RDPL Blogs

The Library and the Community

Welcome to our blog on The Library and the Community.   This is where we'll posting items that relate to the place of the Library in our community, and your role as citizens in the Library.  You can comment on any of the posts - let us know what's on your mind. 

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John Wood speaks in Red Deer

bookcoverRed Deer Public Library will be a major sponsor for an exciting event at the Capri Hotel on Monday, April 28th. John Wood, the founder and CEO of Room to Read, will be speaking to more than 1,000 people at a luncheon organized by the Rotary Clubs of Red Deer. Room to Read is a nonprofit organization that "...combines the heart of Mother Theresa with the scalability of Starbucks". Wood, a former corporate leader from Microsoft, founded Room to Read out of deep concern that nearly one billion people lack basic literacy. Blessed with a solid education which was a wonderful foundation for his future, Wood started the organization as a way to give that same opportunity to children in the world's poorest countries. Wood's story is told in his book Leaving Microsoft to Change the World.

Rotary International has identified Literacy as a major focus for its excellent work in many countries around the world.  Local clubs provide strong support to global literacy initiatives, but they also are very interested in making local connections as well. That's what makes this project so exciting. It provides the highest possible profile for RDPL and its Adult Literacy and Family Literacy Programs. It also provides a focus for the discussion we've had in the past few years amongst Board and staff members about getting involved with library communities in the Third World. Wood brings an exciting message that places literacy and libraries right in the centre of a major initiative to make the world and our local communities better places. That's right where we should be.

There are still some tables for 8 ($300) and individual seats ($42.85) available for the event, which takes place at the Exhibition Hall, Capri Centre, 3310-50 Ave., Red Deer, at 11:30 a.m., Monday, April 28, 2008. Contact Rotarians Phil Hyde (358-2343) or Shelley Ralson (343-7334) if you'd like to attend.

On the Move

Lots of changes happening at RDPL.   At the end of March we shut down the Dawe Branch for renovations, and later this month, we'll be opening the Lion Plaza express Branch.  But what about the Adult Literacy Program, a fixture at Dawe for many years?  Read this article for the latest information: 

Red Deer Public Library's Adult Literacy Program is on the move. On March 31, the doors will close at our Dawe Centre location and open again on April 21 at our temporary location at our Lion Plaza Branch.

The Adult Literacy Program has been in Red Deer for over twenty years and is funded by Advanced Education and the Red Deer Public Library. Students of our program are adults who want to improve their literacy skills. Our mandate is to serve Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents. Many are newcomers to Canada who would like to improve their English language skills.

The program is designed to assist adults in the areas of: reading, writing, speaking, listening and math. Volunteer tutors work one-on-one with students on topics of the student's choice, at a pace tailored to each student's needs.

Most of our volunteers spend two hours a week making a difference in another person's life. The pairs meet at a time that is mutually convenient, usually at the Dawe Library, though sometimes at another public place. We provide training and ongoing support to our tutors.

If you are interested in making a difference in someone's life, empowering them with skills and confidence, consider volunteering with us. If you or someone you know, would like help with reading, writing, pronunciation and/or math please stop in and see us at Lion Plaza. For more information, please phone 346-2533, visit us at Unit #2 7710 - 50 Ave., or email us at adlit@rdpl.org.

2007 Update on the Library Service Grant

ReadingDuring 2007 the Library spent the second of its $135,000 Library Service Grants (LSG), a funding project of Alberta Municipal Affairs & Housing's Libraries Branch. 

Read this report on the projects, services, and programs that were made possible thanks to this initiative.

Many thanks to the Minister and staff of the Department for making these funds available.  Thanks also go to our local MLA Mary Anne Jablonski and former MLA Victor Doerksen, for their support in making new provincial funds available to public libraries.

The Library broke new ground in the past two years thanks partly to this grant program.  The Library has created a more interactive suite of programs and services based on Community Development principles: social justice, participation, equality, learning and cooperation. 

Finally, thanks should go to the Library Board for their help in planning LSG programs, and to the Library Management Team and staff for making everything happen.

The Geography of Hope: An Evening with Chris Turner

The Geography of Hope

Join Chris Turner for a presentation on his world travels in search of positive responses to the environmental challenges we face.

This event, in the Snell Auditorium next Thursday evening, January 31 at 7:00 p.m., is a presentation by Rethink Red Deer, RDC Green Campus, and Sustainable Red Deer. Admission is free.

Chris Turner, by the way, is also the author of Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation.

The Green Library

boyplant"Starting in 2008, The City will consult with residents to produce a long-range sustainability plan for Red Deer but we can all start today, right now - why wait?" - from the City of Red Deer's Inside Out: get the document here (PDF format).

