News

If you are in a reading slump, overwhelmed with chaotic news stories, but wanting a quick escape from it all, try selecting a short story for your next read. It helps me get back into my reading grove by giving me a feeling of accomplishment -- when you finish the first story in the anthology, you want to move to the next. Author of both novels and short stories, Lorrie Moore has said “A short story is a love affair, a novel is a marriage.

Do you have a sense of wanderlust, anxiously awaiting a post-COVID-19 world? Try a literary departure – download our Mango Languages app, a travel memoir, and prepare for some comfortable armchair travel!

Although the focus may be on teaching our school aged children, reading to our younger children is vital to their development. Take the time to focus one-on-one, by reading a story to them.

Now more than ever, we need to give our thanks and appreciation to all nurses.

We're currently in the midst of celebrating National Nurses Week (May 11-17) and the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. Here's a quote from ICN President Annette Kennedy:

If you are looking for a unique reading challenge try celebrating a “Bookversary” by reading these juvenile and adult titles with milestone anniversaries in 2020:

25th Anniversary

With children studying at home, why not join them by indulging in a Classic. Maybe there is one you have been meaning to read, but never had time for? Although more challenging than a beach read or thriller, they offer you the opportunity to practice your focus through the length and language you encounter and will give you an opportunity to engage, rather than just be entertained. You will often find allusions to the classics in everyday life.

One of my favourite series are the Coffeehouse Mysteries, a cozy mystery that features recipes and jargon about coffee. The sleuth in these mysteries is a manager of New York City café which lends itself nicely to an inside look at the world of coffee. Our relationship with food often becomes a character for many authors, who have explored this connection of food and emotion:

What started as a pun warmly shared by fans has become a full-fledged Star Wars holiday: Star Wars Day, a special once-a-year celebration of the galaxy far, far away. To help you celebrate Star Wars Day solo -- or as a family -- we have many offerings in our digital catalogue:

Family Reading

With our rainy, cooler days, a family project of hand writing letters to a grandparent or friend can be a practical tool to improve spelling and cursive writing.  If you are isolating on your own, what a great opportunity to get started writing that novel you have been thinking about, or ‘roughed out’ at one of our Writers’ Forums. You could have a complete manuscript ready to go for the next Writers’ Forum at the library.

With the COVID-19 restrictions, Free Comic Book Day (May 2, 2020) has been postponed this year, but if you still want to celebrate try one of our many titles available in our digital library!