HoOPLA
The Electronic Newsletter of the Ontario Public Library Association
SEPTEMBER 2007
1. FROM THE PRESIDENT'S PEN
2. WHAT'S NEW
2.1 Municipal Cultural Planning
2.2 Update from the Deputy Ministry of Culture
3. AROUND THE PROVINCE
3.1 Ottawa Runs Second Successful Adult & Teen Book Club
3.2 Stratford: A Night at the Library
3.3 Newmarket Assists with Hydro Program
3.4 Summer at Port Hope
3.5 Accreditation for Wainfleet
3.6 Summer at Ottawa
3.7 Harry Potter's Arrival Celebrated at Burlington
3.8 Cuts at Toronto Libraries
3.9 Cornwall Goes Green
3.10 London Rocks!
3.11 Celebrating 100 years @ North Perth
3.12 Newmarket Launches Teen Area
3.13 One Book, One Community is Smokin' at the Region of Waterloo!
3.14 "Harry Potter and the All-nighter" @ Pelham
4. PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
4.1 Lorna Young at Oakville
4.2 Rosemary Bonanno to Head Vancouver Island Regional Library
4.3 Christina Wilson Leaves Ontario to Work at the Alberta Library
4.4 Huntsville Appoints Maureen Cubberly New CEO
4.5 Brock Township Appoints Rona O'Banion CEO
4.6 Paula Coutts new CEO at New Tecumseth
5. NEXT ISSUE
1. FROM THE PRESIDENT'S PEN
Summer. It's been hot. Things have been slow. Until two weeks ago. I received a call from the communications officer for the new Deputy Minister of Culture, David Lindsay, who was trying to set up a telephone call with me as OPLA president. Mr. Lindsay wanted to introduce himself to the presidents of the various associations that fall under his purview. After a few false starts we were able to connect. I stressed to Mr. Lindsay OPLA's confidence that the restructuring of the Ministry would lead to improved service for our members. There had been some concern that the absence of the word "Library" from any of the Ministry section titles marked a decreased emphasis on service to our sector. Mr. Lindsay assured me that service capacity had in fact been strengthened as more personnel were now available and many of the main players were still in portfolios that emphasized the unique service needs of libraries. He came across as an unabashed supporter of libraries. He is in an acting position until the next election but perhaps we'll get to keep him!
The other big summer news concerns the search for Larry Moore's successor. You'll notice I didn't say "replacement" as Larry is irreplaceable. (I'll expect that $5 next time I'm at the OLA office ;-)) Ken Haycock and Associates have been retained to conduct the search. I spoke with one of the principals on August 20th as they are in the process of interviewing the OLA Board of Directors to solicit our input on the process. He conducted a thorough, well-structured interview which only served to increase my already high confidence level in Haycock's firm. They know OLA and are committed to an international search designed to provide OLA with the best slate of potential candidates. Be sure to check the OLA Headline Stories Blog for updates.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Darcy Glidden
Fiction, Popular Materials and Special Collections
Hamilton Public Library
Phone: 905 - 546 - 3200, Ext. 6343
dglidden@hpl.ca
2. WHAT'S NEW:
2.1 MUNICIPAL CULTURAL PLANNING
There is now a Municipal Cultural Planning info page on the Ministry of Culture Web site at http://www.culture.gov.on.ca/english/about/mcp.htm
The introduction makes the following statement:
Culture is increasingly being recognized as essential to prosperous, livable and sustainable cities and communities in the 21st century.
Municipal cultural planning supports local economic development and that's why the Government of Ontario is encouraging municipalities to integrate cultural planning into their daily business; to emphasize local arts, cultural industries, heritage and libraries as they plan for the future of their communities.
The Municipal Culture Planning Partnership (MCPP) plans include launching a new Web site with a 'brand', visual identity, communications strategy, etc in the not-too-distant future.
Stephen Nelson
Chief Librarian, Woodstock Public Library
(519) 539-4801
snelson@woodstock.library.on.ca
2.2 UPDATE FROM DEPUTY MINISTER OF CULTURE
As Acting Deputy Minister of Culture, I want to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on several initiatives to support public libraries in Ontario.
The Ontario government has once again recognized the vital role of public libraries as community hubs of literacy, learning and citizen engagement. Earlier this year, the government made a one-time investment of $5 million to strengthen rural, remote and First Nations libraries that serve communities of fewer than 20,000. Funding was provided to 259 First Nations libraries and public library boards, reaching a total of 552 branches across the province. The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries also received a grant of $32,000 to promote the interests of Ontario's public libraries and help them achieve common goals.
