The next Philosophers' Café at the Victoria Avenue Library is scheduled for April 7 at 7pm. The theme is "What is a human?".

A Philosophers’ Café is an informal, open forum for those interested in exploring philosophical questions in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The purpose of the café is nothing less than to help transform the world one conversation at a time. No philosophical training is required – real life experience desired. A philosopher exists in all of us.

Considerations for discussion include What am I? Where do I come from? Where can we go?

How does one know that one is human? Do we disagree on what a human wants and or needs?

Are humans the main/supreme being/animal on Earth? What differentiates humans from other animals? How do you relate to other human beings? How do other human beings relate to you?

What are the cause...

Springtime children’s programs begin the week of March 31 and there are still spaces to register your youngsters at all four libraries.

Bouncin' Baby Time: Mommy & Me & Books consists of music, rhymes, tickles and bounces for children four to eleven months of age with an adult caregiver. Bring a blanket and let us introduce you and your baby to a variety of board books and activities. This program is about twenty to thirty minutes in length and runs six weeks for only $3. Great toys are provided. Stay awhile afterwards to meet and socialize with other new parents. Due to limited space, no other siblings may attend.

The "Baby Time: Beginning With Books" program for children 12 to 23 months of age and the "Toddler Time: Growing With Books" program for two year olds are thirty minute one-on-one interactive morning programs designed for a parent or care-giver to enjoy with a child by exploring stories, songs and music. Fingerplays and lap games are part of the Toddler Time programs....

After millions of visitors have enjoyed seven years using our popular library website, library staff members Jan Leak and Chris Dunn revised it a few weeks ago and launched a new one. Update your bookmarks with our new address www.nflibrary.ca There are more than 5500 visits per day directly to the Historic Niagara Digital Collections and 800 visits per day to the Home Page. The Kids’ Corner has just added fun quizzes about Dr. Seuss, nursery rhymes, Canada, what animal am I, who or what am I, the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. The new Teen Zone has helpful links about homework, events, “life now” and “in your future”. The new Seniors section has helpful resources and brain power games. Other new features include RSS feeds, an online book club and the ability to leave comments via a blog. Use the website to book a computer, a meeting room or register for a programme. Many library forms and publications have been added to the website which continues all the other features which have been...

Some registrations are still being taken for next week’s March Break programs at all four libraries. To register come in person, or telephone 905-356-4053, or visit www.nflibrary.ca. These inexpensive programs fill quickly so don’t delay.

Here are some of the highlights.

The Bird Kingdom of Niagara Falls will bring Wally the bat and some friends to all four libraries for an informative presentation followed by a craft.

Dan the Music Man will entertain kids of all ages. Learn some “reely” fun Irish dances with Lisa.

Jerry Seinfeld’s new movie will have you buzzing about for days while the Chipmunks get into new trouble.

Niagara Woodcarvers will have each child carve and keep a wooden reminder of their instructional workshop.

Craft programs include best friends stationary kits, spring wreaths, feathered friends wall hangings, bee mobiles, painting with Mrs. Cookie and Donna, buddy bracelets, ceramic bugs, bumble bee flower bouquets, ...

“Freedom To Read Week” was celebrated last week across Canada. Libraries recognize the diverse nature of their communities and the varied backgrounds and unique needs of their citizens. Library collections seek a wide variety of viewpoints and balance of opinions.

Our Library Board endorses the Canadian and Ontario Library Associations’ statements on intellectual freedom. The provision of library service is based upon the right of the citizen, under the protection of law, to judge individually on questions of politics, religion and morality.

It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee and facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity, including those which some in our society may consider to be unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable.

Libraries should resist all efforts to limit the exercise of these responsibilities while still recognizing the right of criticism by individuals and groups. Libraries will comply with all laws including...