Libraries provide space and tools to get creative

Lately, as I’ve been going to events and talking about things that happen with the library, I often get asked whether people still come to the library. Personal bias aside, my reply is always “yes!” But I stress that the reasons they come to the library are beyond borrowing books. It’s to meet up with their art group, take their grandchildren to programs, or use our computers. Whether it’s kids building something awesome with LEGO or crafts, or it’s the person painting something unique with their art group; libraries lend themselves nicely for inspiring creativity in everyone.

‘150 Library Makers: Handcrafting our Future’

To commemorate 150 years of Canada’s diverse artistic and crafting heritage, Nova Scotia’s nine regional public library systems and the Community Technology Network of Nova Scotia (CT Net) last week in Truro celebrated the start of a new project titled 150 Library Makers: Handcrafting Our Future. This project, aimed to celebrate 150 days of learning, creating and making at public libraries across Nova Scotia, will feature free, hands-on workshops at local libraries in Pictou and Antigonish counties in the coming months. These will be led by artists, volunteers and library staff as a way to learn more about the cultural diversity and accomplishments of the artists, artisans, crafts people and makers in their communities. Participants will also be inspired and supported in their own creative efforts using a wide range of techniques from the traditional to high tech.

Works generated by Nova Scotians of all ages will be curated into a collection of “150 Things Made @ The Library” and made available for viewing online at the project’s website. The goal of this special collection is to demonstrate, in a tangible way, the power of Nova Scotians to handcraft a better future for our province.

To learn more about upcoming workshops related to the 150 Library Makers project, visit www.parl.ns.ca. This is a province-wide Canada 150 initiative made possible by funding from the Department of Communities Culture and Heritage (CCH)’s 150 Forward Fund, as well as support from the Nova Scotia Libraries Association (NSLA) and regional libraries across the province.

Creative book commentary

Stop into the New Glasgow Library to admire an adult bike that can be won by taking part in our Big Book Club at public libraries in Pictou County. The first step is to read a book, then return the book to the library desk and let us know what you thought about it (with title and author noted) on a colourful sticky note so we can showcase it. Then fill out a ballot for a chance to win the grand prize bike, two certificates for a weekend stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Stellarton, and other items drawn monthly, courtesy of the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program.

For more information on upcoming library programs, special events and services, please drop by your local library branch, follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook, or visit us online at www.parl.ns.ca

Holly MacLean is a community outreach assistant for Pictou County with the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library.