Get between the covers with your local library during this weekend's exciting kick off to Literacy Week
By Kyra Hoggan
This coming weekend is a huge one for the Castlegar and District Public Library, with oodles of not-to-miss programming for the entire family.
Librarian Arlee Venier says the library is kicking off Family Literacy Week in style, starting with a giant book sale in the large meeting room downstairs, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday. Venier says there will be tons of excellent books sorted by genre through which shoppers can browse, and purchase terrific finds by donation to the library (this is an important fund-raiser for the venue).
According to Venier, Saturday, Jan. 24, may be the best day to check out the huge selection, because then you can also enjoy a fabulous children’s event upstairs from 12 to 2 p.m., featuring storytime, games, songs, snacks and prizes.
While the kids are enjoying their own special library treat, the adults can indulge in a truly rare opportunity called a “Living Library” (also from 12 to 2 p.m.) while indulging in free coffee and snacks.
“There will be five representatives from different community organizations seated at different tables throughout the library,” Venier says. “You can ‘borrow’ this person for half-an-hour and ask any question you like, get information and advice, chat their ears off, if you like.
“And when you check out a ‘living book’, you get to enter your name in a draw to win a prize.”
The five organizations represented will be:
· Dementia and Alzheimer Society: Get your concerns answered if you have a friend or relative with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
· Castlegar Hospice Society : Advance Care Planning-Have a voice in your future health care decisions.
· Family Historians Society: Time to start exploring your family tree?
· Castlegar Parks & Trails Society: Do you have questions about the trails in our area? Safety concerns etc.
· Notary Public: Now is the time to get that information you have wanted to know.
All in all, Venier said, it will be a fun and interactive way to promote literacy and support your public library.
“We’re very excited – it’s going to be a busy day,” she said.
