Here are a few highlights from December 2024 at RDPL!
100 Books Before Graduation
RDPL staff visited Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in December to promote the 100 Books Before Graduation, opens a new window program and set up free library memberships for students and their families. We had a great time meeting some enthusiastic Thurber students!
Festive Fun at Fairview Elementary!
Library staff were invited to visit the Grade 1 classes at Fairview Elementary School in December to share Christmas stories, puppet shows, and songs like the Reindeer Pokey. We felt very welcomed and had a blast sharing favourite stories and library information with the kids!
Adult Storytime at Red Hart Brewing
Deb and Trish had a full house at Adult Storytime at Red Hart Brewing in December, where they shared funny Christmas and other holiday stories! Our next Adult Storytime, opens a new window takes place on Tuesday, February 4. Be sure to register soon to save your spot!
Adult & Youth Literacy Program Updates
In December, the Adult Literacy Program hosted its annual Holiday Tea Party. 75 Program participants enjoyed their time over tea, seasonal treats from different countries, and holiday music. Volunteers, learners, Board members, and staff were able to reflect on the achievements of 2024 and get excited about the new opportunities of 2025. This was a beautiful evening of connection, reflection, and fun.
In December, the Youth Literacy Program hosted a Winter Celebration of Learning for our program families and tutors. It was a wonderful event filled with laughter, creativity, and connection. Participants enjoyed decorating festive cookies and playing engaging literacy games, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Currently, we have 10 learners on our Youth Literacy Program, opens a new window waiting list and 130 learners on our Adult Literacy waiting list! If you're looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity where you can make a real difference, we invite you to consider joining one of these amazing programs as a tutor. Your time and support could change a learner’s life!
Winter Festivals Around the World
In December, we kicked off our Winter Festivals Around the World program series, celebrating diverse cultural traditions and bringing our community together through stories, music, and activities. The series began with three engaging programs:
Indigenous Winter Solstice Storytime, where participants learned about the significance of the solstice through Indigenous stories and traditions.
A Kwanzaa Celebration that highlighted the seven principles of Kwanzaa with crafts and music.
A lively New Year Party to ring in the coming year with a special guest from the North Pole (Grandfather Frost), games, dancing, and fun for all ages.
This series offered a wonderful opportunity to explore global customs and connect through shared experiences!
2024 Recap: Katja’s Paw-some Year!
What a year it’s been for our favorite library wonder dog! Katja had an incredible 2024 with RDPL:
- She participated in 189 reading sessions with kids who read 413 books to her!
- She transformed into a wonder dog, a lion, an elf, Baby Yoda, and even a poisoned apple for Snow White.
- She brought joy, calm, and confidence to so many young readers, helping them become better and more enthusiastic about books.
Katja is wagging her tail with excitement for all the adventures 2025 will bring! Thank you to everyone who made her year so special.
Healing Hearts Memorial Tree
Healing Hearts, of Moms Stop the Harm, started a peer support program with us several years ago. They outgrew the Green Room and now meet at Timberlands. In December, for the second time, they set up their tree in the downtown foyer, and another at the hospital. Each purple heart bears the name of a loved one lost to addictions.
Travel Memories: Galapagos Islands
Maureen McCall gave a wonderful presentation on the Galapagos. Her pictures gave the real story of the ecology and environment that the local wardens protect. The marine life is diverse and thriving all due to strict mandates that protect this beautiful landscape. If you missed coming to her live presentation, you can view it on YouTube: Travel Memories Galapagos, opens a new window.
Fun Times with our Fabulous Staff!
We had some fun at the library on Christmas Eve! Staff at all locations were invited to wear pajamas or other cozy clothes to work, and our Downtown Branch crew were invited to dance their way into work to get a little treat. Of course, we captured this on camera! Check out the video on Instagram, opens a new window or Tiktok., opens a new window
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