Earth Hour 2010 takes place today, Saturday 27 March at 8.30pm (local time) and is a global call to action to every individual, business and community all over the world. It is an initiative started by the WWF in 2007, in Sydney, Australia. That year, 2.2 million residents participated. In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative, to date.
It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness. People across the world from all walks of life will turn off their lights and join together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet. Our local City Council Councillor, Jim Diodati made a motion confirming the participation of Niagara Falls again this year. You may show your support by visiting www.niagarafalls.ca/earth-hour/index.asp to register participation of your home or business, and let’s make 2010 the biggest Earth Hour yet!
There are various resources available in our libraries for all ages dealing with climate change and the environment. “An inconvenient truth” by Al Gore, both the book and the DVD continue to be popular with borrowers. A new title, Earth Day by Molly Aloian, is geared for juvenile readers and explains the history and customs of Earth Day, the significance of the holiday, in April and the ways in which it is celebrated. Our Children’s departments will be offering some special Earth Day crafts over the next few weeks. Call or check the website www.nflibrary.ca for more information. There is still time to sign the kids up for our annual “Egg Decorating Egg-stravaganza” next Saturday, April 3 at Victoria, Chippawa or Community Centre locations. You provide your hard boiled eggs and we provide the materials and “egg-citement”. Registration and a $1 fee are required. The program is suitable for 3 years and up. Easter means some changes to our operating hours next week. All locations will be closed Good Friday April 2, Easter Sunday and Monday April 5. We are open regular hours on Saturday April 3. When the library is closed, remember the online databases and access to your personal borrower services are available 24 hours a day. You will need to have a valid PIN number and email to access borrower services. Please call the library at 905-356-8080 to verify your details. Book returns are available at all locations and are always open even when the libraries are not.