The P.E.I. Public Library Service now has a podcast. Stack Attack is a podcast on books, culture and everything related to the world of libraries. It premiered in October with a rousing round of thrilling tales to celebrate Halloween. Stack Attack is available on iTunes, Deezer, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.
I told everyone this last month, but I’m so happy about it I’m going to tell you all again – public libraries in P.E.I. have gone fine free.
We want you to borrow stuff, so we no longer charge overdue fines. Anyone who needs to renew, update or check on a library account can call 902-368-4642 or drop in.
As a reminder for students who are working from home and getting ready for exams, the library is offering bookable work space. Give us a call or drop into the library to reserve a desk.
Coming up at the end of November will be exciting virtual information programs planned in partnership with Community Legal Information. On Nov. 24, 6:30 p.m., Wills and Estates will be offered. Find out about wills, executors, powers of attorney and how to have end-of-life wishes carried out. On Nov. 27, 2 p.m., the session will be Health Care Decisions with topics like consent to treatment and health-care directives. Both sessions are offered virtually through Zoom and are available to all library patrons with an Internet connection. Pre-registration is required by emailing [email protected].
Public libraries in the province will be holding the Gift of Reading campaign until Dec. 5. For this campaign we will be accepting donations of new and very gently-used books for kids and teens only. Donated books will be included in holiday hampers distributed by local food banks.
Have the little ones been missing storytime? Coming soon the library will be offering weekly storytimes on Zoom (10:30 a.m., Thursdays). For the older kids, there will be a virtual Hackmatack Club (a sort of literary Survivor where kids can vote on books to have a say in which Canadian author wins the coveted Hackmatack award). Keep following on social media for updates on these and other programs.
While I may be pushing the holiday season a little, it is coming (and to be honest, I am excited to see the end of 2020). At this time of year, I always like to remind folks thinking of making gifts this year about some of the library’s crafty, DIY titles:
- Caticorn crafts: 25 purr-fectly enchanted projects. Yes, it really is a book full of cat-unicorn unicorn-cat crafts, because every family has someone who would love a caticorn cushion. So, if anyone would like to surprise that special cat (or unicorn) person in their life give this book a try.
- Do-it-yourself garden projects and crafts: 60 planters, bird houses, lotion bars, garlands and more! A little out of season, but a bird house makes a lovely gift and you can get instructions for making seed bombs and grow bags (I’m not entirely sure what these are, but I’m guessing they’re legal).
- Spa apothecary: Natural bath and beauty recipes, moisturizers, washes and scrubs and more – pop them in a pretty container and voila, you have a gift that will make the world a happier and more glowing place.
- DIY projects for cats and dogs: 20 easy-to-build creations for a best friend, just in case you don’t want to leave anyone out this holiday season.
Follow along on Facebook (PEI Public Library Service) and Instagram for updates on library services and other fun stuff.
Beth Clinton is the regional librarian with the P.E.I. Provincial Library Service. Her column appears in The Guardian once a month. Anyone who would like more information on programs should call the library at 902-368-4642.
