As the intemperate, gloomy, dark days of winter continue to curtail the activities of many individuals, the Medstead Library is offering a wealth of warmth to those traversing its portals.
A winter reading program for young adults, sponsored by Innovation Credit Union, is based on the concept of who can read the most pages, with the goal being to win the grand prize of a $25 gift certificate from Scholastic Books. A weekly draw is also held where participants can choose from librarian Nissa Shiell's box of prizes.
"We're buying new books and developing literacy in youth," said Shiell of the program, which is open to anyone who can read novels. "The youngest is in Grade 4 and the oldest is in high school."
The program, in its infancy, has so far attracted 12 participants.
For wee ones, the library has story hour for those of pre-school age every Tuesday starting at 10:30 a.m. However, attendance has been below average lately, said Shiell, due to the tots advancing into the public school system.
"We read a story and do a craft and play some games," she explained.
A new program addition to the library is an after school scrapbooking club that started Feb. 1. It runs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. If sufficient interest is shown, the program will run indefinitely.
"It's a drop-in program so you bring your own scrapbook and photographs," Schiell explained, adding, "We have some scrapbook supplies and we share tools, give each other ideas and we have fun."
Shiell is asking for donations of scrap booking supplies from the public, which will be gratefully accepted, she said.
The only restrictions are that paper, glue or sticky adhesive be acid free.
January's winner of one of the library's fundraisers - the Dessert of the Month Club - was Carl Fankey who received a decadent, delectable dessert baked by library board member Bonnie Joe.
"She's one of the most fantastic bakers I've ever met so I'm sure it was really good," Shiell noted.
The Medstead Skating Club will be hosting their annual carnival Feb. 19 at the Medstead Arena starting at 3 p.m.
"There will be a program, raffles, door prizes and you can have supper," said Medstead Skating Club president Nissa Shiell. The entry fee is $5 payable at the door. A bake sale will also be held by the skating club featuring home made snacks. Coffee, burgers and fries will be available through the Medstead and District Recreation Association (MADRA).
Figure skating and power skating will be the program's highlights. Participants will range in age from four to 14.
"The kids have routines and it's set to music," explained Shiell, adding, "It's a figure skating extravaganza."
