Free for all at McLaughlin Library

Loading Likes...

Story and photos by Renita Naraine

Children's area at the McLaughlin branch library

As the winter holidays approach, the children are once again home for two weeks. This time when they are looking for fun activities, send them to the library. Alison McCullough is the children’s librarian at the McLaughlin Branch. She said people have pre-conceived notions about what the library is about.
“Sometimes people think all we have is books, but we have a lot more than books,” she explained, especially during the holiday season.

All of the library branches in Oshawa have many activities for all ages, as well as fun for families. And with the kids on break, many families are taking advantage of the free services the libraries provide.
McLaughlin library's children books

“We’re just jammed at Christmas,” said McCullough, as some of the programs are already booked up.
Some of the events taking place at the McLaughlin branch over the next month are:
• Candy Factory – Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
• I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go To Bed! Story Time – Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
• Puppetmaster Studio – Dec. 19 at 4:00 p.m.
• I’m A Little Snowflake Family Story Time – Dec. 28 at 10:30 p.m.
• Video Game Drop-in – Dec. 29 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
McCullough said the most important thing for people to know about the library during the Christmas break is that it is a great place to spend time. Whether it is with the family or with some friends, the library has a lot to offer. As an added bonus, it won’t cost an arm and a leg.
“Everyone is welcome and there is lots to do for all ages, and it’s free,” she said, “We want to have a place where kids can come at no cost. Everything is free. We provide these events so people are attracted to come into the library and find out about all the other things we have.”
For more information on events, visit the Oshawa Libraries website and download their current newsletter.