The library programs at both River Ridge and Woodstock High Schools recently partnered with Sequoyah Regional Library System for a “Doctor Who” teen program to be held at the Woodstock Public Library in October.  The partnership began when Kristina Canoles of the library system spoke at the Cherokee County School District media specialists’ meeting in August. Wendy Cope, who shares a library position at both high schools, saw this as an opportunity to tap into student interests in a new way. 

“We have a plethora of Whovians (fans of the BBC program ‘Doctor Who’), and we want to celebrate their community as well as develop some awareness in students who want to know what the fuss is all about,” she said. 

To build interest in the Woodstock Public Library event, school media specialists Pati Olton, Keara Rubin and Ms. Cope decorated the doors of their respective libraries as the TARDIS, the Doctor’s time machine.  Students created their own Sonic Screwdrivers using polymer clay, made aliens from recycled materials, and learned how to tie a proper bow tie just in time for Woodstock HS Homecoming.  Students tweeted their entries into the photography and film contests using elements of ”Doctor Who” and were judged at the Woodstock Public Library event.

“I appreciated the time to be creative, just to relax and have fun,” Woodstock HS sophomore Josiah Gnanamuttu.  “I really didn’t know much about ‘Doctor Who’ before this event, and I learned a lot just from other people sitting around the table.” Ms. Cope agreed, “Activities like this don’t look academic to the outside viewer, but they foster creativity, problem solving, and above all, a sense of community.”