Family and senior times return this fall at the Sioux Lookout Public Library

Andre Gomelyuk - Reporter/Writer

The Sioux Lookout Public Library has set aside time for seniors and families to browse the library’s selection, spend some time, and enjoy the space.
Seniors’ time is Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., while Family Time takes place on Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
The initiatives were started in the spring by the CEO and assistant librarian at the time for, “An opportunity to allow for segments of the society to come on in and have a nice quiet, safe place to enjoy the library,” stated Interim Manager, Wendy MacDonald.  She continued, “It was an initiative we thought we would bring back as a way to welcome the school year.” 
The programs are meant to allow freedom for visitors to explore outside of regular hours.
The library considers the programs to be very popular and are pleased with the results, as both parents and seniors appreciate the program. 
MacDonald shared, “When the kids are running around that can be a little concerning.  When it’s just for them, and their guardians and parents, it’s a completely different attitude.”
The Family Time program allows children to explore outside the kid’s area, as MacDonald explains, “Gives them full access to the library so they are free to run around and free to check everything out. It tends to be, when it is open to the full public, everybody is trying to be very conscious as there are other people using the library. If there are other people there reading, parents tend to want to have their kids be a little quieter, just in a children’s area. But (Family Time) gives the chance, they can be everywhere, the idea that it’s their library.”