News

Reading Resolution Revival

Coleen McFarlane

We are close to five months in from January's New Year's resolutions – how are you doing?  I have to admit, I have not achieved my reading goals for 2020, however, there is still time. If a reading resolution did not work out for you, why not revive with a reading challenge?

If you need some inspiration on how to achieve this, try these resources to reboot your resolution:

Picture Books for Tough Emotions

Catherine

Emotions are running high these days and children are certainly not immune. Picture books are a great way to explain big concepts to very young children, and give them a way to understand the feelings they can’t quite fully articulate. With continuing recognition of worry, grief and mood disorders in early childhood, parents may choose to turn to literature to help explain these concepts along with coping mechanisms.

STEAM Quest at Home

Karen Scott

Are you looking for some fun and easy STEM activities you can do with your child or children with ingredients you probably already have at home? These have all been tried and tested at the library, so you know they'll work!

How about a simple, two ingredient play-dough? Just mix equal parts corn starch and hair conditioner (any brand), for a soft and silky dough that moulds easily, isn't sticky (if it is, just add more corn starch!), smells wonderful, and is easy to clean up.

Arbor Day 2020

Coleen McFarlane

Coinciding with Earth Day, Arbor Day is on April 24th, a day for us to celebrate trees which filter the air, give us shade in summer, and give homes to our feathered friends.

In 1872, the State Board of Agriculture accepted a resolution by J. Sterling Morton “to set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit.” Originating in the United States, the celebration of trees has become a world wide phenomenon:

Staff Picks: Dear Haiti, Love Alaine

Catherine

Jennifer recently enjoyed reading the amusing Young Adult novel Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Malika Moulite, which offers a blend of romance, mystery and adventure. Here is her review:

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine  is an intriguing alchemy of how reality and magic mix to create personal truth. This high drama coming-of-age story resembles Star Wars as an exploration of a dark legacy which juxtaposes grand and individual perspectives.

New Virtual Book Club

Catherine

We have started a new virtual book club on Facebook where you can read at your own pace, and join the discussion when it’s convenient for you.

Each month, the membership will vote on a new book to read. We’ll share background information, videos, and questions to enhance your reading experience. All of the books featured will be available for you to read on-demand via Hoopla Digital. If uptake is reasonable, we'll also add a Zoom meeting component.

Celebrating 50 Years of Earth Day

Coleen McFarlane

Did you know that April 22nd, 2020 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day? Let’s celebrate our beautiful planet together. Whether you recycle, repurpose, start plogging, plant a garden, or eat a meat-free meal, it all helps to lesson our impact on the planet.

As David Suzuki, a legendary Canadian environmentalist, once said:

World Trade Press Resources

Catherine

For a limited time, you can access World Trade Press databases through the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries. Check out what they have offer until July 31st.

Staff Picks: The Book of Letters I Don't Know Where to Send

Catherine

Julie, our Readers' Services Coordinator, recently enjoyed this compilation of letters written by award-winning stand up comedian Steve Patterson. Here is her review:

Books on Bikes

Coleen McFarlane

Did the Easter bunny bring you a bicycle last weekend, or maybe you recently rediscovered your bicycle in the back corner of your garage?  Now is a great time to do maintenance, adjust seats and handlebars, and hit the road for your daily iso-exercise routine.

To be safe, first check out a few tips in some of our books on bikes available on online via Hoopla and Overdrive: