Joseph Kubelka.

“We’ve got some excellent hands-on crafts this year. In the adult program, you can make your own tic tac toe set using rocks. There are also scavenger hunts, lanterns to be made, tie-dying, soap-making and candle-making.”

Activities for the youngest group, ages 3-5, include a week about hamsters where children will learn about the library’s pet hamster, Yogi. During week three, youngsters will learn about stars and make a starry galaxy sensory jar. For the next group, 6-8, on week four, they will be learning about the Canadian version of Godzilla that features bears. For the tweens and teens, library staff will have them playing with air clay, creating magic slime, and getting creative with colour. They will also make a unique keychain with polymer clay.

The final group, adults, features six weeks of hands-on fun. They will make garden row markers for week one and mason jar patio lanterns for week four. Their final week will feature acrylic pour paintings that create a stress-free environment and allow participants to create one-of-a-kind art. “We have something for everybody,” said Kubelka.

For those hoping to join the in-person programming that doesn’t need registration, Kubelka advises residents to follow the Facebook page to see posts about the upcoming events. He also suggests visiting the library. “Keep an eye on our Facebook page for any pop programs we might be doing, such as story times and movie showings.”

As of June 16, ten spots were left in the tweens and teens category, twenty-four in the 6-8 age group, and fifteen for the 3-5 category. The adult level is complete, but there is a waitlist. For registration-required in-person programs, there were some spots still available. Some don’t require registration, and those interested in learning more should call the library. The library’s website features a sign-up form to help parents register. Visit www.whitecourtlibrary.ab.ca.

As the summer kicks into gear, Kubelka hopes that parents will take advantage of all the fun at the library as they plan family outings. “We have books about crafts and different science-related projects that families can have fun doing together. If you are going camping or travelling, books can help make those experiences even better. We also have Backpack Kits available again.”

Before restrictions, Backpack Kits were very popular. “The kits have activities, movies, and things for families to do. They are wonderful to take on a trip too. We’ve got lots of them here.” Kubelka said they might be receiving craft kits soon and will update their social media when and if they arrive.

With a grassy knoll around the library, patrons can make the library a destination spot to pack a lunch, rent some books, and sit outside on a bench or on the grass to enjoy the summer sunshine. Generous Communities in Bloom volunteers have even beautified the space. “They spent over twenty hours planting all new flower beds with perennials for the library. We expect those to start coming up soon and provide a beautiful, lush addition to the yard,” said Kubelka.

Those sitting outside can even hook up to the library’s free Wi-Fi. “The library makes a great stop on an afternoon walk. We have washrooms available and snacks. We even have a butterfly house outside, making it friendly to pollinators and a hummingbird feeder. It helps make the outside area around the library inviting, and we hope that residents come and enjoy it through the summer,” noted Kubelka. The library’s operating hours will be 10 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday over the next few months.