The environmental challenge in Inside Out is for each of us to get started with small things, as we begin to think about the big picture of planning for a more sustainable Red Deer.  We're doing that here at Red Deer Public Library: small things like recycling office paper, newspapers and discarded books; and using recycled materials in our children's programs.  We're also implementing slightly bigger ideas: replacing old light fixtures with more efficient ones, and building sustainability into our revitalized Dawe Branch.

It's nice to know that we can do small things together that are more environmentally sustainable.  Borrowing books, CDs and DVDs is one of the best ways of doing the reduce/recycle/reuse thing.  Donating your books to the Friends of the Library is a great way to reduce clutter at home and help out the Library at the same time.

Now that you're thinking of coming to the Library, come on down on the bus.  Or why not hop on your bike - it's not that cold out!

Let me know how you think Red Deer Public Library can do more for our environment - leave a comment.

Monterey presentation

I'm in Monterey, at the Internet Librarian 2007 Conference.  Yesterday I gave a presentation entitled The Library 2.0 Process Toolkit, which was well received.  Here is the PPT file.

Retiring Library Board Members

Last night we said goodbye to three Library Board members: Suzanne Alexander-Smith was on the Board for 6 years.  Nancy Batty is retiring after 7 years on the Board (and 3 as Board Chair).   Colleen Nederlof served for 4 years. 

Here they are with their shiny new Gold Cards, and Library Board Chair Mike Todd.  Suzanne will be staying on the Library Council (which manages our partnership with Red Deer College Library) as a member from the community at large.

Thanks so much to these fine people for their hard work and imagination on behalf of the community!

retiringboardmembers

The Wrong Man

deaninchains

I was nearly picked up by the Jail-n-Bail crew from the Canadian Cancer Society today. They even had the cuffs on me.

I wasn't able to visit the judge this afternoon, so I was let off with a warning. I feel (a little bit) bad about the fact that Cory Stier, my IT Librarian, was carted off to jail in my place. So I'm inviting you all to make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society here. Tell them Dean sent you, and if you're feeling sentimental, you might mention Cory.

If Cory is still behind bars when I'm back from California, I'll see if there's something else I can do to get him released.


corythejailbird

...and he looked such a nice sort.

RDPL in Monterey

hearmespeakMonterey, CaliforniaI'm off to Monterey, California, to make a presentation to the Internet Librarian 2007 Conference about RDPL's Community Development activities.  I will be highlighting our Artsparks program, the Election Forum website, the Art Lending program, and our many web projects, including Digital Red Deer, the Villa-Lobos Website, and others. 

It's always great to talk about what we're up to here in Red Deer, and I look forward to meeting lots of librarians and assorted geeks in hazy California.

Canadian Library Month


A Message from Ian E. Wilson, Librarian & Archivist of Canada

Canadian Library Month is a celebration of libraries and the people who work in them. Libraries play a key role in the social, cultural and economic life of communities, providing residents with a place to read, learn and share. In my observations of libraries and library staff in Canada, I am always struck by the ingenuity, creativity and innovation that define library service. These institutions have kept pace with changes in the information environment by constantly finding new ways to make information available and accessible, while encouraging partnerships and collaboration.

Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world and we can take great pride in its rich and varied social fabric. Libraries in Canada are meeting the challenge of contributing to the continuous learning process of all Canadians and of addressing the various information needs of our communities. Libraries are at the very core of Canada's success in ensuring inclusive service in a knowledge-based society. They promote the health of Canada's economy and stimulate intellectual curiosity and knowledge sharing.

On the occasion of Canadian Library Month, join us in celebrating the commitment, dedication and passion of library staff across the country.

Ian E. Wilson
Librarian and Archivist of Canada

- Watch for special programs at RDPL during Canadian Library Month - October 2007.

Earthdance News Story

The Earthdance 2007 celebration in Red Deer was a big success.  RDPL was involved in the planning, and provided some very successful programming support.  Here is a clip about our celebration from Edmonton's CityTV Your City News show:

Fiddler on the Roof Jr.

Here is a promo [download MP3] for the upcoming Fiddler on the Roof Jr. show from one of RDPL's partner organizations, Tree House Youth Theatre, directed by our own artsparks on the Boards Artistic Director Matt Gould.  Here is more information on the show:

Sept. 13-15 — Fiddler on the Roof Jr. Treehouse Youth Theatre production. Memorial Centre, 7:30 p.m. plus $2 p.m. Sept. 15. Tickets $17 plus service charges from the Black Knight Ticket Centre: online at http://www.blackknightinn.ca/new_page_16.htm or by phone at 343-6666 or 1-800-661-8973.

