LAMPMAN - Tawney Johnson has been the Lampman librarian since October 2015, and she has loved every minute of it.
Rural libraries are much different than those in the city. Hours are calculated on population, giving Lampman 22 hours per week. It is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
At this time, they offer day hours only, but some programs run in the evenings and these are offered through volunteers, from either the librarian or a board member.
Johnson took on the job as she had school-aged children, and since they were in school full time, she had the opportunity to take on the position.
Johnson was the chairwoman a year prior to her getting the position, and this gave her insight on how the library worked.
The current chairwoman is Ann-Marie Tyler and the vice is Kelly Storlie.
The board has 10 members and with Dustin Ferguson moving, his position was filled by Mayor Jay Jones. Ferguson was a council member.
Johnson loves the kids that attend the programs and feels like a celebrity when she walks down the street. The kids call her name and often wave.
“The best part are the hugs and baby cuddles,” said Johnson. “It really warms my heart.”
Every Tuesday is the baby and me program, and it has really taken off. It is for all parents who have children under the age of two, although this is not a firm age. This gives parents the chance to talk with other parents and gives the babies a chance to learn social skills.
Storytime is always a big hit for ages three to six, although that too is not a firm age. Kids come to the library and have a book read to them while enjoying a snack and a craft to go with the weekly theme.
Another fun event at the library is the Scentsy bins, which are filled with rice or beans. Objects are hidden inside the bins. The bins have a theme and now that it is spring, when kids dig, they will find butterflies, bugs and other things associated with spring.
Johnson said the kids have had a lot of fun with the bins. The themes are changed up regularly and the rice is easily cleaned up off the floors.
April 25 brings tweenie treat cooking time. Using the cooking makerspace kit, they will make granola trail mix and brownie batter dip.
It is the hope of the library team to bring in more teens to the programs.
Recently, there has been a helper at the branch. Evangeline Morris is a Grade 10 student, who attends Lampman School. Through the career and workplace experience program, she will do 30 hours of volunteer time to learn more about the library.
The Lampman Public Library will continue to offer fun-filled programs geared for all ages. One just needs to go and check them out to learn more.
