Librarian on vacation

What does a librarian do on vacation? Well, this one visits libraries. Before you think I am a total nerd, that's not ALL I do. But on a recent trip to New England, I found myself in Boston. One stop on the trip included the amazing Boston Public Library. I really wanted to see the newly refurbished Children's area.  We are in the process of four (yes, four!) library projects, and so I wanted to get inspiration from the fabulous jewel of a library.

I entered through the front, and was led into an open courtyard. This was a PUBLIC library, not a mansion or a museum. Anyone can come in here. Anyone who wants can experience this lovely space. It was built as a "palace for the people". What a gift to Boston. Yes, I was amazed. But I had to head upstairs to the Children's area.

I was suitably impressed. The small shelf, with a space for kids to crawl under, was being used exactly for that. I saw a young boy happily crawling under several times. You know that child is going to have happy memories of this library.  See that lion on top of the shelf? It has changing LED lights inside. I saw another child standing next to the lion, naming the colours as they changed. How's that for early learning?

The colours in this library are so bright! You'd never know you were in an building from 1895. It feels fresh, modern, and has the child in mind in every way. There's a huge chair for story-sharing, and I saw a grandmother and her two grandkids doing just that-- sitting together reading. There's comfy seating everywhere, and even some that kids can move around and use where they want. The whole place was abuzz with kids and their adults, enjoying books and play, and fun!

There's an interactive wall, with built-in playscapes and this cool light feature. Adults like the play area as much as the kids do, and here's proof.

After soaking in the features of this room, I headed over to the Teen space. Since Margaret Atwood is helping us raise funds for the Kentville teen area, I thought I should get some ideas. The first thing I noticed was the room full of teens hanging out. They were playing games, sitting at a table working on a project, reading, and just hanging out. All libraries need this kind of space, where teens are welcome and know it.

Look at that retro READ sign. And the shelves are really nice, with a city-scape feel, appropriate in a downtown library. I was really impressed with this seating area, with decoration made from old card catalog boxes. Beyond you can see some of the adult fiction area, with the vibrant red colour scheme.

I didn't even see the rest of the library, as I was due to make an appearance at a graveyard. But that's another story for another day. Let's just say I was impressed, and I can't wait for our libraries to impress you. If you want to help make all our library dreams come true, just visit our "Support our New Library Projects" page!

--Angela J. Reynolds, Community Engagement Coordinator

They are like Magnets

Bright, shiny covers. Tall ones sitting beside short ones. Stout beside skinny.  Spines with a variety of fonts and colours and textures that beg you to touch and feel.  With outside edges that are soft, clinging together, that untouched feeling of pages as yet unturned and unappreciated.   

I work at a library and I’m talking about a shelf of new books. Not exciting for everyone out there, of course, but for those who appreciate the written word (probably you), they are like magnets.  From where I sit at my desk, I have the unique privilege of watching and listening to co-workers as they ready those books for their journey to the first library patron. As the books are outfitted with covers and labels, they are held, fondled, browsed, commented on, shared, notes taken.  

Our workspace is an open concept, so I can hear the Acquisitions Department first since they are the ones to unpack the new arrivals. While the shipments are weekly occurrences and some arrive without fanfare, there are often unique and special books that appeal, for whatever reason, to one or more individuals on staff. Just like our patrons, we are gardeners, travelers, cooks, parents, grandparents, lovers of best-sellers. Who could possibly remain unmoved by the hype and arrival of each new Harry Potter title?  And we all know when someone cracks open books like The Very Quiet Cricket ( Spoiler Alert: silent until the day he meets a very quiet girl cricket).

As the books move along their way through the hands of other staff, the reactions are generally the same, yet specifically different . This is not always a selfish act, as family members and friends are kept in mind as the books are considered.  It’s fun to watch as someone discovers a gem that seems perfectly matched to a co-worker’s tastes, and, like a parent on Christmas morning, presents it to him/her with anticipation of validating their find.   

