GivingTuesday is November 29

November 29 is GivingTuesday--  a global day of giving that

happens each year after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a time when Canadians, charities and businesses come together to celebrate giving and participate in activities that support charities and non-profits. There is no “right” way to participate as long as it supports generosity and giving. Donate, volunteer time, help a neighbour, or spread the word. GivingTuesday Canada was founded in 2013 by the GIV3 Foundation and CanadaHelps.

Here at AVRL, we are encouraging you to help us furnish two library projects. Our Berwick branch is set to open sometime in January. We still need to raise around $47,000 to fully furnish the library. In Bridgetown, the library expansion is nearly complete. We still need $2000 for furniture in the children’s area and the meeting room.

Both of these library projects have had amazing support. In Berwick there have been fundraisers that have been well attended by the community, local families have donated, and businesses, such as Kings Mutual Insurance, have stepped forward to donate. In Bridgetown, the annual Silent Auction brought in nearly $4000 towards the project. In each of these communities, the Friends of the Library have been instrumental in gathering community backing. There’s not enough space here to individually thank each and every one of you who have been helping our libraries, but please know that we are incredibly honoured to have your support.

So, when November 29 rolls around, and you want to help us finish these library projects, this is the time! We’ll even give you a tax receipt for donations of $10 or more. If you have bonds or securities you want to donate, we can do that too.

To donate, visit this page. Or you can donate on the GivingTuesday site; please leave us a message regarding which library project you want to support. If you send us a cheque, please print the form for the library you want to support. If you have any questions, please feel free to phone us at 902-665-2995 and we can help you!

Why is the Kentville Library closed?

Kentville Library is moving! A long-anticipated move for the Kentville Library is now in the works. The last open day of the Kentville Library in the current location, 95 Cornwallis Street, was Saturday, August 6th.

The library will be closed August 7th through to the 14th. In order to continue to serve the Kentville area, the Annapolis Valley Regional Library will operate a smaller, temporary library while renovations on the new space in the former United Church at 440 Main Street are being completed. Anticipated re-opening of the “Kentville Lite” Library in the lower level of 440 Main Street will be Monday, August 15th. There will be no overdue fines charged on items due during the closure period. The bookdrop will remain open at the current location this week. Items can be returned to the bookdrop or to any other AVRL location.

The Mad Science: Fire & Ice program, scheduled for Tuesday, August 9, will be relocated to the Upper Recreation Centre at 354 Main Street, next to Town Hall. Participants in the Summer Reading Club will be able to pick up Fast Passes and other prizes on Tuesday, August 9, at the Recreation Centre from 11:30 AM until 4 PM, or at any AVRL location, including the Bookmobile.

Here's a handy FAQ about the move:

The library will be closed August 7-14. The book drop will be available for book return during this time at our current location, 95 Cornwallis Street.

The temporary location, “Kentville Lite” will be in the lower level at 440 Main Street (former United church building), opening on August 15.

No overdue fines will be charged during the closure period.

The hours & phone number will remain the same at Kentville Lite.

We will be operating with a smaller collection, however, you may also place a hold on any item in our AVRL collection to be picked up at this location.

Parking is available.

Public computers and WIFI will be available.

We anticipate being in the temporary location for 2-3 months.

Programming will be limited in the temporary location; updates on Fall programs to come.

Summer Reading prizes may be picked up at any other AVRL location during the closed dates.

Congratulations to Hantsport

Congratulations go out to the community of Hantsport, Susan Oickle-Shano and all the Friends of the Hantsport Public Library.

Dedication, perseverance, hard work, or in others words, plain old community spirit were the catch phrases of the day  September 23, 2015. After being a tenant for more than 50 years in the Hantsport School,  the Isabel and Roy Jodrey Memorial Library officially opened its doors.  

The weather couldn’t have been better as approximately 130 guests gathered  in front of the former Hantsport Legion at 10 Main Street. A smudging ceremony, greetings and congratulations from  invited dignitaries preceded the official unveilings and ribbon cutting  by Roy Bishop and other family members of Isabel and Roy Jodrey.  

Guests were greeted by branch manager, Liz Gibson as they enjoyed refreshments, and  live music as they toured the newly renovated facility.

“We are so pleased to present this new facility to the community,” said Ann-Marie Mathieu, the new CEO of Annapolis Valley Regional Library. “Hantsport should be proud of this library that so many people worked to create.

Stop by and see the newest addition to the community.

If you would like to see more pictures go to this album on our Facebook page.

The Murdoch C. Smith Memorial Library in Port Williams is being renovated!

Over the course of 6 weeks, starting October 5^th, contractors will begin the process of remodeling the interior of the library in Port Williams. The current entrance area will be altered to become more welcoming, in addition to being wheelchair accessible. The children’s and youth sections will undergo changes and renovations. The staff check-out desk will be relocated, and the entire library will see colour updates and furniture replacements. 

