Fall, into the wonder ... and discover the library
With summer’s near end, we welcome in September as Library Card Month.
A library card is the most important school supply of all. Libraries empower all people to pursue their interests, discover their passions and achieve their highest potential as learners and citizens. Library programs serve students of all ages, from early literacy to homework help, lending GED resources to providing life-long learning opportunities.
Libraries bring communities together, creating welcoming, accessible and inclusive spaces for all ages, and abilities — and are constantly transforming and expanding their services to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
It’s time to sign up for the one card that everyone should have — a library card. It’s free, and easy to do. Drop by your local library branch, visit us online at www.parl. ns.ca or give us a call, 902-755-6031 or tollfree at 1-866-779-7761.
September also brings the return of our jam-packed fall programs schedule. Some programs are drop-in as you wish, while other library programs do require pre-registration (due to limited seating, or available materials). Most of our regular weekly activities for children and youth will start up the week of Sept. 10, from ABCs for Babies to Teen Readers Clubs.
For the young-at-heart, some of our adult programs include monthly Book Discussion Clubs, Community Café presentations and NFB film screenings, Gaelic Conversations, Birding Enthusiasts meet-ups, to weekly Knitting and Crafting Circles. New this fall, we have a Yarn Circle that will meet weekly Tuesday mornings at the Westville Library starting Sept. 11 at 10:30 a.m., and Community Quilters at the Pictou Library on alternating Tuesday afternoons. The library’s new fall program guide will soon be available online at wwwl.parl.ns.ca, and printed copies at our library branches.
The “Back to School” routine also signals the return of Sunday hours at the New Glasgow Library. Starting Sunday, Sept. 9, the New Glasgow Library will be open from 2 to 5 p.m.
Notable goals, dedicated doctors
This year, Dalhousie University’s School of Medicine celebrates its 150th anniversary — and there’s a Pictou County connection, too. All are welcome to join us for a special guest author reading and presentation, “Notable Goals, Dedicated Doctors: the story of the Dalhousie Medical School,” with Dr. T. Jock Murray on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., at the deCoste Arts Centre. The event is free and copies of the recently published book will be available for purchase at the presentation.
Dr. Murray’s new book captures the story of a handful of dedicated doctors who came together at a physician’s office to plan a medical school. They outlined a curriculum, assigned teaching roles, successfully applied to be a medical faculty of Dalhousie College, and began teaching the first class of 12 students. It was not an easy journey, one complicated over the years by war, politics and natural disaster.
Dr. Jock Murray is the former Dean of Medicine at Dalhousie University. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and received the Order of Nova Scotia. He has been inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. Dr. Murray is a graduate of Pictou Academy.
Dr. Murray is also a featured author at the 2018 Word on the Street (WOTS) Festival in Halifax on Saturday, Sept. 15.
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.
Trecia Schell is community services librarian, and branch librarian for Books-by-Mail, River John, Stellarton and Trenton public libraries.