The Summer Reading Program at the Eckville Library is looking to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in ways that are uniquely Canadian.
Specifically, the program will be building an igloo over the summer for the kids to play and read in.
An igloo being constructed in the middle of a Canadian summer sounds a little far-fetched, but Library Manager Carol Griner says it is possible, you just have to be creative.
“We are gathering about 450 four litre milk and water jugs to complete the project,” said Griner.
To compete the project, participants in the summer reading program will connect the jugs at the handle around a piece of plywood. By connecting each jug at the handle, the igloo will take on the rounded shape needed for the structure.
However, the library needs these jugs by the time the program starts on July 13.
“We’d like to have them all collected so the children can begin right away,” said Griner.
Griner would like to see the igloo project completed before the Summer Reading Program is finished on Aug. 16. To have it completed in time, Griner is asking for the community’s help.
Anyone with spare four litre milk or water jugs is asked to donate them to the library for the project.
“We are reaching out to the community, and hope to have a positive response,” said Griner.
If the igloo is completed on time, Griner believes it will be a good place for the participants to take some time and read in.
Once built, the igloo should be large enough for a child to stand up in, as Griner said it will have a diameter of about 80 cm when all is said and done. To help build, Griner hopes to see a few youth volunteers come to the library over the summer. Last year there were about six students who helped during the summer reading program.
“I’d like to see about half a dozen youth volunteers,” said Griner. “They are so helpful and make everything run more smoothly.”
Along with the igloo project, Griner says there are plans to enjoy many different aspects of Canadian culture. One week Griner says the participants will be creating inukshuks out of vegetables.
“That way they can eat them when they are all done,” she said.
Participants will also be “reading across Canada.” A map of Canada, with various important and iconic sites labeled on it, is hanging on one wall in the library in preparation for the program to begin.
The students involved in the program will gain a sticker of some sort for each book they read over the course of the program.
“We are still working through the planning, but we have a lot of ideas,” said Griner. Sign-ups for the program are now open. Griner expects to see roughly 25 kids involved in the program. Milk and water jug donations can be made at the library. Currently between 40 and 50 jugs have been collected.