Established in 1958 as a branch library within the Annapolis Valley Regional Library system, this important community facility was made possible via monies from the estate of Dr. Murdoch C. Smith. The effective management of the funds over these many years by the Murdoch C. Smith Memorial Library Board has ensured continued financial support of the facility. Their support, in partnership with the Village of Port Williams, will make the new library enhancements possible.

Library services will continue!  During the renovation process, a temporary (albeit smaller) library site will be set up within the same building on the same floor. The items in this collection will appear as “PW Lite” in the web catalogue. We’ll offer the usual open hours and services, and the outdoor book return will remain accessible. On Fridays, we’ll even have the bookmobile on site from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., so please come and visit us! 

    

We anticipate the library being closed for one day  – Friday, October 2 – as we pack up, relocate to the temporary space, and get ready for the contractors. See you on Saturday, October 3^rd in our new temporary location! 

The Hantsport Dream: Saved by Community

After 54 years in a large classroom at the Hantsport School, the Hantsport library has moved to the larger and brighter Isabel and Roy Jodrey Memorial Library at 10 Main Street, and according to Branch Manger Elizabeth Gibson, “We are loving it!”. Open to the public for just over a week,  everyone who walks through the door exclaims over the spacious, bright atmosphere. The space “gives me a sense of peace” remarked one of the patrons. The south facing windows with a view of the playground and leafy green trees contribute to the peaceful feeling, making it a pleasant environment. 

There’s more space for everyone! Toddlers and older children have their own section to explore their favourite books and find new ones. The library is well stocked for summer readers! There is also a designated Teen Zone, which will be even more inviting once the new rug and furniture arrive. There are several comfy chairs for folks to sit and decompress with the daily newspaper, favourite magazine, or a book from the New Arrivals shelf. There are four public access computers ready for use, and plenty of outlets for charging your devices while you use the free WiFi. There’s room for friends and neighbors to gather and chat without disturbing other patrons or blocking the aisles. And the library is air-conditioned, so it is a great spot to cool off and relax this summer.

“I can’t imagine a single day without reading a book,” says Lorraine Davison, a Hantsport Library patron. “Though it is my first visit, I like this place. Definitely, it is a big step in the overall improvement of Hantsport community.”

The Citizens of Hantsport and Area saved their local branch library by raising over $200,000.00 to provide a new accessible location on Hantsport’s Main Street.  The Hantsport Public Library moved from the Hantsport School and opened in its new location on June 27, 2015.

 “We are very pleased that the library is now open in its new location but much work still needs to be done before our official opening on September 23, 2015,” said Lorraine McQueen, Annapolis Valley Regional Library’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. “Community support made this project a success and in recognition of the generous support of some members of the Jodrey family the library will be known as, The Isabel and Roy Jodrey Memorial Library”.

 “It is a dream come true for our community which has lost so much recently.  It is truly amazing what folks in small-town Nova Scotia can do when they work together,” said Susan Oickle-Shano, Chair of the Save Hantsport Public Library fundraising group.

There’s still work to be done, though! There are plans for an outdoor book drop, and there is a lift that will soon be operational. The lower floor will eventually become a program room. If you’d like to help with these further improvements, visit this site to find out how. 

We hope to see you soon. Check out our selection of books, DVDs, audiobooks, or bring your laptop or e-Reader. Stop by for our programs, bring the kids in to sign up for the Summer Reading Club. Or just stop in and say hello. We’d love to meet you and show off our new space!

Excitement builds for new Hantsport Library

Hantsport Library is moving!  And we are excited!

This week, our Hantsport branch library is moving from its location in the school to a newly renovated site at the former Legion Building at 10 Main St.   We’ll be closed June 23^rd-26^th  and will re-open on Saturday, the 27^th at the new location, with a new name – the Isabel and Roy Jodrey Memorial Library.

Some time ago, planned renovations in the school precipitated discussions on the future home of the public library.   In July of 2013, Hantsport Town Council voted to move forward with a plan to  re-locate the library from the school.  A Library Advisory Committee was formed to look at options and recommend a new location.  Once the former Legion site was chosen, the Save Hantsport Public Library (SHPL) was initiated to raise the required funds.   

With support of the Friends of the Hantsport Public Library, and commitment from the Town, and the SHPL Committee, the library’s future was determined, and the project launched.   The SHPL held countless innovative fund-raisers and were untiring in their dedication to the cause. 

In 2014, members of the Jodrey family came forward to honour the late Isabel and Roy Jodrey with a $100,000 donation toward the project!

The original target date for the public library to move from the school was August 1^st, but, due to the school’s renovation schedule, we’re re-locating sooner than anticipated.  Please bear with us as we work with some temporary shelving, furniture, etc. If you want to help make this new library even better, donations can be made HERE. 

The Isabel and Roy Jodrey Memorial Library will offer more convenient hours, a refreshed book stock, a lounge chair or two, and, later this summer, the public will enjoy an outdoor book return, available during non-open hours.   We’ll have computer tech help during the summer months, and some great children’s programming.  All services and programs are FREE.

We hope you’ll come and see us at the new location.   Remember:  Summer Reading Club starts this week, too, so sign up at the Hantsport Library on the 27^th or in the days thereafter.