Summer planning under way

Summer may seem a long way off, but already planning is under way for creative activities at Maple Creek Branch Library. Art and crafts are likely to be in the program, along with plenty of good books.
Of course, a lot depends on the COVID-19 pandemic. Will the curve be flat enough in July and August to allow a return to a semblance of normality?
Hopefully, the library’s Summer Reading Club will be back in full swing and outdoor group events possible.
One of the activities planned is “stained glass art”. Don’t worry, children won’t be handling actual glass … the material used will be page protectors, those clear sheets that protect books from spills, dust and debris.
You will find an example of this art form in the front window at the library, by librarian Violet Wong’s work area.
She used acrylic paint and glue to create her eye-catching fleur-de-lis design.
“It will be a safe activity for children,” said Violet.
The plan is for the Summer Reading Club to kick off on the first Friday in July. It will run for eight Fridays.
Activities and books will be based on the theme “Game On”.
“Of course, what we can do will depend on the Department of Health guidelines,” said Violet.
If restrictions are eased, then Violet would like nothing better than to have an outdoor activity.
How about another puppet show by Maple Creek-raised author Tekeyla Friday, who puts on children’s programs and literacy events for the Chinook Regional Library? Last time, her show in the grounds outside the Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre proved a big hit.
“I would love to get Tekeyla back here some day,” said Wong.
At last Tuesday’s Maple Creek Town Council, the library got a rave review from Councillor Len Barkman.
“It is phenomenal how much it is used,” he said.
Councillor Barkman said interest in reading and puzzles had taken off during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our library has both books and puzzles,” he said, adding: “I am really impressed with how many books have gone through the library. In one year, there were 10,000 books circulated through the library. People are using it. People are saving thousands of dollars because they are borrowing books, not buying them.“
Councillor Barkman said that in 2000 he had set himself a goal of reading a book a month. He had stuck to that, sometimes exceeding that target. Saying Maple Creek was blessed with a great team at the library, he urged fellow councillors to take advantage of the facility.
“If you haven’t thought about reading books, check out the library. They have some great books,” he said.

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