Movie sound effects, Wii dance party, bookmobile fun day

Mary Ann Meihm

Children in Strathcona Heights were treated to a fun and educational March Break program by staff from the Rideau Branch of the Ottawa Public Library on March 15. The children were taught how to make movie sound effects, and then, using a scene from the Wizard of Oz, played out the scene, while it was narrated and taped by library staff. It was then played back for them to see how it worked. In addition, a Wii dance party was held, using the Just Dance game on loan from the library. Books were available for the children to look through, and the bookmobile was there for those who wanted to sign up for a card and borrow from the collection of books, music discs, games and museum passes. It was a fun time, with even the adults participating, and everyone is now looking forward to the summer program.

What began as part of the Bookmobile Outreach program last summer has grown, with the help of the Rideau Branch, to promote all of the services offered by the Ottawa Public Library.

Summer Bookmobile activities

In an effort to provide activities to make children and families aware of the many services provided by the bookmobile and the Ottawa Public Library, the neighbourhood has organized a weekly event, to be held in the summer on Thursdays when school is out, providing activities like story time and crafts. Since the program will run from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the summertime, healthy snacks and drinks will be provided.

The program will continue in July and August, and expand to include a drop-in coffee group for adults and seniors in the neighbourhood who visit and use the bookmobile services. The project serves multiple purposes, such as promoting reading among young people and bringing seniors in the community together to chat, in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

The bookmobile visits 731A Chapel Street every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. all year.

The project is a part of the community outreach programs of the Strathcona Heights Neighbourhood Circle; for further information about the program, you can contact mmeihm@rogers.com