I am confident that these funds will help libraries address their local priorities. Last year's investment of $6 million to promote literacy in our communities generated great results, thanks to the creativity and commitment of your library boards, staff and volunteers.
With provincial funding of $1 million, the Ontario Library Service-North has just launched its
Joint Automated Server Initiative (JASI), to improve service and access to information for residents in Northern Ontario. The province has also continued to support Knowledge Ontario, with a one-time investment of $8 million in 2006 for the on-going development of this ambitious, multi-sector initiative.
Over the last year, the Ministry has consulted extensively with the library community and other stakeholders on how we can improve the provincial framework for public library support. It is important that we build on this momentum.
As our next steps, we are proposing to consult with public library users and non-users to gauge their views on the role of libraries and the services they offer. We plan to begin discussions with the primary funders of public libraries and take a closer look at financial support of public libraries to ensure maximum benefit to Ontario's libraries and library users. The Ministry will also facilitate ongoing communications with key public library organizations, and between Ontario government ministries and agencies with an interest in public libraries.
Ontario's public libraries, librarians and volunteers make a vital contribution to helping Ontarians succeed in a knowledge-based economy. I look forward to working with the Ministry's agencies, key provincial library organizations and municipal leaders as we take our next steps to strengthen Ontario's public libraries.
Sincerely,
David L. Lindsay
Acting Deputy Minister
3. AROUND THE PROVINCE
3.1 OTTAWA RUNS SECOND SUCCESSFUL ADULT & TEEN BOOK CLUB
In its second year, the Ottawa Public Library's Adult & Teen Summer Reading Club, sponsored by the Friends of the OPL, took place from Friday, June 29 - Friday, Aug. 31. Nearly 700 adults and teens participated at the 33 branches or bookmobile and read thousands of library books - and got free books for reading them!
Participants registered with their Library cards, borrowed books and logged their reads! After five books read, they received one Book Buck. After another five books read, they received another Book Buck. After another five books are read (making the total 15), participants received two Book Bucks. Participants redeemed their Book Bucks at their branch or at any of Friends of the OPL bookshops in exchange for gently used books for sale. All completed logsheets were entered in a draw at the end of the summer!
Last year, the A&T Summer Reading Club attracted almost 800 people who read almost 7,500 books!
The A & T SRC is sponsored by the Friends of the OPL.
Wayne Pender, Communications Assistant
Community Partnerships and Programming
Ottawa Public Library
613-580-2424 x 41468
wayne.pender@biblioottawalibrary.ca
3.2 STRATFORD: A NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY
Storybook friends came alive August 1st as "Night at the Library" transformed the Stratford Public Library.
We estimate that 150-200 folk of all ages were delighted by the fun-filled free family event, with a literary twist, inspired by the popular book and movie "Night at the Museum". Characters from a variety of books and stories sprang to life and wandered through the library, engaging adults and children alike!
36 volunteers and staff donned costumes and became characters from literature (I, for instance, was Sir Galahad, bound to prove that chivalry is not dead). Children and adults alike were delighted to talk to Cleopatra, or to get The Big Bad Wolf's side of the story, or to help Little Bo Peep gather her lost sheep.
A larger than life puppet of a green lily pad denizen was linked by web cam and voice to a volunteer at his home computer. The ensuing conversations of the Frog Prince with his varied audiences of all ages were captivating and often hilarious.
Interactive games and learning centres provided the chance to have some hands-on fun and learn more about various favourite storybook characters. Even some adults were stumped by the Nursery Rhyme Challenge.
Many came to the Library just for this event. Many stumbled upon it, including several grandparents who reportedly came to get books, saw all the fun and hurried home so they could return with their grandchildren. Several exclamations were overheard about "not realizing that the library did ...." or that "I never knew about this part of the library".
Looking back on the night, cub reporter, Jimmy Olsen commented, "It wasn't just for kids. It was an opportunity for parents and grandparents to let themselves go." Pirate Grace O'Malley, who actually spent the night distributing bounty to families from the circulation desk in the children's area, exclaimed, "It was a wonderful night! EVERYBODY was happy; everybody had a smile on their face!"
Night at the Library was fabulously successful. Trish MacGregor, the creative mastermind of the fun-filled evening was ecstatic with the turnout, with people's response and with how the Night probably broadened several peoples' concept of what a public library is, can be and should be.
