OFF THE SHELF
October 2011
It’s great to be back “ON” the shelf! Fall is clearly upon us already and we can say so long to summer. But what a great summer it was! The library was very busy this summer with our TD Summer Reading Club celebrating with a ‘Splash’ theme. The participating children sang and read over a seven week period about all types of water related topics and creatures. Reading became so much fun while the children interacted with others and learned from each other. For the final celebration of the season, the library hosted a pool party in partnership with the Tim Horton Events Centre. The children enjoyed a morning “Splash” in the pool and enjoyed cupcakes and refreshments followed by a presentation of certificates and gifts by the Cochrane Lion’s Club members, our program sponsors.
The last day of the TD Summer Reading Program featured a Magic Show outside the library which was also themed around the “Splash” water theme. There were a record number of spectators on that beautiful sunny day. Next year’s theme will be “Fantasy”, so stay tuned to let your imagination free.
The Library staff just didn’t stay still all summer! The next week we hosted the Science North’s Cool Traveling Caravan which was also held in partnership with the Tim Horton Events Centre. The attendance was through the roof with close to 200 parents and children taking part in the event. The exhibits where well visited and the children had a lot of questions for the Blue Coat Scientists. We were very pleased to have such good participation by the residents of Cochrane and thank the Tim Horton Events Centre staff for a wonderful partnership.
September has brought the beginning of our Reading Buddies and Homework Help program which runs until May 2012 and has been well attended so far by participants and volunteers alike. Keep in mind that children and volunteers are always welcome throughout the program so, parents and grand-parents, get those children out for some extra reading and get those volunteers out helping others while earning their community hours. What a deal!
This brings us to October and to us that means Canadian Library Month and Ontario Public Library Week (October 17th – 23rd). We have a line-up of activities planned throughout the month but mostly during Ontario Public Library Week with some Halloween activities too! There will be something to tweak everyone’s interest - Adults, Teens and Children alike, so come visit and don’t miss out on multiple draws for all ages.
And for the art and photography enthusiast, the Library Gallery will be holding the “True North Photography Exhibition” from October 13th to November 17th. Bring your friends and neighbours and come experience local talent. Maybe you’ll find that perfect Christmas gift! “Picture Perfect”.
Well, enough about programs and exhibits, let’s talk books! If you are looking for new material to read, look no further. Pick up our ‘New Material’ list in our monthly newsletter which is available at the library or on our website. Check it out! Are you into e-books? Well, when you’re on our website just click on ‘Overdrive’ from the left hand menu and there you will have a choice of audio books or e-books to download to you P.C. or e-reader. There are now 6,000 audio books and 9,000 e-books available to our library patrons for free. All you need is a valid library card and that’s free too!
Do you want to become more computer literate? Register for our free Basic Computer Training. It’s a great introduction for anyone who is thinking of entering the wide world of computer technology and the internet or would like to learn about a specific computer program or device. Lessons will begin later in October.
More information about all our services and events is available on our website at: www.olsn.ca/cochrane or Like our facebook page for a chance to win a chapters/indigo/coles gift card.
So, until next month, enjoy our new ‘reads’ and get computer savvy at the library!