October is Canadian Library Month!
Join us all month long as we celebrate and raise awareness of libraries' valuable roles in Canadians’ lives.
Canadian Library Month is a huge month for libraries, we look forward to it like a child looks forward to Christmas! This year is no different, which is why we went a little wild with all our celebrations! We have activities and programs planned all month long that celebrate reading, libraries, literacy, and especially, our patrons!
Programs
Our Community Engagement team has been busy making the most out of this month of library merriment! They have created and planned programs for all ages and interests throughout the month. Below are just a few of the many programs they have lovingly created just for you:
Children (2-5yrs) should prepare for a blast of biblio fun with Little Librarians on October 3! Join us from 10:30-11:30 or from 6:00-7:00 for library-themed stories, singing, games and activities!
At Rise & Shine on October 5, newborn-5yrs, you are invited to dress as your favourite story book character. Whether that be the Cat In The Hat, Winnie the Pooh, or even Bluey, we want to see your costumes!
Meanwhile, at Kids Night Out (6-8yrs) on October 11 and Tween Night Out (9-12yrs) on October 18 we are bringing the spooky into Library Month with a Halloween-themed program! We will be telling with scary stories around a life-like campfire and then taking part in library themed activities.
We are bringing our love of upcycled book crafting to Craft & Chat on October 13 for adults by creating book wreaths!
Teens (13-17yrs) can join us for a frightful evening of scary films on October 19 from 5:30-9:30. We’ll provide the snacks, just settle in for some scares with the screening of Final Destination, Pan’s Labyrinth and Scream!
Drop-in Activities
You can also pop by our library for some drop-in activities for Library Month! Follow the footsteps inside our library to discover a story walk starring our own resident book worm, Wylie, and his love of libraries!
At the end of the story walk will be an activity where you can show off your own love of books, reading, story times, and everything library related! Turn your project in to our service desk to have it displayed on our first-floor windows for the world to see your artwork!
While exploring the library you may see our brand-new Library Loot Machine! Use your library card to check out a pile of books at the Service Desk to earn a token and try your luck winning some fun loot! To make October Library Month extra special, staff will also have some of these special tokens to randomly hand out to kids (0-12) caught reading or caught being a kind library leader! Please limit winning to one prize daily per child.
Stick around for a photo op with our life-sized library card and window-shop through our displays of community-chosen favourite stories!
Libraries are more than just books! Libraries promote cultural awareness, engage in the community, provide educational programs, support freedom of expression and so much more.
Here are 10 things you might not know you can do with a library card:
1. Try a Hobby
We have a variety of kits filled with everything you might need to test-drive a new hobby. Interested in streaming? Check out the Video Kit! Looking to expand your photography skills? Our Photography Kit has you covered. There are so many more, including coding kits for littles looking to explore and have fun.
2. Learn a New Language
Wanting to brush up on your French? Impress a date with your Spanish? Planning a a trip to Italy? New to Canada and looking to brush up on English? Give Pronunciator a try!
With Pronunciator you can learn over 160 languages, including ELL for 51 languages. Don't forget to check out the Bluebird app (powered by Pronunciator) to learn a language on the go. We also have a weekly English Language Learners Conversation Group that is free to attend.
3. Host a Game Night
Having your friends over for a fun game night? Looking for some games to keep the kiddos busy on those No-School Fridays? Check out our Board Game collection! This collection is a great way to try our new games, or classic favourites, without having to commit to purchasing them yourself.
4. Stream a Movie, TV Show or Music
On hoopla you can not only read eBooks and graphic novels/comics, and listen to eAudiobooks (with no holds or waitlists) but you can also watch movies, stream great music, and watch episodes of TV shows. For free. On as many devices as you'd like. (Netflix who?) While you're there, make sure to check out their BingePasses that include collections of materials under one check out.
5. Learn about Your Family
We subscribe to Ancestry Library Edition (within the library) so you don't have to! Discover your family history and trace your genetic roots with Ancestry. See what you can discover with a search of your family name.
6. Access World Languages
If you're looking for a taste of home, we offer thousands of titles in over 24 languages from around the world (for all ages).
7. Borrow Items from Other Libraries in Alberta
Sure, your free library card gives you access to EVERYTHING we offer at WBRL, but did you know you can also borrow items at other libraries in Alberta? First, you can place an interlibrary loan for titles we don't have in our collection and if we can we'll get it shipped here for you to borrow. Second, you can sign up for ME Libraries and use your WBRL card to borrow physical items from other libraries just like a local cardholder. Saving all over the...province.
8. Learn about Indigenous History and Culture
Visit the Bouchier Indigenous Cultural Corner to check out a story by an Indigenous author or creator. Find a title to help you learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture, history, and way of life.
9. Figure Out How to Repair Your Car
If cars and trucks are your passion, or you'd like to try saving a few bucks by diagnosing and fixing your own vehicle, check out Auto Repair Source. Powered by the automotive experts at MOTOR, Auto Repair Source provides the most accurate, authoritative and up-to-date service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.
10. Save Thousands of Dollars by Checking Out Books. And Movies. And Video Games. And Technology.
Yes, we mean thousands (look at the bottom of your check out receipt on your next visit if you don't believe us).
You can save the money on checking out books alone, but we have so much more than the latest books. And movies. And video games. From fun boxes to internet hubs, and almost everything in between. We also offer titles in accessible formats such as large print, braille, and CELA.
Even better? We won't charge you late fees.
Canadian Library Month is a great time to get your free library card and explore all that we offer for yourself.
Library lovers, let us know in the comments if we missed anything that you enjoy doing with your card.
-Nicole Andrews, Communications Coordinator & Jessie Levesque, Library Services Associate
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