Every night should be Night at the Library. For pictures, see the Web site of the local radio stations CJCS 1240 & 107.7 Mix FM - http://www.cjcsradio.com/events/photo_gallery.php
We thank The Huron Perth Catholic District School Board and the Literacy Numeracy Secretariat for their support of Literacy Development with this event. We also thank Stratford Community Players, volunteers from the Library's Volunteer Program and others including Tony Carter (the voice of our frog prince - he did not croak), the Stratford Festival of Canada's Costume Warehouse, Ontario Early Years Perth Middlesex (especially Giselle Goetze who is usually the Early Literacy Specialist but that night was known as Cinderella), and anyone we forgot because there were so many of you who helped so much.
Sam Coghlan, Library Director / CEO
Stratford Public Library
Ph: (519) 271-0220, ext. 15
scoghlan@city.stratford.on.ca
3.3 NEWMARKET ASSISTS WITH HYDRO PROGRAM
Newmarket Public Library is assisting Newmarket Hydro with a program designed to help the utility's customers take control of rising electricity costs by monitoring their appliances. The Library has Kill A Watt™ Usage Monitors available for the local utility's customers, who can purchase one for $29.99 plus taxes or loan one for a 30-day period. Anyone interested in obtaining a monitor can do so by presenting their Newmarket Hydro account number at the Library's reception desk before filling out a purchase or sign-out form. How does the monitor work? You simply plug it into a wall outlet and connect an appliance to it. The LCD display counts kilowatt consumption per hour, the same as Newmarket Hydro. The monitor lets individuals calculate their expenses and find out which appliances it may be better to unplug until needed, or whether it's time to buy a new, more energy-efficient appliance.
For further information please contact:
Lorne Chase, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Tel: (905) 953-5110 Ext. 4870
lchase@newmarketpl.ca
3.4 SUMMER AT PORT HOPE
Like many Canadians, the Port Hope Public Library spent a busy summer travelling and entertaining at home.
Early in May, the Library's booth at the Living Green Fair in Port Hope promoted the theme "Living Green with your Yellow Library Card." We highlighted the many environmentally-friendly services the Library offers, such as borrowing library material rather than buying the items, using on-line rather than print databases, and the Watt Reader lending program. The Fair was a good opportunity to remind people that libraries were 'green' long before it was fashionable to be so.
On June 14th the students and teacher from the Fleming College Esthetician Program set up shop in the Library foyer for two hours and gave free mini-manicures to Library visitors. Fifty-two people took advantage of the offer! In return, Library staff members gave the students tours of the Library and helped them find material in the newly expanded business collection, specifically titles on starting, marketing and running a home business, and on operating a spa.
Lou Rinaldi, our local M.P.P., challenged libraries across the Northumberland-Quinte West Riding to put together a public display celebrating Canada Day. For its entry, the Port Hope Public Library asked people to show how the Library is the heart of the community. At 12 noon on June 29th, more than 160 people encircled the Library's Mary J. Benson Branch, waving Canadian flags and singing "O Canada." Our display was judged to be the best; as our prize, Lou Rinaldi offered his services on August 10th as 'Librarian for the Day.' Mr. Rinaldi began the day working at the Circulation Desk, moved on to the Children's Library and Adult Library, and concluded his visit with a working lunch at which he and staff discussed the challenges and opportunities facing libraries today.
At 7:30 am on a bright and sunny June 30th, the Library set up a table at the Port Hope Farmers' Market. We were there to promote the Buy Local theme. We spent the morning introducing the customers and vendors to some of the titles we have on growing, cooking, preserving and storing fresh produce. Later that day we continued the theme in the Library with our Farm. Fresh. Fun. program. Our partners for the program were Farmers Feed Cities and the local Health Unit. They helped us by offering strawberry taste tests, samples of goods baked with all local ingredients, guessing games about our food supply, and giveaways including colouring sheets, stickers, and key chains. A local nursery kindly donated 200 green pepper plants ready for planting that we gave out to participants.
A visit from illustrator Joe Weissmann kicked off our TD Summer Reading Club on July 3rd. More than 70 people attended the event, signing up for the Club and watching Mr. Weissmann produce some amazing drawings.
