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More than books circulate at Stettler Public Library

The Stettler Public Library breaks the stereotype that a library is just shelves of books.
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Storyteller Mary Ann Lippiatt intrigues children last week during a visit to the Stettler Public Library

The Stettler Public Library breaks the stereotype that a library is just shelves of books. To say there’s a lot to do at the library would seem to be an understatement.

Organizers say the summer months are packed full of programs geared to all ages, with special activities to suit the interests of teens and younger visitors.

Helping with the extra activities at the library are summer students Travis Feddema and Carly McLeod. McLeod is the teen co-ordinator, while Feddema co-ordinates programs in the five-to-12 age group.

There are organized activities every weekday this summer. McLeod said there’s still room for more teen participants.

“Most programs are literacy-focused and there are no registration fees,” said library manager Mary Zazelenchuk.

Last Wednesday, the library hosted storyteller Mary Ann Lippiatt to entertain the under-12 group. In another area of the library, youngsters were busy making crafts in the Summer Sound Sessions program that’s co-ordinated by Speech and Language Services.

The summer reading program encourages young readers by having them log their reading minutes on a chart. The youngsters have achieved about 7,500 minutes of reading. When they reach 15,000 minutes, they’ll be rewarded with a pizza party, say organizers.

Reading Buddies is a program that runs twice a week, during which readers read to youngsters in the four-to-seven age category. There are many volunteer readers, so there’s plenty of room for more young people  who enjoy being read to.

There are story-writing workshops for all age groups and movie nights twice a week. Book discussions, puppet shows, murder mysteries, open mic night, wacky hair day, scavenger hunts and game nights add to the fun. Imagination is encouraged in craft projects and making practical items. Some of the programs offer prizes.

A wind-up party is planned for the last day of the summer program, with a draw for an e-reader.

Seniors on board

The library provides many services for seniors, too. The outreach program delivers books to the lodges and others around town.

Seniors can call 403-742-5858 for free Handibus service to the library. Tech Time for Seniors is held once a month to help seniors with their computers, e-readers, digital cameras and any other device.

Book enthusiasts in the adult category can participate in book discussion groups at the library, such as Brain Candy Book Club and Reader’s Circle.

In adapting with the times, Stettler Public Library offers e-reader downloads and assistance for e-reader users. Computer and Internet services are also available.

Organizers say those are just a few of the services offered at the Stettler library. They encourage town and county residents to visit the library “to see how much more than just books it offers.”