Last month I was called to jury duty in Welland but then told I wasn’t needed. I had prepared the best way I know by consulting a variety of library materials.

Laura Van Wormer’s novel “Jury Duty” is about a sensational Manhattan murder case where the defendant, the son of a rich business tycoon, is accused of murdering a beautiful model. Novelist Libby Winslow shows up for jury duty and finds the experience worthy of another book,  especially as two fellow jurors develop a romantic interest in her. Just arrived is a book of short stories called “The Deadly Bride” which includes twenty one of the year’s finest crime and mystery stories. One story is called "Jury Duty" by Kristine Kathryn Rusch. This juror has a secret that makes her very sympathetic with a man accused of murdering his entire family. She despises her fellow jurors and only afterwards learns of a secret of the defendant’s lawyer....

Detective Constable Tracy McCabe of the Central Fraud Unit of the Niagara Regional Police will give a free talk and provide advice on how to avoid being a victim of identity theft and fraud on April 23 at 7pm at the Victoria Avenue Library. Cosponsored with Niagara North Community Legal Assistance, identity theft is of growing concern among residents of all ages. Borrow library books such as“Stealing your life : the ultimate identity theft prevention plan” by Frank W. Abagnale. “ Identity theft protection” by Tony Crawford and “Phishing : Cutting the Identity Theft Line” by Rachael Lininger. Borrow the library’s DVD “Identity theft”...

Our city is fortunate to have so many local creative writers. Meet two of them April 12 from 1pm to 3pm at the Victoria Avenue Library. Autographed copies of their four recent books are for sale. The books are in the library collection and may be borrowed.

Mary Friesen’s first book "Renascentur : the datebooks of Ransom Goring, 1867-1869" delved into the life in the Niagara Region through the writings of a young man and his journal. Much is elaborated about early family life and those who study family genealogy will find many early families and their interactions noted with births, deaths and marriages listed.

“Niagara seasons : photographs, paintings and text” is a stunning collection of colour photographs of our region and gives a glimpse of Mary’s many artistic talents. An...

The fifth annual “Niagara Falls Family Literacy Event” will be held  Saturday April 12th from 9:30am to 1pm throughout the MacBain Community Centre.

Our Library will once again participate as we have every year since this event was first held at the Victoria Avenue Library before more space was needed.

This year’s theme is the “Teddy Bear’s Picnic”. You’re sure of a treat that day with wonderful books to read and marvelous games to play. In fact you can bring from home any teddy bear that’s not feeling well to the Teddy Bear Emergency Room where “doctors” will remedy and repair most ailments.

Everything is free with a free book for every child, a free family swim at 1pm and a free live performance by the Smudge Fundaes. Enjoy the Early Years play centre, story and craft programs and the popular children’s book sale tables.

For more information call 905-357-2398 for event details. Pick up our Spring brochure at any of our four libraries (or view it online).

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