On July 14th we presented a special summer edition of our popular Storytime program. Held just across the street from our main branch, Dinosaurs in the Park was an enjoyable hour of songs and stories, followed by juice and cookies. We will be celebrating the end of another great summer at the Port Hope Public Library with a Teddy Bears' Picnic in the park on August 25th.
Friday, July 20th was our Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows launch party. And what a party it was! People were already lined up at the door when the Library re-opened at 9 pm for this very special event. Staff and volunteers dressed for the part and set up eight stations that were visited by more than 300 party-goers. Activities included face painting, two live owls, a sorting hat, a magician, candies, cookies and other treats, a costume contest (with more than 100 participants of all ages!) and a screening of the fourth Harry Potter movie. On the stroke of midnight, our local bookstore, Furby House Books, began selling copies of the newest title. Things wrapped up at 1 am, as everyone was anxious to begin reading.
The Port Hope Public Library would be happy to share the details of any of these programs. For further information, please contact Alex Mahabir, Community Outreach Coordinator at amahabir@porthope.ca or 905.885.4712.
3.5 ACCREDITATION FOR WAINFLEET
The Wainfleet Township Public Library is pleased to announce that it has received its accreditation under the Ontario Public library Guidelines Program. The accreditation indicates that the Wainfleet Township Public Library has met or surpassed over 100 guidelines dealing with policy, planning, resources and services. A score of +90% is required to gain accreditation under this program.
The Guidelines Program was established by the public library community to recognize excellence in library service by the public libraries in Ontario. The audit, which is conducted by library peers, allows public libraries of any size to match themselves against an accepted set of guidelines. An accredited library not only demonstrates that it meets provincial standards of efficiency and service levels; it also acts as a leader in raising the level of public library service across the province.
The Library plans on making the announcement to the public in October, as part of the launch for Canadian Library Month/Ontario Public Library Week.
Rona O'Banion, CEO
Wainfleet Township Public Library
Tel: 905-899-1277 Fax: 905-899-2495
E-mail: robanion@wainfleetlibrary.ca
3.6 SUMMER AT OTTAWA
TD Summer Reading Club at the OPL
The TD Summer Reading Club enjoyed another successful summer at the Ottawa Public Library (OPL). The theme of this year's club was Lost Worlds. The expedition to reading fun started off with a launch at an OPL branch where a local grade four class helped kick things off. The totals were not in at press time but the club was on pace to improve on last year's total of over 60,000 books read by the 10,000 children who joined!
Tools for Schools at the OPL
This summer OPL participated in Children and Youth Friendly Ottawa's (CAYFO) initiative called Tools for Schools. The campaign ran during the last month of the summer with the goal of collecting backpacks containing new and gently used basic school supplies for children in the Ottawa area. School supplies are critical for children to get the right start to the school year — unfortunately these supplies are unaffordable for many families. Last year, in partnership with the Ottawa Food Bank the OPL helped supply over 2,500 kids with the necessary tools to go back to school.
Wayne Pender, Communications Assistant
Community Partnerships and Programming
Ottawa Public Library
613-580-2424 x 41468
wayne.pender@biblioottawalibrary.ca
3.7 HARRY POTTER VII'S ARRIVAL CELEBRATED AT BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
It was midnight on a Friday night in July at the Burlington Public Library. All should be quiet, but what is this, 40 people, some dressed as witches and wizards are quickly moving about the Central Library searching for clues in a scavenger hunt that will lead them to a much awaited treasure — their own copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Burlington celebrated the publication of the final volume of the Harry Potter series with a sleepover at Central Library. Participants enjoyed Harry Potter movies, a craft, a scavenger hunt and lots of snacks in the closed library. Many spent the night reading their precious books. Come morning, it was a breakfast of pancakes and the Muggle parents' arrival to sweep everyone away before the library opened. Harry and friends would have loved it!
3.8 CUTS @ TORONTO LIBRARIES
John Spears, Robyn Doolittle
Staff reporters
Toronto Star July 26, 2007
In the battle to slash city spending, literature lost out to law and order yesterday as the library board voted to close 16 branches on Sundays and cancel the purchase of 14,000 items to help save $1.2 million this year.
Meanwhile, Chief Bill Blair was warning cuts demanded of the police force — which costs the city nearly five times as much as libraries — were "quite frankly not attainable" and would lead to "apocalyptic scenarios" on city streets.
The only way to unearth the requested minimum of $10 million in savings would be to reduce staff, which Blair, at an emergency police services board meeting, said he was not prepared to do. "I'm not going to threaten any compromise to public safety. It does not require a great deal of speculation what the impacts would be.
