A new year, with new discoveries ... that begin at the library!
Is it part of your New Year’s resolutions to create adventures in your own backyard? Why not try snowshoeing, the gym, go for a swim or take a walk on a snowy trail with some Nordic walking poles! The library is a great place to start — and all you need, is your library card.
Thanks to a great partnership with Active Pictou County, the library is home to some amazing outdoor activity gear that you can borrow for free — with your valid Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library card. Starting this week, the library will add 20-plus pairs of snowshoes (for youth and adults) to our lendable library collection.
In addition, the Fun Fit Pass access program with Active Pictou County also continues — and PARL card holders can borrow a Fun Fit pass to visit three local community activity venues: the Pictou Fisheries Training Pool, True Potential Gym or the YMCA of Pictou County. And thanks to the NS Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Walkabout program, the library has two pairs of Nordic Walking Poles available for patrons to borrow at each of our library branches. A perfect opportunity, for tight household budgets after the holiday season, and it’s all free — with your library card. And of course, the library also has many helpful books and instructional DVDs on a diverse array of topics and project ideas too.
Also starting up this week, most of the library’s regular weekly and monthly programs are back in the swing of things. The library has lots of fun programs on the go for all ages and abilities, for the young and young-at-heart. Some programs and special events are drop-in as you wish, while other programs do require pre-registration (due to limited materials or space).
As well, there is a new, afternoon book club starting up at the Stellarton Library this month. The new book club will be meeting the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. Contact the Stellarton Library for details and to register, as space is limited, 902-755-1638. For the full list of programs and activities at the library, please visit our PARLevents calendar at www.parl.ns.ca/ events/index.php.
Literacy begins with family
Literacy skills are a crucial skill in today’s workplace, from being able to read assembly instructions to roadside directions, a cooking recipe to a medication prescription, signing legal documents to applying for your driver’s licence. Annually, on Jan. 27, we celebrate Family Literacy Day across Canada to recognize the importance that supporting early childhood literacy, and the crucial role that strong families play.
From Jan. 22 to 26, the Westville library is hosting Elephant & Piggie activities for families to enjoy together. Also, Jan. 22 to 26, the Trenton Library is also inviting folks to drop-in and share their favourite stories, and craft a doodle for our doodle table.
The River John library is hosting a special Family Storytime to celebrate Family Literacy Day on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 9:30 a.m.
The Pictou library is having a “Library Mystery” puppet show also on Jan. 23 starting at 10:30 a.m.
The Stellarton library is inviting everyone to join them for a PJ party on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m. for a Snuggle Up & Read! Family Storytime.
The Pictou library is having a Family Literacy Day Storytime on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10:30 a.m., with some very special guest readers!
The New Glasgow library is home to a Pete the Cat Scavenger Hunt all week long, starting on Sunday, Jan. 27, until Saturday, Feb. 2.
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.