The North Branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library has been transformed into a hub of superhero training and creativity for March break.
The library is offering a welcome escape from the cold weather.
“I just think kids need a chance to be active, and the weather is really crappy,” said Jen Rowntree, the branch clerk, on Tuesday.
The Superheroes Assemble! event includes activities such as creating superhero identities, web slinging and villain-busting, along with other games.
As a parent herself, Rowntree understands the challenge of keeping children entertained indoors.
“I also have an active eight-year-old so I was like, 'what can we do to get them out?' And I think superheroes are a big draw,” she said.
The event, running from March 8 to March 15, is expected to attract a significant number of participants, with Rowntree estimating around 80 attendees over the course of the week.
For families like Angela Young and her daughter Leah, the event provided a perfect alternative to outdoor activities.
After initially planning an outdoor activity, they decided to visit the library due to the weather.
“We were going skating, but it was too windy,” she said.
“We’ve never been to this branch, so we decided to come and do something before lunch,” Young said.
Leah particularly enjoyed the colouring and crafting activities.
The library “brings people in. It’s kind of like a gathering place,” Rowntree said. “They can meet up with their friends and spend some time here.”
Rowntree emphasizes that while the event is geared towards younger kids, “there’s something for everybody in here.”
The library offers a variety of other programs and activities throughout the year, including storytime, chess clubs, and digital creator workshops, making it a centre for community engagement.
For more information, visit the library's page.