Rankin library enters new era
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Dec 20/00) - The John Ayaruaq Public Library is finally open during school hours.
Located inside Maani Ulujuk middle school in Rankin Inlet, students not having access to the library during school hours has been a sore point for years.
Jennifer Archer started as full-time day librarian in late November and two part-time librarians, Ann Rose Friesen and Andrea McLarty, were also hired to help out in the day and evenings.
Head librarian Tammy Smith still runs the evening shift on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6-8:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoons from 12-3 p.m.
Archer says students have responded well to her hiring.
"They just love the fact the library's open in the days now," says Archer.
"The kids are constantly poking their heads in to take a look around."
Archer has already initiated two lunch bag series featuring crafts and storytelling and is planning an evening session for homework and crafts.
Although she's kept busy with classes in the library throughout the week, Archer would also like to establish a parent/tot reading time.
"I'd like to have that through the week to get kids introduced to books, and get people out, socializing and getting familiar with the library."
The library is open from 9 a.m until noon and then again from 1-4:30 p.m., although Archer usually spends her lunch time near the books.
She says there was a definite need for the library's extended hours.
"I'll be looking at trying to get additional funding for more extracurricular activities in the future.
"I'm totally energized by this position and the four of us here at the library have come together as a real team."
