PHOTO COURTESY COQUITLAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
to “do-it-yourself” will enjoy Creative Bug, an online platform with hundreds of classes on crafts and making. Those looking for digital reads can access ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines and newspapers from around the world with no risk of late fees. The City Centre branch’s Innovation Hub (1169 Pinetree Way) is home to 3D printers, computers loaded with design software and virtual reality equipment. The library strives to reduce barriers to accessing and learning about new technologies, giving people the tools they need to bring creative projects to life.
Programs for kids
The library maintains at least one long-standing offering — story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. These popular sessions COMMUNITY help prepare young children for school and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of reading. The library also offers stories and activities for adults with developmental disabilities and their family members, friends LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT COQUITLAM PUBLIC LIBRARY and caregivers. For students, the library offers By Jay Peters Solaro, a learning tool based on the hen was the last time you visited the library? If it’s BC grades 4–12 curriculum as well been a while, you may be surprised to learn that as after school programs in which teens help younger libraries have significantly expanded beyond the students: Reading Buddies, Homework Help and Parleztraditional notions of hushed spaces and book borrowing. Nous en Français. In fact, public libraries have kept pace with growing The focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and technological trends in information and education. Coquitlam math) in the BC curriculum has inspired the library to offer Public Library (coqlibrary.ca) offers a variety of tools and hands-on learning. An annual Science Expo allows grade programs to support everyone in our diverse community. 4–12 students to showcase their projects to a large audience. Todd Gnissios, executive director, says, “Your local library This year’s Expo is May 14, 2020, at the City Centre branch. allows anyone to access information and resources from Children learn by playing with the library’s Ozobot Bits anywhere in the world to support lifelong learning.” and Sphero SPRKs, mini robots that can be coded to follow commands. These robots are available for loan, as are In-person and online learning telescopes and tablets loaded with educational games. In addition to in-library programs such as small business A wealth of information and services can be found inseminars, career prep workshops and computer basics branch at City Centre Branch or Poirier Branch (575 Poirier classes, library customers have access to learning databases Street), and beyond its physical walls. So, what are you like Lynda.com for software, business and design skills, and waiting for? Sign up for a free library card today and see what Transparent Online for language learning. Those inclined it can do for you! n
A new chapter for libraries
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18 EXPERIENCE TRI-CITIES
| SPRING 2020
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