This is my last library column as I start retirement June 1st after a 35 year library career. Working with a talented staff and dedicated Library Board has made library service flourish. My sincere thanks to everyone for helping make this happen. I started my full-time career as a librarian at the Brampton Public Library in May 1974 and was appointed Deputy Chief Librarian of the Niagara Falls Public Library in July 1984. In March 1993 I was appointed Chief Librarian of the Niagara Falls Public Library when Dorothy Van Slyke retired. Significant accomplishments since 1993 included the automation of the library’s catalogue and circulation system and the creation of the library’s website which today has one of Ontario’s largest and most used historic digital collections; the opening in 2005 of the Community Centre Branch Library which has become the second busiest library in the City; and all-time borrowing records set in 2006 and once again in 2008. The library received various awards during this time...

More than a thousand children are expected to once again join our two summer reading clubs which run from June 20 to Aug. 14. Registration starts today and continues all summer at our four libraries and the cost is only $2. Youngsters will be rewarded by strengthening their reading skills while school is out, enjoying some great books and attending an end of summer party for those who finish reading 10 books. "Pizzareadia: Good Books to Go" is the summer reading club is for children six years and older or those who are reading on their own. Will you have anchovy adventures, mystery meatballs or time travelling tomatoes? Children who complete the program by Aug. 15 will receive an invitation to an end of summer party. Remember, reading delivers! The Read-To-Me Club program Use Your Noodle: Books are Yummy is for three-to-six-year-olds who are emerging readers. This is a special opportunity for parents to spend time reading with their young children. After each book is read, children will receive stickers....

Steven Aello is a 13 year old, grade 8 student in Niagara Falls who has been designing mazes since the age of 6. Can you make it to the end of an intriguing labyrinth? Using a pencil or your finger, you will often find your way blocked. If you are smart, lucky or just persevere, you will find the one-way to exit the maze. Steven has assembled his mazes in a series of self-published thirty page activity books called “Supermazes”. He has appeared at Coles book store selling signed copies and was profiled in the Review when he was an eleven year old. Steven will be at the entrance to the children’s department of the Victoria Avenue from 10am to 12 noon on May 23. Children and adults can try a page of a sample maze. Steven will autograph and sell copies of his activity book for under $7. Borrow colourful adventure picture books for children which incorporate mazes written by Roxie Munro called Mazescapes...

As the summer season approaches I found some interesting materials about tourism which many residents may wish to visit. The books Hospitality 2010: the future of hospitality and travel and Managing sustainable tourism : a legacy for the future will be of particular help for those working in the hospitality industry. Start and run a profitable restaurant from the International Self-Counsel Press serves up a variety of ingredients for success. We have an online edition of Business plans handbook. This is a compilation of actual business plans developed by small businesses throughout North America and includes restaurants. It is included in the Gale virtual reference library and available online on our library’s website www.nflibrary.ca under online research....

For the past few weeks our gardening books and magazines have started to be used again in great numbers as residents begin their horticultural plans for the months ahead. Whether you are interested in propagating plants or just fertilizing your lawn, library materials provide expert information. The following are some recent books to provide ideas and assistance. Just published this year are:

Ecological gardening : your safe path to a healthy, beautiful garden by Marjorie Harris From seed to table : a practical guide to eating and growing green by Janette Haase and two books by Miranda Smith Annuals and Perennials & bulbs Quite helpful are:

Designer plant combinations : 105 stunning gardens using six plants or fewer by Scott Calhoun Herb gardening for Canada by Laura Peters 1001 tips for Canadian gardeners by Patricia Hanbidge. The homeowner's complete tree & shrub handbook by Karen Bussoloni is an essential guide to choosing, planting,...