Monday February 15, all libraries will be closed for Family Day. In my house that means we can watch the Olympics all day! When the library is closed, you may still return materials at any location in our Book return boxes. Access to the library catalogue, research databases and borrower services is available 24/7 via the website, www.nflibrary.ca
On Sunday February 14, our “Exploring World Cinema” series returns with the 1927 production of “Metropolis”. Set in the future, humans are divided into two groups, the thinkers, who make plans, but don't know how anything works, and the workers, who achieve goals, but don't have the vision. This film explores the inter relationships of groups, where separately neither group is complete, but together they make a whole. One man from the "thinkers" dares visit the underground where the workers toil, and is astonished by what he sees…The director is Fritz Lang. Made prior to the modern film awards, the 2001, 75th anniversary edition (seen at this showing) was awarded the National Society of Film Critics Award for restoration. It is rated PG. February 15 is also Flag Day in Canada – forty five years ago, in 1965, the National Flag of Canada was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill and across Canada. Hopefully, as the eyes of the world are focused on Canada over the next few weeks, during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, we will see it raised often and share in the pride of being Canadian. Currently we have a display in our lobby for Special Olympics Ontario. Special Olympics is a non profit world wide organization that promotes a more active and better quality of life, through sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics began as a result of a Canadian physical educator, Dr Frank Hayden, of the University of Western Ontario. Dr Hayden’s research, in the late 1960’s, proved that motor activities and fitness could be much improved within this population and that regular physical activity also improved the mental capabilities. He envisioned the idea for a Special Olympics, to allow his athletes to further develop. The first was held in 1968 in Chicago, sponsored by the Shriver family. As a student at Western in the 1970’s, this was an annual event we all participated in, the experience was just as positive and fulfilling for the volunteers, as the participants.
There is a demand for increased programs in Niagara and more volunteers are needed. There will be an Open House in the Library on March 6, however, there is information available from the display or you may contact the District Coordinator by email - jeannies@specialonlympicsontario.com, or by telephone 1-888-333-5515X262. Good Luck Canadian Athletes!