TIMMINS – This summer was an exciting success for the library.
The Timmins Public Library is hosting a Space Lego Challenge at the Main Branch and CM Shields Centennial Branch to commemorate the most successful run of the TD Summer Reading Program, which has seen 512 children read 5,080 books since June.
“The new space and the ability to have a refreshed atmosphere during the summer has really increased library usage,” says Amy Knifton, assistant director of the Timmins Public Library.
The Lego Challenge has attracted a lot of attention and Patrick Selin, who was there with his son Henrik, said it was a great place for families to play together.
“The children will also be preparing for the school year,” he said. “It’s a good transition from the summer.”
On a gray, wet day, parents and families were in the library to stay dry.
Ron Hanes said it was a great way to spend a rainy day with his grandchildren, Alex and Amelia Duguay.
“Who doesn’t love Lego?” he said.
The TD Summer Reading Program is a nationwide bilingual program that supports over 2,000 libraries in Canada to inspire a love of reading in children of all reading levels.
Francine Denis, children and youth services librarian, said the programs’ presence at events during the summer, such as the BIA downtown markets and story walks, has made it easier for children to get involved.
“On every trip we had registration forms for the reading club. I think the reading club was so successful because you didn’t have to come to the library to pick up the forms,” she said.
Each registered child received a rocket to color and decorate, and the rocket was hung in the library with the child’s face on it.
“They could come in and find their rocket on the wall, and everyone could fuel their rocket by reading,” Knifton said.
Thanks to support from Newmont Gold and the Conseil scolaire catholique de District des Grandes-Rivières, the library also distributed 315 books.
Library staff are putting together a story walk featuring Aviaq Johnston’s book “What’s My Superpower?” and their fall program for the long weekend at Hersey Lake.
The September schedule of library programs and activities is available online. The Lego Zone is open daily at both branches through Friday, August 30, and at the main branch through Saturday, August 31.