Sept. 13, 2007 addition: Hey, while we're on the subject, check out this brand-new blog posting from CBC Radio 2:

http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/blog/2007/09/13/fiddler_on_the_tonic.html

which mentions these recent articles on Fiddler:

http://www.forward.com/articles/1710/
and
http://www.forward.com/articles/2422/

Earthdance Update

"Give Peace a Dance!

Join the Global Festival for Peace on Saturday, September 15, 2007

In Downtown Red Deer

On September 15, people around the world will be playing for peace.  Discover what you can do to support global peace:

Dance! Make Art! Make Music! Learn!

Earthdance Celebrations

11 a.m. - noon - "A Journey in the History of Water" and other programs at the Library
noon -1 p.m. - Lunch around town. Look for Earthdance supporting restaurants
1p.m. - 4 p.m. Events throughout downtown Red Deer - in parks, businesses, the HUB, the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery and more.
4:15 p.m. Community Peace Drum Circle at Heritage Square
5:00 p.m. Community Prayer for Peace at Heritage Square
At exactly 5 p.m, join over 250 communities world-wide reciting a synchronized Prayer for Peace  (If it rains drum circle and prayer will take place at Gaetz United Church, Pioneer Hall)

Join us for Fundraisers at the Vat August 23 and September 7, 2007

Proceeds to go to Kerry Wood Nature Centre

For more information, visit http://www.earthdance.org or call Tanya at 342-6648"

from Tatiana Poliakevitch, RDPL's Community Development Librarian

We're #1!

And the award for Excellence in Being Average goes to...  Red Deer!

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/census/marketing.html

Actually, that's putting it one way - another, nicer, way is that Red Deer is (English) Canada's Most Representative City.  This gives Red Deer Public Library some additional credibility as we present our marketing-based library programs and services to our community, and to other communities in Canada and around the world.  

DVDs in Hindi

 Kal Ho Naa Ho poster

Community Development Librarian Tatiana Poliakevitch is working to develop collections of movies on DVD in languages other than English.  Here is a list of films in Hindi that she is considering buying.  Please let her know which titles you would like to see in the RDPL collection.  Send Tatiana an email at tpoliakevitch [at] rdpl [dot] org.  Or, click on Leave a Comment below, and type in film titles you'd like us to buy.

[Pictured to the left: a poster from the award winning 2003 film Kal Ho Naa Ho, which theoretically takes place in New York, though it was filmed in Toronto.]

Here's a clip from the film, with the big production number to Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman."  

PictureBooks at Digital Red Deer

Executive Baby

Books are the basis of lifelong learning. At Red Deer Public Library, we really believe that!

To show that you agree, send us your great pictures of People Reading. We'll showcase the best of them at PictureBooks at Digital Red Deer - www.digitalreddeer.ca/picturebooks!

Send your pictures as JPG, PNG or GIF attachments, to picturebooks [at] rdpl [dot] org.

Digital Red Deer is RDPL's showcase for digital media. Check it out! 

And check out the new pictures posted in the past week.

Support Literacy in a Clean Car

 Reading is Fundamental - Holiday Inn Express

 

The Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program supports children's literacy programs across Canada, with corporate support from Holiday Inn Express hotels.  Our own Family Literacy Program, based at the Dawe Branch, was pleased to receive 300 children's books for its programs from RIF.  Further financial support for our program will be coming from our local Holiday Inn Express.  Here's more information from RIF:

"Reading is Fundamental is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit children's literacy organization, with a focus on underserved children from birth to age eight.  Holiday Inn Express supports and encourages children to get a smart start in education by raising awareness about literacy and donating books and resources directly to our local RIF program.  Helping children learn is smart for all of us."

How can you help?  Get your car washed at the Holiday Inn Express at 2803-50 Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday or Sunday, July 7 and 8.  Proceeds will go to the Family Literacy Program.

 

 

Here is a picture of the RIF Donor Wall at the HI Express.  Thanks to everyone for their support!

For more information on the Family Literacy Program, please contact:

Celia Jaipaul
Projects Coordinator, Family Literacy Projects
Dawe Branch, Red Deer Public Library
(403) 309-3488
cjaipaul [at] rdpl [dot] org

 

RIF Donor Wall at the Holiday Inn Express

 

