CHESTERMERE – Now and again everyone has a brilliant idea and for some the days between those brilliant ideas can be far apart; none the less, it’s still a brilliant idea. Well Patricia Virk has 2 children, one is just 3 months old and the other, Aryan, just had his 3rd birthday. Many children nowadays have a room full of toys scattered about but play with just a few favourites. One day while planning Aryan’s birthday party Virk has an epiphany of sorts and thought “Hey, why not have the birthday party guests bring a book as a present instead of a typical 3 year old toy or clothing gift”. This was only half of the idea for the next thought that came to mind was that the books could be donated to the Chestermere Public Library. The library is always in need of books for children as it is a location for several activities involving kids and adults. The library books are often treated like toys and frequently suffer a shortened life span. Board books are substantially tougher but the paper paged books need to be replaced time and again. And so was born the birthday book idea. Every guest at Aryan’s 3rd birthday party came with a book or two and sometimes even a toy; “We have such wonderful friends” said Virk. “It wasn’t about the gifts; it was just about wanting to be at the party and celebrating a joyous day in the life of a 3 year old”.
Several of the books have been read to Aryan before they were given away but attached to each and every book was a label stating ” Aryan celebrated his 3rd birthday and instead of receiving presents, he requested his friends purchase a book for him because a book is a gift that you can open again and again. This book is a gift from ______________ . We have donated this book to our library for everyone to enjoy as much as we have. Happy Reading”.
There were 34 books in total that will be donated to a very worthwhile endeavour and Virk is hoping that many more parents will help promote this idea and do the same as she did. The timing for giving couldn’t be better. If you too would like to donate new books to the library, please contact Debbie at 403-272-9025. Debbie or another representative can assist you in determining what types of books the library may need at that time.
And speaking of the Library; this note was copied directly from their website.
Christmas Celebration
In conjunction with the Town of Chestermere’s Christmas with Dignity Celebration, the Library is hosting Santa’s Grotto and a Gingerbread House competition! You’re invited to participate in our Gingerbread House Contest. Entries can be dropped off anytime and will be judged on Saturday, December 15, 2012.
Entries become property of the Library, and you can enter to win a gingerbread house. Tickets are 1 for $2 or 3 for $5.
Santa will be visiting the Library from 11:30am to 2:30pm. Families may visit with Santa for a $2 donation to the Library, Bring your camera, or we can take a picture for you for $5.
