The Beatles said it best: “We get by with a little help from our friends.”
At the Wellington Branch of the County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives, library services and programs are continuously enhanced by the involvement of the community. This level of community support for the library goes all the way back to the origin of the library in Wellington.
The Wellington Branch Library was originally opened thanks to a gift from Dr. Parry Saylor, who funded the construction of the building to honor his mother, Annie Dorland Saylor. This spirit of involvement continues to this day.
The Friends of the Wellington Branch Library are a volunteer group of library lovers who work throughout the year to support the library, including through their annual Canada Day and Pumpkinfest gently used book sales.
Chair of the group Dianne Cranshaw recently presented Nancy Puddy with a cheque for $500 in support of the 1000 Books (or more) before Kindergarten program. This program encourages children and their families to read 1000 or more books before starting school. The gift from the Friends will be used to purchase books to give to participants as they finish the program.
The Wellington Branch Library book club has been meeting for many years and is a friendly, lively group. New members are welcome, and anyone interested in joining the group can inquire at the library. It’s a great way to be introduced to new books as well as to meet new people. Children’s programs at the Wellington Branch have also been enhanced by community support this summer.
Carson’s Garden and Market, yoga teacher Jennifer Cobb, artist Rhonda Nolan and Sam Valdiva of La Condesa have shared their expertise in a series called “Weekly Wonders in Wellington” designed to introduce participants to a wide array of hobbies and activities. There are two more opportunities to join in the fun this summer.
On Wednesday, August 9 at 11:00 a.m. Lisa Morris of the Lavender farm will lead children in the creation of lavender sachets.
On Wednesday, August 16 at 11 a.m. Ed Krouse of Ideal Bike will lead a program all about bike safety. Participants are encouraged to bring their bicycles.
Brenda Little has volunteered to lead after-school ukulele class this fall starting on September 14 for ages 7 and up. Little’s experience in teaching music is invaluable and makes it possible for the library to offer this program. Participants can bring their own ukulele or borrow one. Register and find the complete schedule of library programs online at peclibrary.org or in print at any branch of the library.
-Liz Zylstra