Add the ‘third’ place to your regular stops
Administrator | Jan 20, 2025 | Comments 0
Have you ever heard of the idea of a “third place?” This refers to an additional place in people’s lives beyond home and work or school.
The public library is a natural third place where people meet at their local branch, have chance encounters with neighbours, and so much more. You are welcome to spend time – without spending money – and enjoy sitting in a comfortable chair to peruse a book, newspaper or magazine.
The public library is also a great place for children and their families to meet up and play, learn and explore. Each branch has toys and activities for children and you are welcome anytime during branch hours just to drop in and enjoy the space. On school snow days, if the roads are safe in your area it can be a great chance to check out the library. I have even chatted with families who make a point of visiting each of our six branches as each has something different to offer.
The Ameliasburgh Branch, for example, is in an old schoolhouse and retains its charm with the original chalkboard still in place.
The Picton Branch has an active play room, furnished with help from the Stark Family Foundation through the Community Foundation of Kingston and Area. Rob Spagnola from The Gym in the Armoury helped advise on the right equipment for the space and we truly appreciated his willingness to share his expertise and creativity. The room is equipped with gym mats, climbing equipment, a trampoline, balance beams and more and can be a great place for young children to exercise and enjoy themselves with the supervision of their grown ups. In addition to helping children learn to think of the library as a fun and welcoming place, it also helps them develop essential physical literacy skills.
There are three weekly programs at the Picton Branch, each starting at 10:30 a.m. Baby time is Thursdays, Toddler Time on Fridays and Storytime and Singalong on Saturday mornings. We often have special guests on Saturdays including Feb. 1 when musician Chloe Fox will join in the fun.
We often plan special events for school holidays including the upcoming PA Day. On Jan. 31, the Wellington Branch will have two events. At 11 a.m., join a space and alien themed storytime and make a craft. At 2 p.m., create your own journal – best for ages 7 and up. Keeping a journal is a great way to encourage young writers to develop the habit of putting thoughts on paper.
At the Picton Branch, join in on candle making at 2 p.m. Please register at peclibrary.org or call (613) 476-5962 so we can be sure to have enough materials available.
Prince Edward County offers six library branches with programs and services for everyone. Visit peclibrary.org to find upcoming events, the latest new books, and more.
Ameliasburgh Branch Al Purdy Library
809 Whitney Road, Ameliasburgh, K0K 1A0
Phone: 613-968-9327
Fax: 613-961-7992
Email: ameliasburgh@peclibrary.org
New hours:
Tuesdays 2 to 6 p.m.
Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursdays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon
Bloomfield Branch Library
300 Main Street, Box 9, Bloomfield, K0K 1G0
Phone: 613-393-3400
Fax: 613-393-1887
Email: bloomfield@peclibrary.org
New hours:
Tuesday 2 – 7 p.m.
Thursday 10 – 4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Consecon Branch Library
211 County Road 29, Consecon, K0K 1T0
Phone: 613-392-1106
Fax: 613-392-4461
Email: consecon@peclibrary.org
New hours:
Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesdays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fridays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Milford Branch Ann Farwell Library
3053 County Road 10, Milford, K0K 2P0
Phone: 613-476-4130
Fax: 613-476-6527
Email: milford@peclibrary.org
Hours
Wednesdays 2-5 PM
Picton Branch Library
208 Main Street, Picton, K0K 2T0
Phone: 613-476-5962
Email: bsweet@peclibrary.org
Hours
Wednesdays 10 AM-5 PM
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