Woodstock Public Library shares details on new reciprocal borrowing and Early Years programming

Gillian Green, public services supervior with some books that will be handed out on Family Literacy Day. (Contributed Photo)

Alex Hunt, Echo Contributor

Family Literacy Day and the new reciprocal borrowing program hit the shelves at the Woodstock Public Library.

The Woodstock Public Library launched the new reciprocal borrowing program on Jan.1. Shared with Oxford County Library, the program allows locals throughout the county to conveniently receive a library card from both branches.

“Previously, that was a bit more challenging, and there was a cost when getting a card from both library systems,” said Lindsay Harris, CEO of the Woodstock Public Library. “We have removed that barrier. Resident can take stuff out at either library, but they must return the borrowed item to the correct library system.”

“There were a lot of different factors that brought this idea forward. We know people need to access our services if they go to school or work near a different branch, and we wanted to make sure it was convenient for them to stop by on their commute.”

On Jan. 17, the Woodstock Public Library will be having an all-day drop-in Winnie the Pooh Party. Locals will have the opportunity to participate in activities, crafts and stories. A special story time reading will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

On Jan. 24, the library is bringing back its annual Family Literacy Day. Running from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the event promotes literacy-related programming opportunities for families. Centred on the theme ‘Make Mealtime Family Learning Time,’ it provides an opportunity for families to incorporate literacy skills into their kitchen activities.

The event will also include a visit from ‘Granny’s Kitchen’ author, Sadé Smith, who will be teaching attendees about Jamaican cuisine. Families will also have the opportunity to try Smith’s dairy-free mango smoothies. Free children's books donated by Friends of the Library will also be given out to visitors.

“The most important thing to take away from Family Literacy Day is recognizing how vital early literacy is in developing reading and critical thinking skills,” explained Gillian Green, public services supervisor at the Woodstock Public Library.

“Literacy isn’t just about reading; it’s so much more. It’s always exciting when we have authors visit who are passionate about their work, and it’s wonderful to see them engage with the community.”

On Feb. 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the library will host Wearable Technologies: Custom Light Up Sneakers, a workshop catered to Grade 9 and 12 students. University of Waterloo Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business students will visit the library and teach students about design and electronics programming. Participants will also have the opportunity to work on light-up sneakers.

“I think this is great for people to check out the libraries and see what they have both in their home community and throughout the county,” said Harris. “There are lots of things beyond books and story times at the libraries now, both of our collections complement each other really well, there’s something for everyone at the library.”