CL Library shows kids how to build, plant

Nzingha Newton, owner of Kid’s Gardening Center, shows children how to plant and care for plants at the Canyon Lake Library’s January Play Day. Children built their own wooden planters and then planted provided tomato plants in them. Photo provided by Amanda McLaughlin, Canyon Lake Library

The Canyon Lake Library’s Play Day on January 27 kicked off the New Year by celebrating new beginnings. It partnered with The Home Depot for a special DIY workshop that enabled children to work on their fine-motor skills by building and painting their own wooden planters. All 40 children in attendance received their own tomato plant donated by Kid’s Gardening Center as well as a hands-on introduction to gardening and how to care for their new plant.

The Lab in Lake Elsinore was also on hand to volunteer its time and Canyon Lake’s Culpepper Flooring donated hammers to be used at the event.

“It’s always great when the children get to leave with something they can be proud of,” stated Nzingha Newton, owner of Kid’s Gardening Center. “Our six-week classes teach children how to grow veggies from seed to harvest and by the end of the course, they have their own garden they grew themselves.”

While each Play Day is different, there is usually a craft, story time, and activity. There is also a sensory area, toys and giveaways.

“We really strive to create events that are all-inclusive, educational, and fun”, said Typhanie Sharfner, owner of Mentoring Tiny Human’s. “Each Play Day is unique; we work hand-in-hand with Friends of the Library, community partners, authors and businesses to provide one of kind experiences that facilitate socialization and opportunities for families of all kinds to share experiences and create a memory.”

Look out for more fun activities at the library’s next Play Day on February 24 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Amanda McLaughlin, the Canyon Lake Library branch manager, said.

Toddler Story Time will meet on February 10. The program is led by volunteer Gretchen Blackford in the Kid’s Cove (Children’s Section) and includes a craft, a story and interactive songs. This program is a great opportunity for young children to practice their growing vocabulary and social skills.

Pre-School Story Time will meet on February 14 at 11:30 a.m. Led by librarian Miss Ginny, Pre-School Story Time features live piano and interactive songs at each meeting. This Story Time will be extra sweet in celebration of Valentine’s Day!

Knitting and Crochet Crafters takes place on February 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Crafters of any skill level are welcome to join the fun and loaner tools are available for newcomers.

Tech Time is a program in which patrons ages 18 or older of any skill level may come in to have their questions about the internet, tech or their devices answered by the Tech Tutor, an expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. Interested patrons should make a Saturday appointment at the Circulation Desk. Patrons are encouraged to bring in their devices (such as laptops, smart phones, or tablets) to their appointment.

Adult Book Club will meet on February 24 at 4:00 p.m. The title of February’s pick is Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez. The library provides discussion questions relating to the month’s pick and light refreshments at each Adult Book Club meeting. Newcomers are always welcome.

Roots 2 Grow Homework Help, in which teens earn volunteer credit by assisting younger students in their studies, is now by appointment. Grade-school-aged children needing help in certain subjects can make an appointment for individualized homework help by calling the library during normal business hours.

Boy Scout Troop #2011 is collecting e-waste at the library from now until March 6. The troop is collecting small electronics to recycle, such as inkjet and laser printer cartridges, cell phones, tablets, eBook readers, GPS, PDAs, video game consoles, handheld video games , etc., and are asking that they be dropped off at the library between now and March 6. Proceeds from the recycling drive will benefit Troop #2011’s summer camp transportation costs. Large electronics such as printers, computers, and televisions cannot be accepted.

The library will be closed on Wednesday in observance of Lincoln’s birthday and on Monday, February 17 in observance of President’s Day. Book drops will be available during this time for any patrons wishing to return their items.

Look out for more exciting things happening at the Canyon Lake Library – like In N’ Out’s Cover to Cover Reading Program for kids and Spring Book Sale!