"The only way to save the substantial amount of monies that were mentioned this morning is to have fewer police officers on the street and I think there would be very significant public safety impacts," Blair said, adding more than 90 per cent of the force's budget goes to staff salaries and benefits.
The Toronto Public Library Board delved into its books and decided closing 16 branches on Sundays, starting in September, including the downtown reference library, would save about $400,000, mostly by cutting the hours of part-time employees.
More would have closed under the proposal by chief librarian Josephine Bryant. But the board voted to keep 11 branches open Sundays in Mayor David Miller's "priority neighbourhoods," with low incomes and high service needs.
"It's very serious and very sad," board chair Kathy Gallagher Ross said after the meeting. "There's just nothing we can do; any cuts at this time lead to service reduction," she said. The library's gross annual budget had been $164.3 million.
The library board also:
Put a freeze on hiring.
Delayed reopening the Jane-Dundas branch, currently under renovation, to save $200,000. There will be no bookmobile service while it's closed.
Cancelled the purchase of 14,000 items, including books and periodicals, to save $330,000.
Cut its Storyteller in Residence program, and a program that forgives some teens overdue fines, to save $23,000.
Reduced training and travel and some IT spending to save $272,000.
Trimmed its printing and advertising budget by $10,000.
"It really is a sad day," said board member and Councillor Janet Davis (Ward 31, Beaches-East York), who voted against the cuts. She supports the two new taxes Miller proposed that would have raised $356 million a year.
"Sundays are the most popular days," Davis said. "I think it will be a huge loss for students, and for Toronto residents in general."
Like the library board and all other city agencies, boards and committees, police services received a letter from city manager Shirley Hoy stating that "the financial circumstances of the city are severe," and that all divisions should implement "cost containment" measures by July 31. It also required a hiring freeze and the elimination of discretionary spending.
3.9 CORNWALL GOES GREEN
Since joining Cornwall's Carbon Reduction Initiative (CCRI) committee in 2006, the library has been looking for ways to promote energy conservation to the public.
The library initially partnered with Cornwall Electric to launch a Watt Reader program in December 2006, inspired by the similar library programs across the province. The electric company provided the library with Watt Readers to loan to the public to gauge at-home energy consumption. The success of this program attracted more agencies looking to partner with the library.
On June 21 the library held a "Green Day" to highlight the important work of these local conservation groups, energy suppliers and the CCRI.
The day kicked off with unveiling the library's Green Shelf, stocked with free brochures and booklets on conservation topics. The Green Shelf, literally covered in green paper, has attracted a lot of positive attention and is a challenge to keep stocked!
Green Day also featured community information kiosks and speakers who gave sessions on reducing your carbon footprint and drinking water source protection.
The day was capped off with two documentary films; "From Dream to Reality" and "A Crude Awakening: the Oil Crash" which asked the question — how long do we have left after the world's existing oil supply has reached it's peak?
The library also recently started selling "green" library bags made from recycled plastics for only $3. These attractive and reusable bags feature the library's new logo and are great for transporting library books, CDs and DVDs. They are also heat and water resistant. Other recent environmental initiatives at Cornwall Public Library include sending our old computer monitors, printers and florescent lights for environmentally-friendly recycling.
Dawn Kiddell
Chief Librarian/CEO
Cornwall Public Library
dkiddell@library.cornwall.on.ca; 613-932-4796
www.library.cornwall.on.ca
3.10 LONDON ROCKS!
On August 1st ... Harry & The Potters were rocking at the London Public Library outside in our Rotary Reading Garden. Despite roasting temperatures, over 500 people of all ages came to see this Boston-based band that started up five years ago in response to the mania over Harry Potter books and movies. The crowds had great fun ... dancing, singing, clapping and smiling!
Harry & The Potters 'wizard rock' sounds like rock music but their lyrics are based on the Harry Potter books. Songs like "Voldemort Can't Stop the Rock!" got the crowd going. Their lyrics also used an excess of terms from the books, including Firebolt, Felix Felicis, the Flying Car, wizard chess, platform nine and three-quarters, the three-headed dog Fluffy, Mrs. Norris, the basilisk, the Invisibility Cloak, and more.
The back-up band? You guessed it ... Draco and the Malfoys, a wizard rock band named after Harry's bitter rival at the Hogwarts school. Their music is called 'evil wizard rock' and they had lots of followers at the concert too singing along to "Party Like You're Evil" and "Slytherin Pride."
