The library has all the buzz about bees
We can all agree that education is a good thing.
It’s proven to be the most effective way to reduce poverty. It strengthens essential skills such as empathy, communication and digital literacy. But for too many people, learning stops when you finish your formal education. Especially for adults, there is a critical point where learning seems to halt.
But this doesn’t have to be the case. Learning doesn’t need to stop just because you aren’t in school. As an adult, learning something — anything — gives you something new to think about. It positively impacts your mental health. It provides ways to make new friends. It’s exciting, and it can be fun, too. Part of our library’s mission statement is to provide an open door to lifelong learning. Next week we have some unique and exciting opportunities to learn.
On Wednesday, Oct. 3, George Scott, managing director of the Niagara Beeway, will join us at our Centennial branch to talk about honeybees in Niagara. A registered beekeeper for more than 25 years, Scott is a passionate advocate for beekeeping as a crucial component for Ontario’s agricultural success, now and in the future.
In 2001, he founded the Niagara Beeway, dedicated to the protection and preservation of Niagara’s honeybee populations. Scott will discuss the problems facing bees today and the actions that can be taken to preserve bees and pollinators in Niagara in a sustainable way. Scott will also provide information about garden plants that aid pollinators. The talk will begin at 7 p.m.
Then, on Oct. 6, we have our third annual “How-To” Festival. A “How-To” Festival is a co-operative learning experience, teaching practical, hands-on skills learned in short sessions. It’s a fun way for attendees to learn something new or different.
We have an incredible lineup of hands-on activities. You’ll also learn how to cure a cold with essential oils, how to save seeds, and how to make salsa. We’ll even have a booth that teaches you how to make slime — you’ll be able to leave with your own mini batch of slime. Another booth will teach you how to build a robot — and R2D2 will be making an appearance.
The festival is also a chance to meet the miniature horses and ponies from the Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue in Crystal Beach. These miniature horses come inside and will be inside the library. Weather permitting, there will also be pony rides outside in the Sugarbowl. Rides will be $5 each, with all proceeds going back to the Last Chance Horse and Pony Rescue. Our festival showcase is a talent show that will provide us all with live music. The festival begins at 11 a.m. and will run until 2 p.m.
We hope to see you there learning, and having fun while doing it.
Laura Trabucco is the community engagement librarian at Fort Erie Public Library.