Every few days when the sun comes out – you remember summer is just around the corner, after all its Victoria Day weekend and traditionally the kickoff for the summer season! Although we have not had much of a spring, its still time to refresh your nest! The Niagara Falls Public Library has some ideas for you. Paint is an easy way to transform your space – especially with the many beautiful colours available today. Have a look at “Painting and wall papering secrets from Brian Santos, the Wall Wizard”. A new supply of the latest decorating and crafting magazines has also just been added to our collection. A new cookbook by singer Sheryl Crow – “If it makes you healthy; a collection of recipes inspired by the seasons”, might be just what you need to plan for the outdoor eating season. If you are an “Idol fan” – you may enjoy the new memoir of Steven Tyler, “Does the noise in my head bother you”? New materials arrive daily at our libraries and it’s easy to check out by clicking “Search Catalogue”...

Author and two-time Caldecott medal winner, Chris Van Allsburg, of Polar Express and Jumanji fame is coming to visit us here in Niagara Falls on Thursday June 2nd, at the Victoria Avenue Library. He will give a reading and be signing copies of his latest children's book "Queen of the Falls" which tells the story of Annie Taylor, who in 1901 was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel! This event has been organised by his agent and publisher and we are delighted Chris is coming to our library, with a story familiar to us. There will be copies of the book on sale during the event. There is no admission charge but a limited number of tickets are available, due to room capacity limits. Tickets may be picked up at the Children’s Department of the Victoria Avenue Library. Avoid disappointment, act quickly. The book is already available at all four libraries to borrow or reserve. There is also a fascinating clip on YouTube which shows the process of developing this book.

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City Council has recently appointed the new Niagara Falls Public Library Board for the 2011-14 term. We welcome new Board members Carolynn Ioannoni (Councillor) and Frank Franze. Returning to the Board are Carman Dix, Nancy Eidt, Dino Fazio, Shirley Fisher, Barbara Ness, Ken Smith, and Eric Sheridan. We also thank former members Anne Andres-Jones and Renni Piscitelli for their time and dedication over more than 10 years to the Niagara Falls Public Library and the community we serve. The Ontario Public Libraries Act mandates the activities and responsibilities of the Library Board and the 9 trustees are appointed by City Council from the applications received. At least one Council member is to be appointed. The Board ensures the effective management of the library on behalf of the public and is responsible for the library to City Council. Both the operating and capital budgets are presented to city staff and Council for approval. The Act charges the Board to provide a comprehensive and efficient library...

The monthly meeting of the Philosophers Café will be on May 9th. The theme of the discussion is “Canada’s system of government” – the topic on everyone’s minds these days! Between the Federal election and the Royal wedding many are discussing everything from the value of the monarchy to Canada in this day to whether or not the present system of voting is a true measure of what the citizens want. Should voting be mandatory for all as it is in Australia? These are just some of the questions that come to mind. The meeting is open to all and start time is 7pm in the Rosberg Gallery. Do you know a teen who loves to write short stories or poetry? If so, encourage your budding author to enter the 11th Annual “Fresh Ink” creative writing competition for teens. The competition is open to writers ages 12-18 who live or study in the Niagara Region. The deadline to enter is July 31, 2011. Entry forms for the competition, with contest rules and information, are available at all four locations of the Niagara Falls Public...