A Year in Review
- Dawn Travers
- Dec 30, 2022
- 3 min read
Throughout 2022, your friends at the Essa Public Library hosted not only a variety of wonderful programs and events, but we also got to highlight some of the unique items we have in our collection. We played host to over ten authors this year as part of our Simcoe Author Talk Series, Simcoe Reads, Essalicious, and Simcoe NaNoWriMo. If you missed our author talk with Krista White this past November, as we celebrated National Novel Writing Month, you can catch the recording below.
It’s not only been a wonderful experience to collaborate with our neighbouring community libraries, but we’ve built some excellent program series together.
Feedback from Essa residents has been delightful, especially for the Thornton Branch refresh! With partnerships like the Smile Cookie Campaign from Tim Hortons, we were able to give Thornton Branch a new look.
Our Lego wall is a big hit and our makerspace offers a unique experience to anyone interested in making something one-of-a-kind. With comfortable seating and a cozy community room, the Thornton Branch really is the little library that could.
Our summer programs were a highlight, and our Children’s Programming team worked tirelessly to offer a variety of activities and events. Family FUN-raiser was a success, with over 300 members of the community joining us for fun in the sun.
A new addition to our children's program line-up was our after-school program, What’s Up Wednesday with Christine. Kids could play games, share in team-building activities, and learn about maker tech and STEAM.
We were also able to offer some unique programs with the help of our friends at the Angus Arena, including a skating-storytime.
Our programs weren’t the only highlight; we also have a growing collection of maker kits, puzzles and games for all ages. Why not take out our poker set? We’ve also got a folding card table! Our Kitchen Library offers a wide variety of small kitchen appliances, from bread making, to cake trays, popcorn makers, warming trays, an Instapot and air fryers. This unique collection is great if you’re thinking of purchasing something for yourself but want to know what it’s like beforehand.
We also were able to offer take-home-tech to adults and seniors through our New Horizons grant. Chromebooks, iPads, internet hubs, Bluetooth speakers and music kits are available to take home and enjoy for a three-week checkout. Our Tech Tutor Appointment program has been a hit. This program continues into 2023 and offers a one-on-one learning experience focused on helping adults and seniors in the Essa community get meaningful results and answers to their tech questions. We are delighted to have four wonderful students who will assist you in a 30 minute session tailored to your unique tech needs.
For more information or to inquire about an appointment, fill out this Google Form and one of our Tech Tutors will contact you.
Another great change happened in 2022: our reciprocal borrowing agreements expanded! We now have agreements with more neighbouring communities which will increase your access to library materials, services and so much more. Visit one of the following libraries in Simcoe County: Clearview, Georgian College, Innisfil IdeaLAB and Library, New Tecumseth, Penetanguishene, Ramara, Severn, Tay Township, and Wasaga Beach. Show staff there your Essa Public Library card and proof of address, like a driver's licence, and get a membership.
With 2022 about to wrap up, all the staff at the Essa Public Library want to thank you for your positive feedback, warm words, and appreciation of the work we do. It’s been a delight to share in learning experiences with you, foster reading habits and quality fun with young ones, offering meaningful programs and events, and engage in conversation on all things book. We hope you’ve had a safe and enjoyable holiday and we look forward to sharing in more good times with you in 2023.
By Dawn Travers
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