Happy New Year from the NOTL Public Library! Let me begin my first column of 2020 with a sincere thank you to all those who helped make 2019 not only a busy but, successful year at the library.
Because of your generous donations of time and resources, and overwhelming attendance, we were able to provide more than 420 programs to the Niagara-on-the-Lake community, and I anticipate 2020 to be even more eventful.
Although we are only two weeks into January, programming is in full swing. For instance, on Jan. 8, Info Health returned to discuss heart attacks that occur outside of the hospital. If you missed it, the presentation can be seen on either the library’s YouTube channel or Cogeco, Wednesday, and Sunday at 7 p.m. for four weeks and thereafter for five months on Cogeco’s on-demand service. The next Info Health will be on Feb. 12, the topic is Concussion, Brain Injury, and Management.
A new series of Makery workshops has also begun. Last Thursday, participants were shown how to design for the 3D printer and create a small household item. The series continues on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. with a lesson on customizing a mug using the Cricut Maker. And if you really want to go crazy, join Matt and Justin on Feb. 13 to create decals for your small appliances using the Cricut. Imagine your KitchenAid with flames on the side. For registration details, please visit the library website.
Staying on the theme of kitchens and the home, the Beginners Guide to Zero Waste program continues from the fall. Come out and make beeswax food wraps and T-shirt tote bags on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. There is no cost for this program, however, registration is required and participants must bring one or two T-shirts that will be made into tote bags and a yard of 100 per cent cotton that will be cut and used for the wraps.
Moving to the laundry room on Feb. 18, Laura and Sarah will teach you how to make single-dose detergent pods and a more natural alternative fabric softener. Again, registration is required and there is a fee of $5 to cover supplies.
If you’re interested in something a little less DYI, I invite you to join me and other members of the community for an informal chance to chat over coffee and cookies. You will find me on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. in the library’s Rotary Room ready for conversation – you pick the topic.
Looking ahead a little, I want to remind everyone that February is Black History Month and as in previous years, we are hosting several special events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians. On Feb. 5 at 2 p.m., we will be screening the movie Harriet, a biographical film about slave-turned-abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Registration is recommended and there is a $2 charge at the door. That same day at 6:30 p.m., author Michael Pawlowski will present his book Niagara Black Waters Flow Deep, about Solomon Moseby’s flight from slavery in Kentucky, freedom in Canada, seizure by American bounty hunters and the riot that eventually rescued him. This is a free event, but registration is recommended. And finally, we are excited to present Tales by Moonlight again this year. On Feb. 22 at 11 a.m., we will celebrate the African cultural arts of interactive story-telling, dance and hand drumming. If you were lucky enough to experience Babarinde Williams and his 80 drums last year, you’ll remember what an exciting and fun Saturday morning we had. This is a great opportunity for the young and young-at-heart to come together to celebrate and appreciate African culture and storytelling. Please register and let’s raise the roof of the library’s rotunda even higher than it already is.
Finally, I’m happy to announce that the library has introduced a new Wi-Fi Hotspot lending program. These portable devices can be placed on hold and borrowed for a period of one week. They provide unlimited, no-charge Internet access to Wi-Fi for up to 15 devices. Full details are available on the library website.
Please note, this has only been a sample of what’s going on at the library over the next few weeks. For more events (especially children’s) and full details, be sure to visit the website or drop by and pick up a brochure. Hope to see you soon!
