AVRL’s continued lament for On South Mountain (sung to the tune of “Where Have all the Flowers Gone”)

 

                                       

Does someone you know have a long overdue library copy of the book On South Mountain, by Alison Griffiths and David Cruise?  Do you?

PLEASE HELP!  Over the years, almost all of the library's copies of On South Mountain have disappeared.   They weren't stolen, exactly.   They were legitimately signed out from the library, but then never returned.  Patrons have moved and contact information is outdated.   Please help us -- we need them back.    The subject matter is a dark, but significant, chapter of Annapolis Valley’s past.  We receive ongoing requests for the title, and it remains out of print.

If you are in possession of one of these books, please return it to us.    If an acquaintance/friend of yours has it, please implore him/her to see it safely home.  It could be returned to any N.S. library and it would find its way back to us.

Or maybe you have a copy you're willing to donate?  If so, please see library staff, or contact wtrimper@valleylibrary.ca

Chilton Library online - where smart patrons click for service information

Whether you are an amateur do-it-yourselfer, a service professional, or an aspiring automotive service engineer, Chilton Online provides reliable car repair information. Access 24/7 from your library, home, or on the go, all you need is you library card. A valuable resource, this database is the perfect alternative to those hefty manuals. If you are studying car repair, there are prep questions for the certification test. Nearly every make and model is covered, using an easy to understand menu that guides you to the information needed. Even if you are not doing the work yourself, the database is helpful in providing the correct terminology to help you do a better job of explaining the problem to your mechanic.

Know ahead of time how long the job should take. Take a test drive through this database and discover how easy and informative it is. Just search your make and model and go from there.

Listed below are some of the highlights of Chilton Online.

• Look up recalls and service bulletins
• Find estimated labour time
• Prepare for ASE mechanic certification with test prep quizzes (13 in total)
• 'Listen To' option is now available for specifics such as wiring diagrams
• Graphics that can be enlarged on screen to suit your needs

Login and see for yourself!

Carry Your Library Card on Your Phone

Do you sometimes forget to bring your library card with you when you visit one of our branches, but always have your phone?  Or, do you just have too many cards in your wallet?  Well, we have a solution for you.  Put your library card on your phone.

 

Download either one of these free apps, Key Ring or CardStar to your Android or iOS smart phone.  Add a new card, you won’t find us in the list of vendors so just add it as other and name it what makes sense to you.  During the process of adding the card, you will be prompted to scan the card.  The app won’t take the image of the barcode on the library card unless it is just what it requires, so the distance and resolution need to be just right before it moves on to the next step.

 

You may find these apps useful for adding other types of cards, you should check with the store or location where you use them to be sure they can read them from a phone.  We’ve just recently installed the equipment to make this possible in your local library.

Charlotte Janes,

Systems and Collections Access Coordinator

 

 

 

 

Sharing Stories ... discover your community

Seniors Week - October 1 - 7, 2016

 

During the celebration of Canadian Library Month in October, Seniors Week is an opportunity for public libraries to focus on programming, services, books and materials for seniors provided by the nine public library regions in Nova Scotia. Throughout the year, library staff continue to welcome and serve older adults coming to the library.

 

Seniors Week is a provincial initiative to incorporate library promotion and engagement of seniors within our communities. Public libraries are encouraged to engage with our seniors and work together to provide for their needs. National Seniors Day will be celebrated on October 1, 2016. Provincially, Seniors Week will be celebrated from October 1 - October 7, 2016.

 

This year the theme is 'Sharing Stories ... discover your community'. Library branch staff have been creative in programming ideas this year. look for a presentation on Charles MacDonald and his Faerie Cottages, Positive Approaches for Dementia, Conversations About Death and Dying, Rug Hooking, Card Making, Celebrating the Harvest Season, a talk on the book 'Valley Child: A Memoir' or come to an Old-fashioned Kitchen Party. For a complete list of all programs go to the event page on our website: www.valleylibrary.ca/seniors-week. Registration may be required for some of the programs.

 

Browse our online catalogue for some interesting reading material and check out the creative displays of items chosen by staff at each of our branches. This may also be a good time to celebrate our senior library workers!

 

Submitted by Wendy Kearnes,

Bookmobile & Offsite Services Manager

Member of Service to Older Adults Working Group

 



Tip: how to keep track of what you have read

Patrons often ask if we have a list of what they have read. Our answer is no, we only have a list of what you currently have checked out.

Did you know that you can make lists of books and store them in your Annapolis Valley Regional Library account?

To do this you first log into My Account. Then click on the home button for Your Account in the top right corner. On the left hand side you will see a block called Your Lists. Under Your Favorites, you have the option to create a list. This could be a list of cook books, crafting books, novels, DVDs, books you have read or would like to read, whatever you like.

