Richmond Hill Public Library offers COVID-adjusted programs to help kids learn at home

A number of STEAM programs have achieved wild success

Yorkregion.com
November 2, 2020

When COVID-19 closes a door to the outside world, local libraries open a window to the virtual sphere.

From coding clubs to musical programs, Richmond Hill Public Library is offering a wide range of online services and tools catering to children who either need help with virtual learning or are looking for fun activities online amid the pandemic.

“Almost immediately after we closed in March, we pivoted to our online programs so there were barely any breaks in that offering. Some of the programs have really resonated,” said Michelle Weinberg, programming manager for the Richmond Hill public library.

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt in-class learning for kids, Weinberg said more and more parents in the community have turned to the online library programs for assistance.

Statistics show interests in online musical programs for kids grew by 81 per cent and in creative writing programs for kids grew by 63 per cent during COVID-19 from the same period of last year.

It’s noteworthy that a number of STEAM programs--such as clubs related to technology, engineering and science--have achieved wild success in the Richmond Hill community.

“It worked out very well,” resident Sharon Wang said of the library’s Afterschool Code Club. “The projects were fun, and my daughter enjoyed it so much that now she’s looking forward to joining the next one when it’s offered.”

Wang’s daughter Sophia Zheng, a sixth-grader, was among dozens of kids who have participated in the virtual program on Zoom, according to spokesperson Annesha Hutchinson.

The club introduces the curious young minds to the world of coding where they learn to create animated projects such as DIY computer games and digital art.

It has been an eye-opening experience for Sophia, Wang said.

The take-home STEAM kits have been also popular resources for parents to check out from Central Library for their kids to explore subjects like gravity and robotics at home.

As the library moves forward with new and adjusted virtual programs, it has been a big challenge to get the word about what’s available out to the community, said CEO Darren Solomon, who assumed the new role on July.

“Everybody’s life has been upended. The library is here. We’re waiving a flag saying ‘we can help. Just let us know what you need,’” Solomon said, adding the library has adopted a test-and-learn methodology to grow and adapt.

Most recently, the library launched a Virtual Reference Desk for kids to recreate the experience that children would have had at a physical reference desk in the virtual sphere.

With a quick Zoom call, parents and kids can connect with children’s librarians face to face and get help with assignments, research or connecting with digital services.

Solomon said it was a “perfect example” of test-and-learn, which enabled the library to gauge demand and discover opportunities to expand and grow.

“The library isn’t a place you go to. The library is a service that is able to support you wherever you are. That has been really amplified now and that’s something we’re going to be doubling down as we go forward,” Solomon said.

Residents are encouraged to tap into the free, online resources hosted on the library’s website at www.rhpl.ca.

Other highlights include book clubs, classroom visits as well as online learning tools such as BrainFuse and PressReader.

All programs are free except these three: Python Coding, Chess classes, and Red Cross Babysitting training.