The Ottawa Public Library will be the first large public library in North America to offer children’s birthday parties when it launches a pilot project starting Wednesday.
The project, which will run until May 2012, is seen as an innovative way to maximize library resources, and as a potential source of future revenue.
⨓We’re giving the community something new.” said Jane Venus, manager of children and teen services.
“We’re offering kids who love books an option that isn’t really available anywhere else.” â¨
Three branches – Ruth E. Dickinson, Orléans and Greenboro – have been chosen as sites for the initial project. â¨Birthday parties will be available for booking between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays, except from June to September.â¨
Each two-hour party, designed for children ages 4 to 8, will consist of a one-hour story-based program led by a library employee, use of the party room for individual activities for the second hour and a craft for each child. â¨
There are four party themes to choose from: digging for dinos, fun with furry friends, under the sea and everything princess.⨠Parties allow up to 12 children at a price of $20 per child.For parties with eight children or less, a minimum fee of $175 will be applied.
â¨For more information, visit www.biblioottawalibrary.ca or call 613-580-2940.