Count week 2012 is over and we thank the more than 80 volunteers across our 4 libraries that helped us get the job done! These statistics will be part of our Annual Survey submission to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Library use continues to increase in our community, with more active card holders each year.

Need some inspiration for the holidays? Why not check out Mistletoe Magic at the Stamford Branch Library this Saturday, December 1st 2 - 4 pm? They're celebrating the season with a special make and take craft for both adults and children. Trim-a-tree craft programs for children feature a Cupcake ornament at the Victoria Avenue Library and a cheery Santa at the Community Centre Branch. Contact the library for more information.

Our Winter Wonderland Holiday Open House makes its way to the Victoria Ave. branch this Sunday, December 2nd from 1 - 4 pm. You can expect great sounds of the season which include twelve chimers chiming, four ladies singing and three pipers piping....

This next week from November 25th on the preschool literacy programs at all locations are offering a special week of one off story times with a Holiday theme. These programs feature stories, finger plays and other fun, starting for ages 4 months and up. Check with your library or the online events calendar for times and information.

Are you finished your holiday shopping and dreading the wrapping? How about first attending our “Wrapped in style” program for adults, on Thursday November 29th? With the help of wrapping Pro Laurie, the Library is offering a hands-on gift wrapping course. Learn the basics and a few techniques professionals use to create those exquisitely wrapped gifts. This will take place in the LaMarsh room beginning at 6:30 pm. Space is limited and advance registration is required. There is a $5 materials cost.

An annual tradition now at our libraries is the Holiday Open Houses. A Winter Wonderland is coming to our Community Centre Branch Library this Saturday, November 24th. From 2 - 4 pm we are welcoming local musical talents which include chimers, flautists and vocalists, sharing sounds of the holiday season. Come and enjoy the seasonal decorations and a sweet treat or two as the music fills us once again with the peace and joy of this holiday season....

With the Annual Santa Claus Parade on tap this Saturday November 17th downtown at 11am, our only Saturday craft program will be presented in Chippawa with a Pine Cone Reindeer and Sleigh creation. That’s for ages six years and up and will be at 2pm. The following Saturday November 24th, there will be a morning and afternoon session at Victoria working on a Reindeer Wreath, for ages 6 and up. At the Stamford Branch Library the craft for ages 8 and up at 10am is a “Christmas Masterpiece”. Advance registration is required for all sessions and there is a toonie materials fee. Please call or register in person or online to secure a spot.

The Age-Friendly Community Initiative Planning Session that was cancelled earlier this month has been rescheduled for Monday, November 19th from 9am until noon @ the Victoria Avenue Library (LaMarsh Room). This will be a public forum to share information about local age-friendly initiatives, hear from local champions, and discuss the next steps for promoting an age-friendly...

Dorothy Van Slyke was the Chief Librarian at the Niagara Falls Public Library from 1972 through 1993 when she retired. In actual fact, her career here in Niagara Falls began in 1951 when she was hired as the Head of the Catalogue & Reference Department. In 1972 when she became Chief Librarian she was instrumental in the planning and design of the new Victoria Avenue Library as we know it today – which opened in 1974. The Oakes Room for local history was researched and designed by Dorothy as part of a Master’s degree project and it was her vision that brought forth the wonderful garden room theme which continues to draw praise from visitors still today. In 2001, the library’s Reference collection was dedicated to her in recognition of her 42 years of service and dedication to the residents of Niagara Falls. Sadly, Dorothy passed away recently. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.

Beginning Sunday, November 11, through Sunday November 18, library users may notice people around the library...

On Friday November 2nd, the Niagara Falls Age Friendly Community Initiative is coming to the Victoria Avenue Library from 9am to 12. Don’t know anything about age-friendly? This will be an opportunity to learn more about the age-friendly movement across Niagara. Everyone is welcome - caregivers, service providers and those 50yrs+ or not. Niagara has joined a global effort led by the World Health Organization to become an age-friendly community. The goal is to create safe and secure environments that foster community participation, personal health and well-being. Local committees are being formed to identify and start age-friendly activities specific to their local community's needs. Input and ideas from residents are key to the success of the project. Join our Age-Friendly Planning Session: Talk to Action. We know you will not want to miss this opportunity to make a difference. Light refreshments will be served.

The Philosophers Café meets again...