October is Canadian Library Month. The theme is “Your Library, Your World: now more than ever”. Canadian public libraries are key community partners that foster lifelong learning among Canadians of all ages, as well as supporting economic prosperity by providing access to information for skills and business development. Did you know libraries were the first place that made computers available to the public? Our libraries in Canada are among the best in the world, and the ever evolving changes in technology and service provision are embraced by the profession as we strive to anticipate the needs of our patrons in the future. Our Fall children’s craft programs are scheduled over the next 2 Saturdays. These activities, offered at all 4 libraries are geared for 6 years and up and require registration. Today’s programs are at Victoria and Stamford. You may register by calling the Library or online....

September has been a busy month so far at the Library. Our meeting rooms are booked nearly every evening with both library programs and activities or with community group meetings. In August we had a record number - 20,362 people pass through the doors of the Victoria Avenue Library and we are on target to be close to this figure again this month. Library use has been steadily increasing over the last year and we are hopeful that the trend will continue!

Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud! Identity theft is a growing problem for Canadians. Have you come across counterfeit bills, been the victim of credit or debit card fraud? Are you aware of the risks? Do you know what to do if you think you are a victim? On September 24, at the Victoria Avenue Library at 7pm join us with representatives from the Niagara Regional Police Service and the Bank of Canada for a free information session on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of these crimes. The speakers will provide...

September 21st is the rollout date for our newest format and collection “Playaways” – the latest in digital self playing audio books for our patrons. Half the size of a deck of cards, and weighing only 2 ounces, the Playaway is the simplest way yet to listen to a book on the go, and with no tapes or CDs to change –holds up to eighty hours of content on each unit. Clearly marked buttons give listeners the ability to move back and forth within or between chapters and to even alter the speed of the narrator’s voice. There is also an automatic bookmark feature which remembers where you left off. The Playaway unit has a universal headphone jack that works with almost any type of headphone or mobility accessory patrons are likely to own, and is battery powered. It is similar to common MP3 devices. Janet Martin, Manager of Technical Services explains “The Playaway’s simple functionality and immediate usability separate it from other audio books formats. Most other public libraries are welcoming it, and the feedback from the public is very positive” Our collection so far includes fiction and non fiction titles for both adults and children, for example: 10 secrets for success and inner peace, Southampton Row, Airborne, & French all-in-one. To begin with, the collection will be available at the Victoria Avenue Library and Community Centre Branch....

There's no doubt about it, summer is nearly over. It's Labour Day weekend already, the kids are back to school on Tuesday. The Library will be closed Labour Day Monday and then our regular hours of operation resume in all four libraries next week. When the library is closed, you can use the book returns at all locations to return your items. The library website www.nflibrary.ca is available at any time to manage your membership details, search the catalogue, and place reservations.

Our Amnesty Day last Saturday, August 29th was successful. More than 220 borrowers came in with their overdue items and had their fines waived or made donations to Project Share.

Fall programming is set to begin in all Branches for adults and children. Details are on the website by department, and most children's program registration is linked right there for you to sign up on the spot!...