By Bird Bouchard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As the doors to library branches remain open, local library officials remind the public of the many activities and services still offered.
Chief Librarian Tania Sharpe said the library branches across Chatham-Kent are open. She highlighted that regular services are still available, and staff are ready to help.
“All the services you know and love are back at full strength,” said Sharpe. “We are very much open and ready to help you find your next great read.”
While Sharpe said regular services such as book checkouts, wifi and computer availability and community information are still available, she encourages the community to check out some of the programs offered.
“Masks are not required at the library but are strongly encouraged when attending programs,” said Sharpe.
Of the many programs offered, Sharpe highlighted one of the newest programs offered in Ridgetown – the Lego Club.
Lego Club enthusiasts at the Ridgetown Branch meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Each week, different hands-on activities are offered with time to build your small designs. Lego and Duplo are available for ages 4 to 104. The club began in April and will continue to run until June 14.
Also highlighted was another program available, which makes starting a garden a lot easier.
“Chatham-Kent Public Library members can borrow seeds for free, save the seeds they grow and return some of those seeds to the library at the end of the growing season,” said Cassey Beauvais, manager of public services with the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
Officials with the Chatham-Kent Public Library have set a goal to distribute more than 8,000 packages of seeds from its annual seed library this year.
If successful, that would exceed the 6,200 packages for growing vegetables, flowers and herbs loaned out last Spring. The seeds are available at the Chatham, Blenheim, Bothwell, Dresden, Highgate, Merlin, Ridgetown, Thamesville, Tilbury and Wallaceburg branches. Wheatley-area residents can visit the Wheatley Depot for their seeds at the Village Resource Centre.
For those looking to spice up their lives, there’s a program available for that too.
Libraries across the municipality offer a monthly Spice Club. The free monthly program provides everyone registered with a monthly Spice Kit. The kit includes information about and the history of each spice, two recipes to try, and a sample of the spice to use in the recipes.
Spice Club members are encouraged to try the recipes at home. On the last Tuesday of each month, members will meet virtually with the group to discuss the history and uses of each spice and share how they’ve enjoyed cooking with it.
“It’s been really popular. We have received so much positive feedback,” said Sharpe.
Also offered are 3D printing services, which let members design a 3D model at home, which will then be sent to the library for printing. The cost of printing is $1 plus $0.10 per gram of filament used.
“You design a 3D model at home, send us the file and the specifications via our web form, and we’ll print and send the object to your local branch for pickup,” said Sharpe.
Also offered are movie nights, virtual trivia, puzzles, audiobook clubs, storytimes, and much more.
“No matter your interests, there’s probably a book, movie or program suited for you,” said Sharpe. – The Ridgetown Independent News
