An article in the Toronto Star highlighting the importance and value of bedtime reading with young children recently caught my attention. Perhaps, even more important now in the “digital age,” and amid the oft-repeated comment that “the book is dead,” bedtime story-time offers a winding down time at the end of the day. In addition to instilling an enjoyment of reading that may develop into a lifelong love of reading, the shared quiet time offers a sense of security and comfort. The simple nightly routine of washing up, getting into pyjamas and settling down for a story signals to the brain to slow down, relax and release the melatonin that triggers sleep. The combination of the slower deliberate reading voice of the parent and an absorbing story or pictures help to slow down brain waves. This is true even in young infants, where the soothing effect of the interaction is felt––although they don’t have the skills yet to know words or images. Many young parents have commented that the various programmes they...

Attention all Royal watchers- there is quite some excitement around the Library these days as we look forward to the “Royal Wedding” at the end of April. We are planning our very own “Street Party” which will include Breakfast and a Champagne Toast, in the LaMarsh Room. The time lag means the actual ceremony will be at 6am – so doors will open at 4:30am to make sure we don’t miss a minute of the processions and highlights. Our new projection system and huge screen will provide great viewing. Get your “frocks and tails” ready and plan to join the throng! Tickets are available at all our libraries at $20.00 to cover the costs. There are a limited number of tickets available. For updates visit our Facebook or webpage. Keeping in the mood, we will be offering a special showing of “The King’s Speech” for our Tuesday March 22nd Big Screen Event. That’s at 7pm in The La Marsh Room. The rating is PG. It’s also a busy week for Dispatches 2012 events taking place at our Library. These programs are all geared...

We turned the clocks ahead over the weekend, the days are getting longer and it’s March Break! Our staff has prepared a full schedule of programming and activities to entertain all ages over the course of the week. Some of the programs are already full but there are still lots of openings!

Mad Science, a Teddy Bear Clinic, beading, painting, cake decorating or sand art are just some of the activities being offered. Different programs are offered at each Branch. Lenny Graf, will perform an all age’s interactive concert on Wednesday, March 16th at the Victoria Avenue Library. Back by popular demand, all locations are hosting Sunstrums “Flowers for You” where children can learn the art of creating a beautiful bouquet, a “make and take” program for children 6 and up.

The Friday finale on March 19th features a free movie showing of Yogi Bear at the Victoria Avenue Library. A morning and afternoon showing is available.

Call the Library or check out our website at www.nflibrary.ca...

March 8th is International Women’s Day – in fact it’s the 100th anniversary of the day we reflect on the progress the world has made in advancing women's rights. Love women? Love great literature? Celebrate Women’s History Month by checking out a book by a Nobel Prize winning woman! For the month of March, the Victoria Avenue Library will feature a display of Nobel Prize winning literature written exclusively by women. To date, there are only 12 women whom have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, so these women need to be celebrated! Pick up a title to borrow, or simply ask one of the reference staff for help. Selma Lagerlof was the first female to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909 and the most recent female winner was Herta Muller in 2009. From classics such as Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth and Beloved by Toni Morrison, to the modernist trilogy...

This week’s column comes from Inge Saczkowski, Manager of Children’s Services:

Has winter become un”bear”able for you and your family? Get a jump on the season and join us for a week of fun, shows, games and crafts at your local Library. Mad Science will be enlivening your Tuesday afternoon, March 15th at the Community Centre Branch Library. They are also hosting Panda Mania story time, a cake decorating afternoon and an opportunity for every child to be an artist and some great craft projects. Chippawa Branch Library is having both a Teddy Bear Clinic and a Twister contest. Do some beading, painting or sand art at the Stamford Centre Branch Library or enjoy some pyjama party fun and attend a Teddy Bear’s picnic. Naturally, all teddies are invited too. Back by popular demand, all locations are hosting Sunstrums “Flowers for You” where children can learn the art of creating a beautiful bouquet, a “make and take” program for children 6 and up. We have musical guest, Lenny Graf, an...