Arts & Culture Week in Niagara Falls turns the spotlight on the vital contribution that arts and culture make in learning and in life. The public library is a major institution promoting local literary arts, visual arts, performing arts and heritage. Our library strives is to be an informational, educational, cultural and recreational resource valued by the Niagara Falls community as a vital asset enhancing the quality of life by providing free and equitable access to information. This includes materials for relaxation and pleasure to refresh, enrich, inspire and challenge the spirit.

We endeavor to promote intellectual and cultural exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds, beginning with the very young. Libraries help connect people to each other and play an important role in building a strong community....

Turn your dreams into realities is the theme of our free "Niagara Reads" program to promote and celebrate literacy, libraries and the world of words during Canadian Library Month. It will be held on Oct. 24 from 7:30 to 8:30pm at the Victoria Avenue Library.

The public is invited to meet and hear Sue Augustine, motivational speaker and author of the new book "Turn Your Dreams Into Realities". The book's back cover explains that it is an inspiring, practical, step-by-step guide to making your dreams come true. Sue offers powerful strategies that will take you where you want to go. You'll discover how to identify your God-given passions and dreams, use your unique abilities and talents to achieve your goals, overcome doubts, fears, and insecurities, develop short-term and long-term visions and break big dreams into doable action steps.

Sue is the...

Starting October 14 both Community Centre Branch Library and the Victoria Avenue Library will open again on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 5pm. Sunday hours at both libraries will be from Oct. 14 to April 27 except for Dec.23 and March 23 when they will be closed.

Many people at the MacBain Community Centre enjoyed the Sunday openings especially during the swim time in the pool and other activities in the gym, meeting rooms, Skate Park and the new children's park beside the building.

Sunday is a popular time for the entire family to come together to the library. Hundreds of people borrow books, magazines, videotapes, DVDs, audiotapes, compact discs and even CD-ROMs. Some come to research personal, business and school subjects. Others enjoy reading out-of-town newspapers and current magazines. Many view the monthly exhibitions and displays throughout the library. Dozens...

The Debbie Zimmerman Early Years Niagara Literary Award Committee has established a unique award for children's literature aimed at the 0-6 age group. Five outstanding books have been short listed by the Selection Committee for the 2007 award. Families are encouraged to read these books together before voting online or by paper ballot at public libraries, Ontario Early Years Centres, and regional child care centres.

The books are "17 things I'm not allowed to do anymore" by Jenny Offill, "Grumpy bird" by Jeremy Tankard, "Not a box" by Antointette...

The Battle of the Borrowed Books will be held during the month of October between the Public Libraries of Niagara-on-the-Lake & Niagara Falls, Ontario versus Youngstown, Lewiston & Niagara Falls, New York. These five public libraries along the Niagara River have issued a call to arms to encourage the public to borrow more library books during October in a contest between American and Canadian readers!

Arm yourself with a library book and help your country achieve victory in the "Battle of Borrowed Books" to see which side of the Niagara River can produce the higher percentage increase in borrowing during the month of October 2007 compared to October 2006. In October 2006 34,559 books, magazines and audio visual materials were borrowed from the American libraries and 63,060 were borrowed from the Canadian libraries. Which side will see the higher percentage increase?

Don't let your side down. March to your local library and take aim at a great selection of books on many interesting...