During COVID-19 Nipigon Public Library and the Township of Nipigon Recreation, located in the Thunder Bay District of Northwestern Ontario, continued to think creatively about how to use programming to connect with community members.  The library and recreation department scrounge the ideas from newsletters (like Let’s Move in Libraries), other libraries (Family Day Checklist), and Pinterest (Ice Marbles), among others.

The library and the recreation department have distributed 40 snow science kits, 50 Chinese New Year’s kits, and during February 2021 promoted SnowGa as part of their Family Fun activities for the month.  A closed Facebook page was created for people to post pictures of their involvement in SnowGa. To incentivize participation, the library draws random prize winners  from email and Facebook submissions.

As Spring 2021 began to arrive, the library began its seasonal Easter events: Scavenger hunt, entrance decorating, and handing out 99 peanut free easter bags for kids 0-12. Families walked the town wide scavenger hunt – some for 5 evenings, trying to find the bonus egg. Nipigon is rural and friendly, so these events are open to residents of the surrounding towns of Dorion and Red Rock – which have their own libraries, and Lake Helen Indian Reserve.

2021 is the library’s 4th year collaborating on “A Superior Adventure”, encouraging people to get outdoors. The objective is to increase community awareness and well-being.

Prior to COVID, the library would run complimentary programming during this time, such as Healthy Trail Snacks with the Dietitian, and using GPS and a compass. It is amazing the pictures that end up being submitted, which clearly show participants enjoying themselves. Some of these photos can be seen on this webpage!