Earthdance 2007


Here is the latest information about Earthdance 2007
Earthdance 2007 
Downtown Red Deer Events Activities and Events
from 11:00 to 12:00 
Red Deer Public Library
4818 49 Street
Featuring a children’s story time program and “A Journey in the History of Water”, a video on water with discussions afterward. (Contact Tatiana at 318-9312.) 
Food and Beverages
Noon to 1pm (and on) 
Bistro on Gaetz 4810 50th (Gaetz) Avenue
Featuring a variety of organic and fair trade coffees, teas, and goodies in support of peace. (Contact Candace at 309-0905.) 
Café Pichilingue 4928A Ross (50th) Street
Offering special earth-friendly food for the day. (Contact Penny at 346-0812.) 
City Roast Coffee 4940 50th Street
Enjoy a fresh cup of organic, shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee in our peaceful atmosphere. Coffee roasting demonstration – Noon to 2pm. (Contact Karen at 347-0893) 
Activities, Events, and Special Features
Throughout the afternoon – see listings 
ROSS (50TH) STREET 
alleyscape studio 4930C Ross (50th) Street (in the alley behind Gallery IS)
Featuring art work related to water and earth. (Contact Paul at 597-9788.) 
Allied Arts Council Gallery 4B, 4929 Ross (50th) Street
11:30 to 3pm – Gallery Exhibit: Photographic Light Experiments and Gallery Happening: Help paint an “honouring the waters” mural. (Contact Arlana at 358-3505.) 
Canwest Travel 5018 Ross (50th) Street
Featuring a window display on water around the world. (Contact Richard at 340-8802.) 
Gallery IS 4930 Ross (50th) Street
Featuring a peace card making event. (Contact Jeri-Lynn at 341-4641.) 
Hempire 4930A Ross (50th) Street
Learn about the many advantages and uses of environmentally-friendly and versatile hemp. (Contact Nicole or Helen at 302-1112.) 

House Warmings 4916 Ross (50th) Street
Various artists paying tribute to the beauty and wonderment of water. (Contact Leslie at 309-0663.) 

The Hub 4936 Ross (50th) Street
Featuring an open microphone music event, a painting project, and fridge magnet peace poem making. (Contact Teresa at 309-4757.) 

La Petite Jaune Fleur 4938 Ross (50th) Street
Ikadana arrangement – Asian inspired, utilizing the elements of earth and water. Free magnets to the first 25 people. (Contact Laura at 340-0773.) 

Sunworks 4924 Ross (50th) Street
Featuring new books on the environment and peace. Also announcing the shortlist for the art to be installed in their new building, Swerve. (Contact Paul at 341-3455.) 

50TH (GAETZ) AVENUE 

Comforts the Sole 4812 50th (Gaetz) Avenue
Purveyors of shoes and clothing for eco-friendly, peaceful walking. (Contact Lorna at 342-7653.)
 

Country Cupboard 5022 50th (Gaetz) Avenue
Featuring eco-friendly products, including 100% cotton speciality paper products made from textile waste in India. Support a micro-industry in developing communities and other important community initiatives. (Contact Leila at 347-7596.) 

The Paper Crane 5007 50th (Gaetz) Avenue
Featuring a beautiful window display of paper cranes (a global symbol of peace.) Distributing tiny paper cranes free to the first 25 customers. (Contact Betty at 347-3357) 

OTHER 

Alberta Art and Drafting Supplies 4709 49 Avenue
Art supplies from around the world and 20% off supplies with “water” in the name. (Contact Karen at 346-8255.) 

Burnt Finger Beadworks
Watch for beautiful glass beads inspired by earth, peace, and water from this local studio in a variety of arty downtown venues.(Contact Dalayce at 302-3417.) 

Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery 4525 47a Avenue
Hosting an art-making event sponsored by the artSPARKS project. Come help us paint a community river (using water colour paints, of course!) (Contact Alexis at 309-8443.) 

Rock and Gem Shop #5, 5202 54th Avenue
Sharon Carne of Mountain Rose Music doing “sound healing for the waters”. (Contact Cheri at 314-4018.) 

Earthdance Activities at Heritage Square** (47A Avenue, south of Recreation Centre or Gaetz United Church, if it rains) 

4:15 to 5:30 

4:15 p.m. Community Peace Drum Circle 

5:00 p.m. Community Prayer for Peace - Join over 250 communities world-wide as we recite a synchronized Prayer for Peace.

Book yourself a trip at Red Deer Public Library!

The summer reading club for teens is here - are you ready to travel?

Participate in the Teen SRC website, come to great programs at the library and win great prizes - all for free!

On the website (at www.teensrc.ca) you can write book reviews, check out booklists, chat on the online forum, and share your original writing with other teens. Use your summer reading club passport to list all the books you've read and use mezzos (the mezz currency) to buy some prizes. You can earn mezzos by reading books, writing reviews and attending activities.

Throughout July and August there will be lots of fun programs - from the Amezzing Race to designing your own traveling pants - and there will also be some movie nights and video game tournaments thrown in as well.

Registration begins on June 18 in the mezz and at the Dawe branch, and then come to the kick-off party on June 28 from 5-7pm in the Snell Auditorium to learn more, or email (jen@rdpl.org) or call (755-1146) Jen in the mezz for more information.

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