It’s difficult not to notice a new feature in the lobby of the Victoria Avenue library: a pair of large-screen monitors that display information about events and programmes that are happening in the library. These monitors were purchased with money obtained from a ServiceOntario agreement that the library has in place. All four branches of the library make ServiceOntario information for businesses and for individuals available through our website, and staff will provide basic assistance to individuals needing these services. Promotion of this service is one of the obligations that the library has under this agreement, and so now in addition to signs and links on our website we can promote this service on these monitors. Keep an eye out as you enter the library to see what resources or activities you can take advantage of!

This week at Chippawa on Tuesday July 31st – the Family Movie offering will be 2010 American animated and live-action comedy adaptation of the Hanna-Barbera slap stick cartoon...

Its hot outside, but it is cool in the Library, and there is lots going on as usual this week. Staff at all locations have been busy with the onslaught of young readers, with the 2012 summer Kid’s Book Clubs program which is in full swing. Currently, Team Laura is ahead of Team Isaac in the standings, for our 1812 themed program this summer. There is still lots of time to join, and read the required number of books in time for the “Finishers’ Party at the end of August. Closing date is August 18th. The “Kids’ Book Clubs” are for anyone 3 to 11 years of age. Chippawa Branch hosts another Chill out movie afternoon on Tuesday July 24th, aimed at the younger set, this week featuring "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer." This 2011 comedy is based on author Megan McDonald’s popular Judy Moody book series. It stars Jordana Beatty as a third-grader who sets out to...

Are you going on vacation and need something to read?  Why not pick up a great title by a Canadian author?  These literary gems are the perfect supplement to your 2012 summer get-away:�

Touch by Alexi ZentnerA World Elsewhere by Wayne JohnstonRain Falls like Mercy by Jack ToddBetter Living through Plastic Explosives by Zsuzsi Gartner ...

Our Big Screen Tuesday feature for July 10th is "The Hunger Games" based on the first book of the bestselling ‘young adult’ trilogy by Suzanne Collins. The book was well acclaimed and won numerous awards in 2008 when it was originally published. The series, which includes ‘Catching Fire’ and ‘Mockingjay’ - has been enjoyed by adults and teens alike. Copies of all titles are available in various formats including books, Playaways and as downloadable Overdrive audio books. Set in a post-apocalyptic North America where life as we know it has disappeared to be replaced by Panem, an administration divided into 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year in a live televised event, two young representatives between the ages of 12 and 18, from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games, a fight to the death which all...

School’s out, its vacation time – but there is no lack of things to do and explore at the library and it’s cool! Summer reading club is underway at all locations. It’s geared to the elementary school age population and registration is on going all summer. In order to qualify for the fun, end of season entertainment – you just have to read and report on your 10 books. Over the next two months the Rosberg Gallery will be showcasing some of the Library’s local history art collection as the start of our 1812 commemoration events. In the mid-1970s the Niagara Falls Heritage Foundation received federal grants to create copyright-free paintings of significant events in the history of Niagara Falls and area. In 2005 the Victoria Avenue branch of Scotiabank donated money to have these paintings electronically scanned and added to the Historic Niagara Digital Collections Art Database, where they can be seen today. Earlier this year, the library received a grant from the federal government's 1812 Commemoration Fund...