Harry & The Potters chose London Public Library to perform at because they think we are a 'very cool library." They learned all about LPL from our MySpace page (www.myspace.com/teenannex) and liked all of the innovative things we were doing for children and youth in London. They were only making 3 Canadian stops on their summer tour (Vancouver, Toronto and London) and we were the only other Canadian library except Vancouver Public Library to host a show.
Wednesday August 1st was a big day for London Public Library ... likely the coolest place in the city that night. Who would have thought?
Anne Becker, CEO
London Public Library
519-661-5142
anne.becker@lpl.london.on.ca
3.11 CELEBRATING 100 YEARS AT NORTH PERTH
Ontario Public Library Week
To launch Ontario Public Library Week the North Perth Public Library, Listowel Branch will host the North Perth Committee of the Whole Council Meeting on Monday, October 15th, 2007. We are very pleased that Council recognizes the importance of this annual event and has chosen to participate by holding their meeting in our Carnegie Library that is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary!
Carnegie Library 100th Anniversary
A production of Charlotte's Web by Erewhon Theatre was held at our local theatre on April 14, 2007 for 135 children. Following this excellent one-woman production a Meet and Greet with Curious George was held. Special thanks to our Theater 3/11 who donated their space and to Wendy Chvertkin, Sales & Marketing Library Services Centre, who coordinated the delivery and return of the costume.
Our next event was on May 26, 2007 when the Library Board and Staff, with the help of the Friends of the North Perth Public Library, hosted a dinner with entertainment by Dan Needles! This wonderful evening was celebrated by over three hundred people!
Our final event was an Open House on June 9, 2007 hosted by the North Perth Public Library Board. With the assistance of the Listowel staff of the Stratford-Perth Archives a display highlighting the history of the Listowel Carnegie Library was available for all to enjoy.
New Employee
In other news, the North Perth Public Library is pleased to announce that we have hired one permanent part-time employee for the newly created position of Circulation Desk Assistant. This new employee has provided much needed assistance as our circulation and membership continues to increase and can also act as a relief worker at all three of our Branches. This is the first increase to staff in my four year term as CEO. The ongoing support of the Board and Municipal Council is greatly appreciated.
Sheila Durand, CEO
North Perth Public Library
Ph: 519 291-4621 Fax: 519 291-2235
SDurand@northperth.library.on.ca
3.12 NEWMARKET LAUNCHES TEEN AREA
This summer saw the official launch of Newmarket Public Library's new teen area, designed to appeal to teens and provide them with their own space in the Library for reading, studying, accessing the Internet, and interacting with their peers. Situated on the second floor of the Library, the new space features comfortable seating, young adult books, magazines, Internet access, Wi-Fi, and a manga collection. CD listening stations will be added soon.
The new teen area was created in response to feedback received from surveys the Library conducted to involve residents in helping shape its strategic objectives over the coming years. Many respondents commented on the need for a more appealing teen area, and a wider variety of materials geared toward individuals ages 12-18.
"It is important to remain relevant to the teens in our community. With the assistance of our new teen advisory group we hope to respond to their needs and keep our young people engaged in further developments," said Pat Wilson, CEO of Newmarket Public Library. "The Library's Strategic Plan 2005-2010 includes several initiatives to enhance teen services, one of which is the newly launched teen area. The goal is to significantly enhance the Library experience for teens by creating a more dynamic and welcoming environment."
A contest was held to name the new area, and all local teens were invited to submit their suggestions. Newmarket Public Library's Council of Advisory Teens Group judged all the contest entries, and 13-year-old Lucas Fysh won with his entry, The Loft, which describes the new area's location on the second floor of the Library.
For further information please contact:
Lorne Chase, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Tel: (905) 953-5110 Ext. 4870
lchase@newmarketpl.ca
3.13 ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY IS SMOKIN' AT THE REGION OF WATERLOO!
What happens when one person's stories are the only way to heal another person's soul? Smoke, by Elizabeth Ruth, is the riveting tale of two people in the 1950's, a doctor and his teenage patient, who discover that looking back may be the only way to help them move forward. It is the choice One Book, One Community 2007 in the Region of Waterloo. This summer special events were held to engage readers, including a Smoke bus tour with the author, and a literary house concert. September will see a host of events at libraries including a "Smoke gets in your eyes" jazz and rock and roll performance, a and a discussion of Prohibition, and a presentation on the history of the fedora, Book clubs in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo and the rural townships have embraced Smoke, and it has created great book buzz. The highlight of OBOC will be three days of free author readings with Elizabeth Ruth throughout the region, September 25-27.
