Shhhh! If you didn’t know, February is National Library Lover’s month. It’s a celebration that highlights libraries and the important role they play in communities. The library is a safe space that fosters lifelong learning and allows children and adults to tap into new interests and ideas. If you’re not already familiar with the local library in Waconia, then you should check it out.
Partnerships
The Waconia Public Library is part of the Carver County Public Library system, and while it’s operated by the county, it takes up space that is owned by the city. It’s involved with a variety of community partnerships, including the Waconia school district and Crossings Senior Living. A few years ago, the library linked up with District 110 to form a unique service available to middle schools and Waconia Senior High School students.
They created a virtual library card system that allows students to use their school ID number as their library card, connecting them to reference databases, E-books, online encyclopedias, and other digital content. It’s a tremendous benefit and a convenient way for students to utilize the library’s services and have various resources at their disposal without needing to purchase anything. The goal is to roll this initiative out to all the middle schools and high schools in Carver County, with Waconia Library leading the way.
Programs
The Waconia Public Library has very specific goals when it comes to achieving literacy rates for children, students, and families. They promote reading through a variety of different programs for all ages. The one with the largest emphasis is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. This national program provides a structure for families to encourage reading at home from birth to age five.
“We provide robust early literacy initiatives that encourage families to read together because we know that it matters,” says Paul Ericsson, Branch Manager.
Storytime is also a popular pick for parents, grandparents, or other caregivers with toddlers and preschoolers. This drop-in program is offered five days a week with lap-sit story time, toddler story time, family story time, and even a super storytime that includes an age-appropriate craft. These 20–30-minute sessions are packed with stories, puppets, and musical movement that encourages the development of early literacy skills. The staff are very intentional when preparing the weekly content and curriculum, so there’s always something new.
For elementary-aged kids, the library offers an after-school STEM program, book buddies, and their popular summer incentive reading challenge. While this is open to all youth, participation is largely by those in K-5. This was created to encourage reading when school is out and to measure reading comprehension skills during the summer season. Through the support of the Library Foundation, Carver County, and Friends of the Library, prizes are awarded to those who read, record, and review their books. These might include free books, Barnes & Noble gift cards, and tickets and passes to various events and experiences around the Twin Cities. This program does require registration, so look for this in May.
Adults, don’t worry. The library has programs for you as well, including Winter Reads every January 1-February 28. Read or listen to books, complete your reviews online or through the Beanstack app, and enter to win prizes. It’s designed to give adults some structure around what they’re reading and when.
“We’re only serious about having fun,” shares Paul.
All these programs (and more) can be found on the library’s website: carverlib.org
Pages
Reading has evolved. Technology has allowed us to move from hardcovers and paperbacks to audio and E-readers. To no surprise, the library’s digital and audio services have grown exponentially over the last five years. Digital books are convenient, often less costly, and they save space. However, the library recognizes there is still a strong preference to hold a physical book and turn a page. People who look at a screen all day long often opt for a paper book at night, so the library has become a beautiful blend of both worlds, offering options that cater to everyone’s needs and desires.
If you’re suffering some serious cabin fever right about now and need a good reason to get out, visit the Waconia Public Library. Check out their calendar and stop in for some Book Bingo or one of their craft projects, or secure a stack of stories that will take you into spring. It’s not just a mass repository of books and resources, it’s also a community center that brings people together and provides opportunities for education and entertainment.
“We’re more than books. The library is a safe space for the community to come and visit,” says Paul.
Come inside and explore! It’s more than a visit, it’s an adventure.
And it wouldn’t be the month for library lovers if we didn’t have some book recommendations straight from the source. If you’re looking for a romance, something sweet, a book about human connection, relationships, or self-love, consider looking these up:
- How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
- The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
- Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
- Radical Compassion by Tara Brach
- How to Know a Person by David Brooks
We provide robust early literacy initiatives that encourage families to read together because we know that it matters. The one with the largest emphasis is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, which encourages reading at home from birth to age five.