 As the processing continues, the books sit briefly on the ‘new book shelves’, then the ‘new book cart’, being seen by different people in other work areas.   (I enjoy this privilege, and am amused, as I watch staff attempt to pass by, but are unable to resist the urge to look and browse.)  Eventually we feel the satisfaction of a book being placed in a box on its way to the borrower fortunate enough to be first in the waiting list.

But my thoughts don’t stop here.  What will its first loan be like, I wonder?   Will it go to a hammock on a summer’s day?  A rug by a warm fire?  Will it be shared with a cup of tea, or a forbidden cigarette, or both? Will it rest on a night table, in a knapsack, or with a dust bunny? Perhaps it will travel on a joyful family vacation, or to a hospital room filled with pain and sadness. Might it be read in secret, or shared with a best friend?  Will it help, heal, comfort, soothe?  Will it bring goose bumps and make hairs stand on end?  Will it emote happiness, guilt, hope, elation?  Will its contents be disappointing, or life-altering?     

 Whatever the experience, may we all appreciate the wonder of books, both new and old.

Wendy Trimper, Head of Branch Services

Libraries: A Year in Review

Annapolis Valley is only one of 9 Regional Library Systems in Nova Scotia and we have all had a busy year.  This post will touch on some of the highlights that have taken place in the different regions this past year.

Annapolis Valley Regional Library’s summer reading program was the recipient of a $4000 award from the Canadian University Federation of Women (CFUW).  We used the award to expand the program to include Science, Technology, Experience, Arts and Math (STREAM).  One of our most successful programs to date.

Western Valley Regional Library was very proud when their very own Verna DeViller,  the library’s automation trainer,  was presented with the 2014 Emile Theriault Library and  Information Technology Award from the Nova Scotia Library Association. She has been with the library for over 36 years. She has exemplified hard work, determination, and “an excellent attitude,” says Western Counties Regional Library Director Erin Comeau.

South Shore Regional Library is still basking in the glow of the opening of the Margaret Hennigar Public Library.   This 8000 square foot state-of-the-art branch is open 7 days and 3 evenings a week and is a key component of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Center.   

Colchester East Hants Regional Library scored a success with Film Night with Cory Bowles.  There was a screening of his new film and discussion on making a film in Tatamagouche.  Cory also talked about the racial issues he has encountered in his career as an actor, dancer and film maker.  Over 80 people attended this event.

Cumberland Regional Library was all about origami this past summer.  Their goal of folding 1000 paper Yodas was surpassed to the tune of a total of 3,529 Yodas.  Tom Angleberger,  the author of the Origami Yoda series for kids, followed the project closely and donated a piece of the original artwork from the series as a reward.   

Cape Breton Regional Library hosted Singing Storytellers – Workshops, Lectures and Demonstration. In partnership with University of Cape Breton and Celtic Colours this event drew participants from all over the world.  This combination of stories and music was open to the public and was a resounding success.

 

Pictou Antigonish Regional Library was the recipient of a National Award presented by the Canadian Institute of Planners.  The Antigonish Town & County library now has the title of Canada’s Great Public Space.   Deemed more than just a

library it was recognized for its exceptional design that celebrates the work of local artists and craftspeople and that incorporates numerous green features.

Halifax Regional Library finally opened the doors on the new Central Library. Boasting features like a rooftop terrace, cafe and lounge, and a collection that nearly doubled in size, the expectation is that 900,000 people will visit the library in the coming year.

Eastern Counties Regional Library unveiled Paul’s Garden in memory of Paul Chiasson, an avid gardener and educator.  Through donations in his memory and lots of voluntary community support the garden became a reality.  This is the beginning of the Living Library project undertaken by the region in the hopes of developing community gardens at all their branch locations. 

So there you have it.  Exciting and rewarding things are happening all the time all over this province’s libraries.  We are confident that it will be as busy and interesting in the coming year.  Let’s celebrate what we have and what is to come.   Happy New Year,  Libraries!