Welcome back! The Morrin Centre is reopening!

Submitted by Hoffman Wolff, assistant executive director, Morrin Centre 

Over the last few weeks, the Morrin Centre has begun to see the general public return, with prison tours resuming June 17 and members welcomed back to the Library of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec to browse the stacks and borrow books in person since June 25. Kathleen Hulley, head of the library and its collections, said, “We are delighted to welcome members back into the library! We know that our members missed the atmosphere of the library and browsing the stacks while we were closed, so it is wonderful to now be able to offer in-person services and allow members to catch up on the latest books that we’ve added to our collection.”

During the Morrin Centre’s closure, the book committee continued to meet virtually, so there have been hundreds of new books added in the past year, with plenty of exciting new choices to explore. The safety of staff, volunteers and members is of utmost importance, so the centre is following government guidelines and best practices for libraries and museums.

Although the library is open for borrowing books, the space is not yet open as a reading room. Currently, only three members may visit at a time, with reservations required via morrin.org. The book pickup service is also ongoing for the time being for members who who prefer it.

Tours

Currently, the “Go to Jail” and “The Hanging of William Pounden” tours are available to groups of up to six people from the same household. The tours are given daily in English and French from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For start times and reservations, call the Morrin Centre at 418- 694-9147 or email guides@ morrin.org.

Activities

Book Quest is back for the 17th straight summer. In partnership with the TD Summer Reading Club, this literacy program fosters children’s love of reading by providing fun interactive activities throughout the summer months. This year’s theme, “Broaden Your Horizons,” will allow children to explore an exciting new adventure every week. The summer reading program for children ages three to seven will take place every Saturday from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. from July 10 to Aug. 28. Each activity begins with the reading of a story followed by a craft inspired by the week’s theme. The programming for children ages eight to 12 will take place every Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. from July 8 to Aug. 26. Activities will touch on science and technology, the arts and more. All sessions are free and will be held over Zoom.

Books & Wine

Through July, the Morrin Centre will also be broadcasting weekly segments on its YouTube page from the Imagination 2021 Books & Wine event. Each segment will feature an author and a wine, chosen by sommelier Yann Barrette-Bouchard, which is paired with the book. For more information on any aspect of the Morrin Centre’s reopening or its events, call 418-694-9147.