For two years, the seven-year-old and her mother, Patricia Altass, have spent their Saturday mornings at the Summerside Rotary Library.
“We started coming when Casey became interested in reading. Then we learned about the maker space they have for kids and now we come back every week,” said Altass.
On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, kids of all ages can come to the library and participate in arts and crafts as well as creative challenge designed by STEM Education, said Susan Harris a staff member at the library.
For two years, the seven-year-old and her mother, Patricia Altass, have spent their Saturday mornings at the Summerside Rotary Library.
“We started coming when Casey became interested in reading. Then we learned about the maker space they have for kids and now we come back every week,” said Altass.
On Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, kids of all ages can come to the library and participate in arts and crafts as well as creative challenge designed by STEM Education, said Susan Harris a staff member at the library.
“STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. We get craft challenges from their curriculum. We try to cover ages five to 11, but all ages are welcome. If it’s a craft challenge, the kids get to take their craft home with them.
“The activities will vary every week and other times they will coincide with another activity we have going on, like today’s craft is make your own puppet because we have a puppet show going on today at 11 a.m.
“Sometimes kids will have to look at an image and try to figure out how to make it themselves and other it will involve both parent and child working together,” Harris explained.
“Spending time together is always something that matters, and with the craft space it aims to have the kids or families working together. Sometimes the kids have to help the parents with the challenge. We expect it to be just as popular, if not more so.
“I think it’s a really valuable time that parents and children get to spend together. Not only does it help with the child’s cognitive and literacy skills, but also it allows families to bond.
Altass agrees.
“It’s extremely important that there is a place like this where families and other members of the community can get together and spend time being creative.
“There are free activities for everyone, so people can come out and enjoy the fun.”
Casey loved the old library, but she’s really excited about the new opportunities, said Altass.
“There are so many new things that we can do here. But nothing stops us from enjoying the open craft space, we really love the idea of it.
“I hope more people come out and take advantage of the new space. I’m sure there are lots of parents who would love to take advantage of it.”
