Photo supplied.
CMLibrary patrons play a game of “Elastics” outside the Millbrook branch.
The CMLibraries continues to offer summer programming with a literacy focus at both branches. For August, we have added new programs to our summer line up. Which programs will your family register for? Join our Bubble Club! This program is fun for all ages and incorporates STEM skills. We will be making our own individual bubble wands, even 3-D shapes. Can you predict what shape a bubble will be when we use a cube shaped wand? Does a difference in weather impact how long a bubble will last? Let’s take a deep dive into the science of bubbles.
We have also added a new program that is designed to unite literacy and fun…”Family Literacy Games”! We will have a selection of games to help build literacy skills and fun summer memories (examples: Anomia, UpWords). Our Summer Programmer will be available to help you by offering a quick start guide. You can also get your heart rate up and share some memories by participating in our “Archived Recess Program”. We are bringing back old school recess games, think of games like double dutch, elastics, Mother May I, and more.
We will also have posters displayed with traditional songs that accompany these fun games. Our programs are all outside this year, we encourage you to bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and bug spray. You can also find more programs and reserve your spot on our Google Form online: cmlibraries.ca. Be sure to register 24 hours in advance to allow our staff to prepare materials. A new form is posted every Friday afternoon for the programs available the next week.
We have exciting news to share with the community. We have received a grant from “Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations”. This grant has a focus on ensuring that the children’s picture books at the CMLibraries are diverse and inclusive. We have hired a new summer student to execute our “Authentic Voices” grant who will be tracking the frequency of diverse characters in our collection. Meet Carrie:
“Hello! My name is Carrie Caruana. I am 18 and am going to Trent University in the fall. This summer I am employed at the Cavan Monaghan Libraries to create a diversity audit of the children’s picture books and to screen them for bias or inappropriate content. I grew up with the Millbrook library and it’s where my love of reading started, so I am super happy to help do my part in making sure everyone can see themselves in the books they read.” Stay tuned for Carrie’s recommended reading lists, book pairings, and other important details from her work.
With the current media coverage, have you been wondering how you can do your part to move towards reconciliation? The first step is education! Often people don’t know where to start, how to find information or even how to judge the validity of the information. This month we will have a series of self guided learning experiences to start you on your journey of learning. In Indigenous nations, learning is a life-long endeavor, where all levels of knowledge are honoured. To follow in this tradition this programming is open for participants of all ages! A new learning experience at the Millbrook Branch will be posted every Saturday at 10 and will be available for use until the following Saturday.
As always there are more details and activities available in our monthly newsletter, available in print format at your local branch or on our website. For more information follow our Facebook page (@cavanmonaghanlibraries), our website: cmlibraries.ca or call your local branch (Bruce Johnston Branch: 705.741.1253, Millbrook Branch: 705.932.2919).
By Melanie Crouch, Coordinator of Programming, Partnerships, and Outreach, Cavan-Monaghan Libraries
