March Break fun at Sunnyside
By Caitlin Giffin
At the Sunnyside Library Children’s Department, we are eagerly awaiting one of our favourite times of the year: March Break! In addition to our regular weekday programming, we will be offering special activities for kids and families from March 13 to 18. Even if you can’t make it to a program, the library is a wonderful place to keep warm, meet neighbours and friends and get cozy with a good book. We hope you can stop by and have some fun with us!
Storytime with Author Kalli Dakos: Fun with Children’s Poetry
Tuesday, March 14 at 10:15 a.m.
We are so excited to be hosting local author Kalli Dakos for a morning of rhyme and rhythm. Dakos is a former teacher who writes poems about school-aged kids and their lives. We have several of her titles in our collection, including my personal favourites, Recess in the Dark and Our Farm in the City. Published in 2019, Recess in the Dark is a poetry collection that reflects Dakos’ time as an educator in Inuvik, N.W.T. Lively and accessible poems about the northern lights, arctic animals and playing in 24-hour darkness are paired with Erin Mercer’s lovely illustrations. Asides sprinkled throughout the book provide facts and context, giving young readers a glimpse into life for children in another part of the country.
In her collection Our Farm in the City, Dakos captures the Experimental Farm, a favourite spot of Ottawa families. Told through the eyes of a little girl whose mother takes her on frequent outings to the farm, it is a charming romp throughout the seasons at this beloved site.
Storytime with Kalli Dakos is suitable for children aged 4+. Spaces are limited so we recommend registering online at biblioottawalibrary.ca.
Break-in STEM Adventure!
Wednesday, March 15 at 3:00 p.m.
We will be hosting our very first Escape Room! Escape Rooms are a great opportunity to test problem-solving abilities and build teamwork skills. Do you think you have what it takes to crack the codes and break into the box before time runs out? Come to the library and find out. This program is for kids aged 7-12, and registration is strongly encouraged.
Time Travel Survival/ Survis a ton voyage dans le temps
Thursday, March 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Have you ever wondered if you could survive life in the past without the comforts of the 21st century? Well now you can test your wits and survival skills. You will be pulled through a portal to another time and place. Will you be hunting woolly mammoth, evading Roman soldiers or enduring life aboard a pirate ship? Only one way to find out. This is a bilingual program for kids aged 7-12, and registration is required.
In addition to our March Break programming, our regular weekly drop-in programs will continue.
Family Storytime – Drop in and sing songs, read stories and play games with us! Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. Monday and Wednesday at 10:15 am.
Maker Monday – At 4 p.m., we bring out our maker cart full of craft supplies so you can cut, fold, draw and create.
Babytime – Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. for babies 0-18 months.
Lego Block Party – Make use of our awesome Lego collection on Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Use your creativity to build something magnificent.
Wishing everyone a safe and fun-filled March Break. We hope to see you soon.
Caitlin Giffin works at the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. She enjoys singing her heart out and reading books full of adventure and magic.