By Alexander Zelenyj
Special to The Star
It’s an exciting time for the Essex County Library. Fresh from receiving renewed grant funding for its educational programs, the library is preparing to launch its Summer of Learning.
The six-week learning program runs from July 6 to August 14. Its aim is to inspire children, teens and parents to continue learning in the summer. “Our focus is on three main areas,” says Robin Greenall, CEO and Chief Librarian. “Reading, learning, and creating.”
The program emphasizes the time spent on reading, with the goal for participants to read 300 minutes over the course of the summer. Everyone who completes one hour of reading will be eligible to win an iPad mini.
The learning programs of the past focused almost exclusively on reading-related activities, but today there’s a much broader variety of learning initiatives in place. “We are also seeking community members with special interests and talents to work with us to provide programs for all ages,” explains Greenall.
This includes crafting sessions, engineering clubs and artists giving demonstrations. “We are in the age of the new literacy, “transliteracy,” the ability to read, write and communicate across all communications platforms, tools and media,” emphasizes Greenall. “Students are encouraged to explore science, math, engineering, arts and technology. We need to support how technology has changed our environment.”
Participants gather at LaSalle library to create 3-D bracelets and other objects, one of the Essex County Library’s many programs.
– Rick Dawes photo
The Essex County Library offers non-traditional learning programs and resources aimed at encouraging 21st century skills. These include having high-speed internet and Wi-Fi at its branches, and the introduction of digital resources such as electronic books and Hoopla video services, which allows library members to stream video content.
“A progressive society includes citizens with skills that move us forward, that drive our economy – science and technology are today’s driving vehicles,” says Jennifer Franklin-McInnis, Deputy Chief Librarian/ Manager of Branches. “We want to offer programs that may not be expected in the library.”
This includes the Makerspace idea of learning. “The Makerspace idea encourages participants to create together, using their creativity to foster an environment of play and learning,” says McInnis.
The Essex County Library offers a variety of Makerspace programs for all ages.
Kids can join the Snapology robotics building program, using Lego blocks and other building tools to learn math and engineering skills. They can also attend workshops by Hackforge, a group which offers education and instruction in activities featuring new technologies that includes making 3-D bracelets and other objects from digital images.
Adults can come together individually or as a group and take part in computer technology labs.
This 3-D product came out of Hackforge’s program at LaSalle Library.
– Rick Dawes photo
Continuing to learn throughout the summer is important for children. “Public libraries have a core value to support lifelong learning,” says Greenall. “It’s what we do. Learning takes place at every stage in life. The Essex County Library would like to expand our traditional children’s summer programming to encourage all our community residents to read, learn and create in a fun environment.”
The Essex County Library has fourteen branch locations, including LaSalle, Lakeshore, Tecumseh, and Amherstburg. To learn more about the Essex County Library’s exciting summer learning programs call 519-776-5241 or visit http://www.essexcountylibrary.ca.
This story was produced by The Windsor Star Custom Content Studio in partnership with the Essex County Library
To see some of the programs at the Lakeshore branch, see below.
