Community
9 September, 2020
Libraries are much more than books.
Cassowary Coast Libraries will deliver a school holiday program with a difference this month having redesigned their traditional craft and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) activities in ‘School Holiday Take Away’ packs.
As COVID-19 restrictions to gatherings remain in place, Libraries will continue their commitment to innovative learning programs with Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor for Community and Culture, Trudy Tschui encouraging every parent and caregiver to make the most of the opportunity.
“It’s not unusual for our school holiday programs to be fully booked well before the holidays even commence, this is how popular they are,” said Cr. Tschui.
“Pre-COVID we would struggle to cater for demand and while it’s sad to not be able to bring our children together under one roof as we traditionally would, the bright side of this innovation is that we’re not limited to numbers!”
‘School Holiday Take Away’ packs are free for children of different ages (limit one per person), and will be available to collect from all Cassowary Coast Library branches from 3pm, Friday 18 September through to Saturday 3 October.
As part of the Take Away packs children will be encouraged to access books and films from home using Cassowary Coast’s eLibrary with free digital access to book, magazine and film platforms including BorrowBox, National Geographic, RB Digital Magazines and Kanopy.
Review forums will also be available to encourage children to discuss books and films which they have enjoyed over the holidays.
Alongside the Take Away packs Cassowary Coast Libraries will be introducing a digital ‘Minecraft Club’ for the September holidays, one of only a few library services in Queensland to do so.
Minecraft Club allows each member to log in from home and complete a range of quests and activities with their group, encouraging peer interaction throughout the holidays. With two groups available for children aged 6 to 12 and 13 to 17, Library staff will moderate each session and guide players to towns where the quests and activities are being held.
Minecraft Club participants must be a member of Cassowary Coast Libraries. Membership is free and can be done in-person or online at http://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/libraries.
For further information or enquiries about the School Holiday Take Away program call 1300 366 616.
