What does your library have to offer?

Have you recently visited your local branch of the Annapolis Valley Regional Library? If not, you might be surprised by the content and services provided by a library near you. We have eleven branches located throughout the Valley, hence free and exciting reading as well as viewing and listening opportunities are always close to home.
We know that you enjoy stories not only from the pages of books, but also from your electronic devices including smart phones, e-readers and tablets, mp3 players, and even TV and game consoles.
With nothing but your library card you can have access to our ever expanding collection of audio books, available in both CD and mp3 formats.  These make a fantastic companion on long drives or quiet afternoons at home.
For those reading on the go we now carry an expansive collection of eBooks and e-magazines that can be borrowed for your e-reader much like a normal book. Simply search for what you're looking for and download it to your device.  The book will automatically be removed after the expiry date, no late fees!  Your library card even gives you access to popular movies and video-games. Save money on expensive rentals and borrow ours instead.
Your local library also has free programming and events for toddlers, school-aged children, teens and adults.  We have something for everyone in your family.  Have your children signed up for the summer reading club in past years?  At the end of the school year, sign up.  You can win prizes and at the completion of the reading assignments receive a free fast-pass to Upper Clements Park.
Accessibility is also important to us. If you have difficulty reading regular print, chances are we have a large print copy available. If you need help accessing content on computer, phone or tablet we can certainly assist with that too.
Your local libraries strive to remain vital members of your communities. We're constantly searching for ways of providing the best service to our patrons and ensuring that everyone has access to a diverse selection of educational content and entertainment. So please come visit soon and let us know what we can check out for you.

Post by Twila Thibodeau,  clerk at the Rosa M. Harvey Middleton and Area Library.

Help make a difference through Food for Fines!!

The FEED NOVA SCOTIA website tells us that 19,722 people received food from a food bank in Nova Scotia in March 2015 – 31% were children.  One-quarter of those households receive the majority of their income from a disability or old-age pension.

During the month of February 2016, you can combine a visit to the library with a good deed for those who use food banks in your area.    

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library is once again offering a Food for Fines initiative from February 1-29.  Just give us a non-perishable item for the local food bank and we’ll forgive up to $3.00 in fines.  And the really good news is that there is no limit on the number of fines which can be forgiven!   Do you owe $8.50?  Three food items will take care of that.  Please note that Food For Fines applies to fines only, not other fees like lost books or printing costs. 

 (Please check expiry dates on items since we don’t want to pass unsafe goods on to the food bank.)     

 Wondering what types of items food banks especially need?

 - canned fruit and veggies, soups and stews
- peanut butter
- pasta
- canned sandwich meats
- healthy school snacks (like fruit cups)
- laundry and dish detergents, soap

 So, if you have library fines to pay off, or even if you don’t, stop by the library with a food bank item or two during February.  Through Food for Fines you can help make a difference for hungry families in your area.