Happy 2020!
It’s an even numbered year and all authors out there know what that means—Prince Edward Island Book Awards!
The awards celebrate the best in books by Islanders. Awards are given every two years in four categories: fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children’s literature, new for 2020. Books need to be submitted by Jan. 31. Go to Princeedwardisland.ca/PEIbookawards for details and entry forms.
Parents and caregivers rejoice—regular weekly programs in the Children’s Library are back. For the ever-ready-to-read preschool crowd we offer Family Storytime on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Feb. 19 is a special date with puppet drama up first at 10:30 a.m. before the 11 a.m. storytime. For littler ones we have Toddler Time on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and Wiggle, Giggle, Read at 1:30 p.m., where babies and their caregivers enjoy songs, tickles and rhymes.
Speaking of babies, welcome to my new great-nephew, Russell Blair Weeks, born 12:06 a.m. on Jan. 9. And just a general notice that there is no age limit on library cards so bring your baby in to get one as soon as you would like.
A special program is coming up on Jan. 18. Drop in anytime to create a hand-made valentine and help bring joy to a Canadian Veteran this Valentine’s Day. January also brings a celebration that is dear to librarians’ hearts – Family Literacy Day (FLD). Storytimes and Toddler times on Jan. 21, 22 and 23 will focus on Emotional Literacy as part of the FLD celebrations. On Jan. 25 we’ll continue that theme –kids are welcome anytime to make their own Feelings Wheel. This neat little tool helps us show how we’re feeling. Mine will run the gamut from “just found a new author joy” to “finished my favourite series gloom” to “be careful of books with dogs on the covers sadness.”
Monthly programs in the Children’s library include Craft Club on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. where you can make a heart suncatcher and Bedtime Stories on Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. Bring your stuffy and hear some stories.
For teens, our popular Drop-in Drawing program continues on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. On Jan. 18 teens can also take part in Valentines for Vets and drop in to make a card for a Canadian veteran. On Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. we’re offering a Hot Chocolate Study break to teens. You take the break and we’ll bring the chocolate.
On Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. GEBIS will be on hand to teach the giving and receiving compassionate meditation. Learn simple meditation and mindfulness tools to help in times of stress. Meditation is great but if your idea of relaxing is watching nature then you’ll have no egrets (get it?) about attending our session on learning to attract birds to your backyard on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.
Speaking of birds, on Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. Atlantic Canadian author Laura Churchill Duke will read from her non-fiction true crime book Two Crows Sorrow.
On Jan. 28 at 4 p.m. drop into library for the 5 Minute Book Club (warning—this book club may actually last longer than 5 minutes). Bring a book you liked and be ready to give a quick talk about it. Another Family Literacy Day program will be happening on Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Adult learner Dianne Smith will talk about her experience working with the P.E.I. Literacy Alliance to earn her GED.
Got a new iPad or phone you’re struggling with? Want to watch the cat videos on YouTube that everyone talks about? Technology help from teens will be available on Feb. 5 from 4-5 p.m. Call the library at 368-4642 to reserve a space.
Also, on Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m., the ongoing saga of In Stitches—A Fibre Art club will continue to unfold. Drop in with your latest project and join in the fibre fun. As part of Family Violence Prevention Week, the library will be presenting Engaging Men and Boys on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. will feature the latest in our adult Craft or Fail series—stay tuned for project details. On Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. drop into the Senior’s Cafe for coffee, tea and a chat. Special guest this month is the Community Legal Information Association who will answer your questions about legal rights and responsibilities of being a renter.
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.
