The Arcola Library hosted Culture Days on Saturday, Sept. 27, with displays in the library and a BBQ. The day before saw kids yarn bombing throughout the community.
Although an exact count of how many people attended is unknown, Colleen Hietenan said the Library Board sold six dozen hot dogs and were very happy with the number of people coming and going throughout the day.
As with many functions in Arcola, Phyllis Cameron – The Cinnamon Bun Lady – brought dessert for the BBQ and also enjoyed showing people around the museum in Arcola.
Art created by local artists was on display as was art created by the grades four and five at Arcola School.
Autumn Downey, showcased her pottery in the library where there were also displays of quilted blankets. The library is currently selling tickets on pottery and a blanket, each of which were donated to the library. Tickets are still available and the draw will take place during Library Week in October.
“It's a wonderful event,” Heitenan explained. “It generates funds for the library to be used for all of our programs.”
“We had a nice turnout and the weather cooperated. It's a great collaboration by a lot of different community people.”
The Arcola Library also welcomed a new board member, Kendal Mitchel, to join their ranks.
This year the library has been featuring Wacky Wednesdays after school and have set up knit-a-row-and-go, Culture Days, plans for Library Week, and yarn bombing.
Recently the library introduced LEAP, a new program, which makes the library more interactive as it sends a text out if a book is due or if one is waiting for pickup. Additionally a new feature at the library is Hoopla, which offers five items free per card, there's no waiting, and you can watch movies, read books, and more for seven days before it leaves your device.
A new program that librarian, Tanya Pongracz, is currently looking into is introducing infant CPR.
“It's totally different than what everyone else in the field has got and with so many new babies in the community we think there would be lots interested,” she explained.
Although this hasn't been confirmed yet, Pongracz welcomes people to like their Facebook page: Arcola Public Library Branch where updates and information is posted.
