From learning how to safely build a summer campfire to taking a closer look at the inside of a police car, the Kawartha Lakes Public Library invites area children to meet local firefighters and police officers at their local library branch.
Paramedics, along with snow plow, garbage truck, and other heavy equipment operators, will also share with kids a glimpse into their jobs — and a peek into their vehicles — through a series of special story time sessions in the coming weeks across Kawartha Lakes.
“We hope that these events provide an opportunity for children and adults alike to meet the people that help make Kawartha Lakes a safe and welcoming space,” Marieke Junkin, manager of programming and public services for the Kawartha Lakes Public Library, told kawarthaNOW.
“Libraries have long been known as a source of information and learning,” Junkin said. “As communities’ hubs, we also recognize that our library branches are an important space for people to not only connect with each other, but also with the organizations and service providers that make Kawartha Lakes a safe and welcoming space to live.”
The upcoming events will be geared towards children and families, but all community members are welcome to attend, meet some of their local emergency responders, thank them for everything they do and, of course, explore their vehicles, a media release noted.
Junkin said the Kawartha Lakes Public Library has enjoyed strong relationships and long partnerships with Kawartha Lakes fire services, police services, and paramedics for story time events at its Lindsay location.
“These have always been a hit with our younger patrons, their families, and caregivers,” Junkin noted. “Last year, when planning our 2023 line-up of summer events, our team wondered what if we could offer this incredible learning experience to library users at our 13 other library branches in Kawartha Lakes.”
“We were happy to hear that not only could we offer these events in all those communities, but also that the OPP, Miller Waste, Kawartha Lakes Transit, and City of Kawartha Lakes roads operations were interested in visiting library branches to talk about the services they provide. This summer, we are excited to be offering 20 events featuring partnerships with these various service providers.”
While a number of the events took place during July, there are still plenty coming up in August.
Police story time
Kawartha Lakes Public Library invites the community to participate in an interactive story time with a local police officer. Children may even get to explore a police car.
- Bethany branch: Thursday, August 1 at 4 p.m.
- Dunsford branch: Tuesday, August 13 at 2 p.m.
- Coboconk branch: Friday, August 23 at 11 a.m.
Firefighter story time
Participants will meet local firefighters with Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service who will tell stories, demonstrate how their gear works, and share important fire safety tips. Children will also get the opportunity to explore a fire truck.
- Omemee branch: Tuesday, July 30 at 10:30 a.m.
- Kinmount branch: Thursday, August 15 at 11 a.m.
- Lindsay branch: Friday, August 16 at 11 a.m.
Campfire story time
Kawartha Lakes Fire Services is offering a special campfire edition of story time. “Join us to learn how to safely build and burn a real campfire. Pull up your lawn chair to hear stories, sing songs and then learn how to safely extinguish a campfire.”
- Oakwood branch: Wednesday, August 14 at 10:30 a.m.
“Touch a Truck” – explore an ambulance
Participants will meet local paramedics with Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service, learn about their jobs, and explore an ambulance.
- Lindsay branch: Friday, August 9 at 10:30 a.m.
“Touch A Truck” – explore a garbage truck
“Ever wondered what it’s like inside a garbage truck? You can find out at the library this summer. Meet local waste management staff and learn all about the lifecycle of garbage and recycling with fun activities.”
- Fenelon Falls branch: Friday, August 16 at 11 a.m.
“Touch A Truck” – explore heavy equipment
View a Kawartha Lakes snow plow and other heavy equipment up close and personal at the library. Meet the staff who operate these machines and keep area roads clean and safe for travelling.
- Norland branch: Thursday, August 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Bobcaygeon branch: Wednesday, August 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Wheels On The Bus story time
“Join library staff as Lindsay Transit is taking us for a special bus ride as we enjoy stories and songs about things that go. Contact the Lindsay branch to register as seats are limited.”
- Lindsay branch: Friday, August 2 at 10:30 a.m.
Visit www.kawarthalakeslibrary.ca for more information about these and other events at the Kawartha Lakes Public Library.
