HORNEPAYNE—Hornepayne’s Public Library launched their Stories in the Park Program, July 7 and it runs until Aug. 25, 2022.
Every Thursday mornings from10-11:30 a.m., families come together to meet at Toddler Park which is located at the Pavilion.
Library CEO, Darnelle Hill speaks proudly about the program describing it as an opportunity to not only engage the children and families who attend to read the stories they offer each Thursday morning but to also promote outdoor activities.
“We have three stories that we don’t necessarily read in their entirety, as well as an activity during that time, on Thursday mornings,” said Hill. “We run the program in partnership with EarlyON Child and Family Centre, and their program supervisor, Laureen Stefanic,” added Hill.
“Each Thursday morning the families meet at Toddler Park, where everyone is welcome, including those who just want to drop-in,” stated Hill. “We spread out a blanket and read stories. Then we engage the children in an activity that is nature based,” explained Hill.
She also spoke of the group sometimes doing a story walk during which is an activity organized in partnership with the TD Summer Reading Program which is available until September.
These programs and activities are open to all families in the community and any one who wishes to drop in is more than welcome. Hill speaks about how these programs promote the outdoors and is a safe way to offer these programs. The activities are engaging and encourage enjoying nature.
This week for example, Hill described the painting activity that the children took park in. They painted rocks and leaves again in order to get involved in and with nature.
Hill spoke about the fact the library is in the process of offering other outdoor programs. The Library CEO also hinted about some of the upcoming events that the municipality has to look forward too.
Hill shared that they are working with the community to offer a first time “Great community Hallowe’en Swap Event” as purchasing Hallowe’en costumes is not something community members can do in Hornepayne. “This event is to encourage families to participate in their Hallowe’en Swap event so that we can encourage the idea of “reuse, reduce, recycle”, with costumes.
The library is organizing their “Culture Days” scheduled to go on until the end of September, and Oct. 31, they are planning to have as many businesses participating in their “trick or treat” event to decorate their car trunks and hand out Hallowe’en candy.
These great family-based and community supported events continue to engage children and families to read and stay active, while enjoying the outdoors.