For example, I made a list of  suggestions from the Book Lovers Calendar. It was great to know that of the 29 titles I added to my list, only 3 were not available in our system. They were, however, available from other Libraries in Nova Scotia.

To do this for yourself: search for a title, when you find it press "add to favourites", then choose the list. Once these lists are created, they can be modified. You can add your own notes to the title, saying for example when you read it and what you thought of it or you can delete it from the list once you have read it. There is also a place to tag books with your favourite tag words. There are lots of different ways you can tailor this to suit your individual needs and preferences. You can also choose public or private setting when you create your list, thereby having the ability to share.

I hope you take time to try this and have some fun with it!

If you would like to take a look at my list, here is the link. https://avrl.catalogue.library.ns.ca/MyResearch/MyList/2147

Happy Reading everyone!

Lynn Manning

Kentville Branch

Take a hike! The beauty of Nova Scotia awaits!

I think we live in one of the best places in the world for hiking.  Ocean vistas, waterfalls, mountains, rivers and valleys.  Whether on a railway bed, local urban path or at one of the many provincial or national parks, the choices are endless.  Best of all you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy all that nature has provided.  Hikes are frequently rated these days so you always have a choice, from easy to challenging.   Hiking is a perfect activity to connect adults and children providing a unique opportunity to explore and discover together. 

Take Taylor Head for example, a gorgeous provincial park and one that I have wanted to visit for quite a few years now.  This park and it’s trails are regarded by hiking author Michael Haynes as one of his favourites.  I finally had the chance to explore this area.  There are several trails to choose from and clearly colour coded with ratings.  It was nice to know how long the hike would take so that you could plan out how much of it you wanted to do and they all end at the beach which was great!  Definitely worth the effort to get there.

Hiking is something that does not take a lot of equipment or financial investment.  Some sensible walking shoes, water and snacks in a backpack and you are good to go.   Even if you have never walked before it is something that you can easily work into.  Start off with 10 or 15 minute walks and go from there.  Something as simple as a walk in the park to begin.  Take your time on a hike, stop frequently as many hikes have marked spots to take in the view. You never know what or who you may see.

Your local recreation department can be a good place to start for maps of local trails. Check out Hike Nova Scotia  http://www.hikenovascotia.ca/  and Nova Scotia Trails http://www.novascotiatrails.com/  for inspiration and information.  These groups are always ready to encourage Nova Scotians to get out and discover our province.  It’s good for the mind and the body and so easy - just put one foot in front of the other.

 
The library has several books that can start you on the path of becoming a hiker. Check out these titles.  Have fun!

Waterfalls of Nova Scotia

Walking Nova Scotia

Hiking Trails of Mainland Nova Scotia

Hiking Nova Scotia

Patricia Milner

Manager, Special Collection Access Services

Annapolis Valley Regional Library

I Can’t Believe it! The Isabel & Roy Jodrey Memorial Library is One Year Old!

   It was on June 27^th 2015 that Hantsport’s new library opened its doors to the public. A lot has happened since then; some of it is as exciting as new shoots sprouting from the ground, some of it a little bit uncomfortable as growing pains often are.
  As our yearly statistics indicate many new people have come in to enjoy the new facility and to participate in a wide variety of programs. With the bigger space, we have been able to host visits from some crowd catching celebrities like Princess Hantsport, Santa Claus, and Scott Brison. The change in location from the school has allowed us to have open hours on Wednesday mornings which has developed into a popular time for families and caregivers of preschoolers to visit. In January, the renovations to the lower level were completed and as new furniture trickled in we were able to move the very popular Cozy Corner Storytime downstairs giving the children room to move about, listen to stories and create works of art.
  “Library Lab” is another program that has grown within the year and benefitted from the new program rooms. This is a group of chatty 10-14 year olds who come together every other Tuesday to explore craft techniques, art materials and science activities. They have had so much fun that many of them congregate here on non-program days.  Another lively creative group is the Wednesday afternoon crafters who get together to chat as they stitch, hook, knit or weave. The program room on the lower level enabled this group to change their meeting time to a time when the library is open, every Wednesday from 1-3pm. Anyone is welcome, just bring along your project!
  Having a kitchen downstairs is an asset and has allowed us to introduce a new program called “Lunch & Learn”.  This started in March and happens once per month when a speaker presents as participants munch on their lunch and sip their coffee or tea.  Stay tuned for the Fall 2016 speaker line-up!

