Our summer was extremely busy which is what we like. Locals as well as summer residents and people from visiting boats, all looking for respite from the heat, came in to use the computers and borrow materials. Karen Gallo, head librarian, reflects on a successful summer at our community library. This included being a stop on the Manitoulin Art Tour, and providing a bus to take seniors around the Island to visit studios on the tour.
We had a great summer student back with us who has now gone off to university. Have a wonderful year at school, Grace! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the library. We will miss you.
Materials that have been ordered are coming in all the time. Ms. Gallo explains, “If you go to our Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), the new materials list will run along the top of the page. The OPAC allows you to search for books by typing in the author or title. If you are registered with a new library card, you will be able to place holds, renew items and access the Overdrive. An open house was provided for patrons wanting to learn how to make full use of their updated library card.”
And looking forward into September, art classes started off with Lamar Hyatt’s pastel workshop on the 5th. Coming up soon is Collage with Dorothy Atchison on September 12, and Watercolour with Christie Best Anderson on September 29. The Library Art Committee has a continuing rotation of local art exhibited for patrons to enjoy.
The library will offer another bus tour, this one to see the fall colours, on September 28. Call to register, 705-368-2444. Gentle Yoga and Chair Yoga classes have resumed under expert facilitator Lise Baronet. Ms. Gallo says, “More events and activities will be announced as we move into fall. Be sure to check at the library as they do fill up quickly.”
These activities are made possible by a Province of Ontario grant to benefit seniors, and help them remain active and involved in their communities. Our local library has been playing a key role in providing seniors with opportunities to stay connected and to keep on learning.
Library visitors are enjoying some of this season’s popular reads.
‘Love and Ruin’ by Paula McLain (who wrote ‘The Paris Wife’) is told from the perspective of renowned female journalist Martha Gellhorn, third wife of Ernest Hemingway. Library Assistant Valerie Morris has some terrific suggestions for eager readers out there. Be sure to check out Michael Ondaatje’s ‘Warlike;’ Richard Wagamese’s ‘Ragged Company;’ and Silken Laumann’s memoir is called ‘Unthinkable.’ There is a waiting list for the DVD ‘Phantom Thread.’ Summer may be over but there is much to look forward to at your community library. Regular hours are once again in effect.
