Amy Kay
Hooked on Books
All month long, libraries and library partners across Canada are raising awareness of the valuable role libraries play in Canadians’ lives. Established in 2006 by the Canadian Library Association, Canadian Library Month aims to provide an opportunity for Canadians to become familiar with their local library spaces and services. Libraries promote cultural awareness, engage in the community, provide educational programs, support freedom of expression and so much more.
First Nations Public Library Week took place from Oct. 3 to 7. We join in the celebration of First Nations Public Library Week to increase awareness of First Nation peoples and cultures, past and present and make available materials that portray First Nations accurately and sensitively. This year’s theme is Bekaa, Bzindaachagan (Wait and Listen). Anishinabemowin, the original language of the Ojibwe people, is an active language that integrates concepts of the natural world and spirituality. Bekaa is a command that is told to people who are being impatient or brash. The act of waiting and listening to what someone has to say is a form of respect and offers listeners the opportunity to learn new perspectives. Bekaa, Bzindaachagan | Wait and Listen is a reminder for us to enrich our lives by listening to others imparting knowledge, perspectives, and history. Visit https://resources.olservice.ca/fnplw/2022 for daily programming, ending with the presentation of the First Nations Reads Award.
Ontario Public Library Week takes place from Oct. 16-22. The theme for this year’s public library week is One Card, One Millions Possibilities. Here in Lennox and Addington – books are just the beginning! With a Lennox and Addington library card you have free access to our collection of approximately 85,000 books; 4000 movies; 100,000s of e-books and many non-traditional circulating items like C-PENs, museum passes, radon detectors and more. If we don’t have something you are looking for, we turn to InterLibrary Loan – and suddenly your library card provides you access to the entire province’s library holdings!
People in Lennox and Addington rely on the library WiFi to run businesses and use library computers to apply for jobs. There are scores of people who count on their libraries as their sole source for recreation (whether it be reading, movie watching or internet browsing) or those who have upgraded their skills thanks to library programming and services – early literacy, technology, language-learning, genealogy, you name it. Stay tuned for more information on programs we have planned to share all the library love later this month.
Canadian Library Workers Day takes place on Oct. 21. Established by The Canadian Federation of Library Associations, Canadian Library Workers Day is a day for Canadians to recognize the valuable contributions made by all those who work in and for the public, academic, school, government, academic, corporate and private libraries that are integral to our communities. Library workers are skilled professionals who offer answers, advice, and help. They provide high-quality services, from teaching literacy skills and how to perform job searches to assisting people navigating the digital world.
Whether you are a new parent looking to connect with other families, a senior needing assistance with your computer, or a teenager looking for somewhere to hang out after school, the library is here for you. Besides offering a variety of programs and items to borrow, we work hard to make the library welcoming and inviting for everyone. People are at the heart of all we do. This Canadian Library Month, we are so happy to be part of your life and routine, and we hope that you will continue to love, enjoy, and support your local library.
A library card starts a lifelong adventure, connecting you with everything you need to inspire learning, creativity and fun. To get your free library card, you can register online at www.countylibrary.ca or visit your local branch of the County of Lennox and Addington Libraries.