 Other programs held throughout the year were tech help tutorials and  kids tech programs, senior’s week  programs,  a family literacy day event, winter carnival story walk & scavenger hunt, a March Break camp, Canada Reads event, and a monthly book club. If any of these pique your interest or you have an idea for something new, let us know and we will try to accommodate.
  We are now getting ready for year two!  It is looking good so far. May I suggest you Renew Your Curiosity and check out our Summer 2016 programs found on the calendar of events. And for heaven’s sake, if you haven’t already been into the Isabel and Roy Jodrey Memorial Library, please come see us!

Liz Gibson
Branch Manager,
Isabel and Roy Jodrey Memorial Library, Hantsport

Building a phenomenal new library for Berwick and area

The construction of the new Berwick & Area Library is well under way!

The new space will again be in the Berwick Town Hall complex at 236 Commercial Street, but will be twice as large, 2190 sq. ft. It will have access to more program rooms, a larger section for youth and an inspiring area for children. As well as a quiet reading area for adults.

You will enter the library through the "Community Living Room". A place to gather with your community neighbours, to relax, or to read a book or magazine either online or in hardcover.

Outside the windows will be a landscaped green space with outdoor seating and wifi access under large trees. It will be in close proximity to the sidewalk so you can't miss it.

A dedicated group called the Friends of the Berwick & Area Library has formed to help fund raise the necessary amount to outfit the new space with inspiring furnishings and equipment. If you would like to join this group or receive up to date information please contact the Berwick Library, 902-538-4030, to be added to the email list. If you have any questions or would like to make a donation you may do so here (Canada helps ) or drop in to the Berwick Library temporarily located in Wilson's Pharmasave at 213 Commercial Street, Berwick.

Barbara Lipp
Manager, Berwick & Area Library
'The Community's Living Room'

It's Spring Training time at AVRL

 
Our annual Staff In-service is Monday, June 6th. All locations are closed on this day so that staff can gather together, learn, share, interact, and ‘develop’ professionally. Our goal is to return to job duties and demands with a renewed sense of purpose, with improved skills and confidence, motivated to perform our tasks effectively and efficiently.

Staff will be getting tangled up in THREADS, the 2016 Summer Reading Club theme. Plans will be unveiled for this ever-popular summer program that sees kids and teens reading and using the library like mad after the school year is over. Each year, the program is tweaked and shaped to keep things interesting and engaging.

NNELS (National Network of Equitable Library Service) will be the subject of one workshop. NNELS is a repository of content owned and sustained by Canadian public libraries working with international partners, libraries, readers and publishers (particularly Canadian ones). The service makes copies of books in accessible formats available to readers in Canada who have print disabilities.

Another topic will be Immigrants in our Community. Two guest presenters will enlighten us with individual stories that speak to the journey of immigrants and the community services which are required. We’ll look for innovative ideas that reach out to newcomers.

Lisette Jones, owner of ThinkSmart Training & Consulting, will speak to staff about Generational Differences. This workshop will show us how each generation ticks and how that information can be used to work with other people more effectively.

We’ll hear about themed programming for seniors. Creative Reminiscence: Themed Senior Programs has been developed by one of our bookmobile staff for use in serving residents in senior-type facilities. These can include songs and associated props that spark conversation and memories of days gone by.

There will be general library business as well – an AVRL restructuring check-in, an overview of our new Respectful Workplace Policy, and we’ll be taking a journey through current AVRL programming and reviewing the associated materials, kits and props which can make all that happen.

While you won’t be able to visit one of our libraries on June 6th, please understand that we’ll be working, and learning, to serve you better!

Wendy Trimper
Coordinator of Community Library Services
Annapolis Valley Regional Library

 

Coming Soon!! Seed Library Pilot Project

  Looking for a family project that leads to healthy food choices and sustainable communities?

  Need seeds to complete your vegetable garden?

  Perhaps growing vegetables is new to you?

   Well, once again, the library is here to help. 

  Starting May 3^rd, the Dr. Frank W. Morse Memorial Library in Lawrencetown is inviting you to stop by and pick up a free packet of seeds, complete with planting instructions.  It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

   1.   Browse the seed packets. (kindly donated by: Hope Seeds; Annapolis Seeds; and Paul Gregory, Organic Backyard Gardener)

   2.   Show us your library card.

   3.    We’ll give you the seeds!

   There is no expectation of returning any seeds from your finished project, although who knows what we’ll do in future?  (Some seed libraries do exactly that.  Participants donate seeds back, to be used by others in the community the following year.)

   As your project progresses, we’d love to hear from you, but that’s completely optional.   You could send us a photo or message on Facebook or Twitter. 

   AVRL has a wonderful collection of books on all kinds of gardening-related topics – vegetables, fruit, flowers, landscaping, composting, gardening with children, and much more.   Browse the shelves in any of our branch libraries or search the online catalogue to place holds. 

