The power of a library card!

Leap tall buildings in a single bound!

Maybe a library card is not quite superhuman powerful, but it’s pretty close.

Did you know that with your library card some of the things you can borrow from the library (besides books) include: an Active Pictou County Fun Fit Pass (to visit the YMCA of Pictou County, the Pictou Fisheries Training Pool and the True Potential Fitness Gym, for two weeks); a set of Nordic walking poles; pedometers; jigsaw puzzles; family Play Packs; Autism NS Sensory/ Visual/Fidget Toolkits; Lung Association of NS Radon Gas Detectors; and more.

And sadly, as the sunlight hours gradually decline, it might be helpful to know that at the library we also Light Therapy Lamps, for library visitors’ use at the library. The special lamps are set up in quieter space, or a cozy corner for folks to use. Included with the lamps is an informational sheet of usage tips, and guidelines to keep in mind. The light therapy lamps are often helpful for people suffering from SADS (seasonal affected disorder).

Drop by, soak in some warm daylight and maybe read the local newspaper (the library carries subscriptions to each of our local weekly papers, the Pictou Advocate and The News, and also the daily provincial newspaper, the Chronicle Herald).

Kwa’nu’te: Micmac and Maliseet Artists, a 1991 documentary film by local filmmakers Catherine Martin and Kimberlee McTaggart, is the NFB film selection for September at the River John Library. All are welcome to drop-in on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. The film profiles a number of Mi’kmaq and Maliseet artists from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, showing their similarities and differences, samples of their work and the sources of their inspiration. The documentary offers a remarkable look at Indigenous art and spirituality in Atlantic Canada.

Feeling crafty? The Pictou Library is offering a Pebble and Beach Art workshop on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 6:30 p.m. Join Diana as she shows how to create our own unique piece of art using pebble or beach glass (and you are welcome to bring your own unique beach finds too!). Space and supplies are limited; call the library to pre-register, 902-485-5021. The New Glasgow Library is also offering a crafting session on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 6:30 p.m. (drop-in), to make a beautiful Ombre Paper Wreath

And we will have some great Library Adventures at the Stellarton Library on Thursday, Sept. 27, starting at 6:30 p.m. It is a Family Fun Night, drop-in program for all ages, with activities, stories and a special treat, too. In September, we’ll be celebrating the wonder of libraries, and all the amazing discoveries and adventures you can have with a library card.

For more information on upcoming library programs, special events and services, 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 – Books-by-Mail, River John, Stellarton and Trenton public libraries.