  Let’s get out there and get our hands dirty this summer.  Gardening is known to have substantial health benefits in terms of physical activity and mental well-being.  Certainly there’s absolutely nothing more satisfying than reaping the rewards from a garden you’ve grown yourself, and what a wonderful family project it can be.

Teaser:  Keep your ear to the ground.  Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Valley farmer participate in a library storytime this summer?

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.

February is African Heritage Month

In 1926 Negro History week was established. An idea conceived by African-American Carter G. Woodson, to set aside a time devoted to African -Americans and African-American history. He chose a week in February because that month contained the birthdates of two people credited with bringing and end to American slavery:  black abolitionist,  Frederick Douglass and American President, Abraham Lincoln. Over time the celebration expanded and became known as Black History Month.

In 1950, Toronto railroad porters were the first to celebrate the idea in Canada. the porters had learned of this celebration in their travels in the United States. It was not until the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) petitioned the city of Toronto  to have February proclaimed Black History Month by 1979, that the celebration started to trickle to other communities. The OBHS then  successfully lobbied the federal government to have February declared as Black History Month and  in 1995, after a motion by politician Jean Augustine, representing the riding of Etobicoke—Lakeshore in Ontario, Canada's House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month. In 2008, a motion by Nova Scotia Senator Donald Oliver to have the Senate officially recognize Black History Month, was unanimously approved. In December 2014 the United Nations declared the next ten years to be the Decade for People of African Descent with the theme: Justice, recognition and development.

  The 2016 theme for African Heritage Month  in Canada is  The Black Battalion: Legacy of Commitment - They Fought to Fight, to honour the 100th anniversary of the No. 2 Construction Battalion.  The members of the Black Battalion had to fight to fight. Raised in 1916 in Nova Scotia, they were trailblazers in their struggle to break the colour barrier and  fight for freedom in the Great War. Because of their unwavering desire they paved the way for African Nova Scotians  to serve in the armed forces in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the Afghan War and peacekeeping in the Sinai, Cyprus, the Congo and many other conflict zones.


The No. 2 Construction battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force,
 was the first and only Black battalion on Canadian military history.

To celebrate Black History Month, Annapolis Valley Regional Library has compiled this booklist.

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.

Berwick Library Relocates to Pharmacy Location

Starting January 22^nd, you can do your errands at Wilson’s Pharmasave in Berwick – and include a stop at the library without leaving the building!  

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library is pleased that our Berwick branch is to become a temporary part of the Pharmasave family while the Town Hall building is being demolished and a new building constructed.   On January 22^nd, look for us on the south wall past Canada Post and Gekko Tech.   We’ll be welcoming current library users and inviting new ones to come and see what we have to offer.    Getting a library card and using our services is FREE and one of the best deals you’ll find anywhere!

With your library card, you can:

-         borrow  books , dvds, audiobooks, and magazines for FREE

-         download ebooks and audiobooks using our OverDrive subscription service for FREE

-         use our Zinio service to read magazines online for FREE

-         access Tutor.com for homework help, resume prep,  and career resources for FREE

-         visit databases such as Ancestry.com or Chilton’s auto repair manuals for FREE

-         access services for persons with print disabilities for FREE

  In this new location, we’ll provide our usual variety of materials, and public computers with Internet access including Wi-Fi.   We will continue with programs for all ages such as Talk Sing Read storytime, GirlPower, Coffee & Conversation and one-on-one technology tutorials (all for FREE!).  Please note that the Library will not be open January 19-21 while we relocate. 

Barbara and Shelly invite you to come and visit the Berwick Library at Wilson’s Pharmasave, 213 Commercial St. on January 22^nd or anytime thereafter.   Our usual open hours will apply.  Visit www.valleylibrary.ca for more information.

A new library for Kentville

On Sunday, January 10, from 2-4 PM, we invite you to come to the current Kentville library to tell us what your hopes are for the new Kentville library. It has been a few years since the Friends of the Kentville Public Library dissolved—but before that, they had some great ideas and were working towards a new location for the Kentville library.

Since the bridge near the library will be reconstructed, the library MUST move. There are two locations being considered by the Town of Kentville and the Municipality of the County of Kings. Either location will mean a larger space for the Kentville branch, which is good news! 

Next Sunday, we want to hear your thoughts. What do you want the new library to feel like? What does your library mean to you?  How will you use the new library? Would you like to help fundraise for the new library? We are inviting all who love their library and who want to help make it awesome to stop by on January 10. We will host a “World Cafe” style event – we will have several tables, each with a different subject. Staff will facilitate the tables—we will ask you to provide input at each table. You can come for the whole 2 hours, or if you just want to drop in, you can do that as well. We want to hear from you! And if you can't make it on Sunday, you can COMMENT ONLINE.