The One Book, One Community committee includes members from four public libraries, bookstores, a literary magazine and interested individuals, and was featured in a recent issue of Grand magazine. Want to know how to engage your community in reading? Visit the OBOC Web site and blog for information on the book, and see the schedule of events: www.therecord.com/onebook. Come to Waterloo region and participate in an event and see how a story can help build a community of readers.
Katherine A. Seredynska
Region of Waterloo Library
(519) 575-4590 ext. 3228; (519) 634-5371 Fax
skath@region.waterloo.on.ca
3.14 "HARRY POTTER AND THE ALL-NIGHTER." @ PELHAM
What is the formula for a successful Harry Potter event? In the case of the Pelham Public Library, it involved an imaginative and dedicated staff, a CEO who bought into the vision, a supportive Board, volunteers who were willing to interrupt a night of sleep, and community businesses who sponsored some of the food.
It began with the question of how to best commemorate the biggest book event in recent publishing history. A question to a local bookstore customer revealed that there was very little "party" planned for book release parties by bookstores. As a library, we thought we could plan a memorable and unique event that would appeal to teens. Once the word was out, news agencies from our town of 16,000, as well as the press from surrounding cities covered the event extensively.
What could be more exciting than having the run of the library while it was closed — for the whole night? We needed the co-operation of our bookseller to make sure we would receive the books on time for the big launch. With that arranged, we began planning games, events, food, etc. for "Harry Potter and the All-Nighter."
Twenty teens arrived at platform 9 3/4 and toured the areas of the library which had been transformed into Diagon Alley, Ollivanders, Honeydukes, etc. while enjoying dragon snot and jelly beans. The sorting hat divided the group into their houses. The teens made magic wands to take home and chocolate-dipped wands to eat. With the lights dimmed, the snitch was hidden in the stacks and we played Voldemort's Revenge and other hide and seek games using flashlights. After late-night pizza and butterbeer, it was TIME. Everyone was sent out to find the key to the trunk of books and a board member filmed the big opening for YouTube.
Guest readers from the community got us started, one purporting to be Ron Weasley's aunt from California. The rest of the night saw most of the teens reading for extended periods. There were some breaks for "Wizard's Chess," "Muggle Monopoly," Hide and Seek games, Murder Wink, Harry Potter Pictionary and discussions over the ending of the book. Of the twenty teens, four spent any time sleeping.
A Marauder's Breakfast of sausage, eggs, buns and muffins was served and our bleary-eyed teens headed for home with their own copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, bookmarks, and posters from an event that will stand out in their memories for a long time.
Elaine Anderson
Public Services Coordinator
Town of Pelham Public Library
(905) 892-6443
eanderson@pelhamlibrary.on.ca
4. PEOPLE IN THE NEWS:
4.1 LORNA YOUNG AT OAKVILLE
Lorna Young (B.A., M.L.S.) was appointed as Manager, Bibliographic Services, at Oakville Public Library effective May 7. Ms. Young's former position was as Head Librarian for Regis College, a federated college within the University of Toronto and Toronto School of Theology.
4.2 ROSEMARY BONANNO TO HEAD VANCOUVER ISLAND REGIONAL LIBRARY
Vaughan, Ontario....Rosemary Bonanno, has resigned from the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL), effective September 4. Bonanno has been named Executive Director of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) overseeing its 37 locations.
During the announcement of her resignation, Bonanno said, "it is with mixed emotions that I leave my position as CEO of VPL. I am excited about the new career adventure I am embarking on and the professional challenge of such a vast library system, but I have enjoyed working at Vaughan Public Libraries during the dynamic changes in Library services that have occurred over the last 13 years. I've had the pleasure of working with a terrific staff, a supportive Library Board and Council which allowed me to implement the kind of Library service the citizens of Vaughan deserved. I wish the organization and the management team of VPL the very best in their mission to continue to serve the residents of Vaughan with excellence in Library service."
Bonanno has been in the "library business" for more than 20 years, and has been the recipient of many awards including the prestigious W.J. Robertson Medallion for Librarian of the Year in 2002, awarded by the Ontario Library Association to the librarian "demonstrating outstanding leadership in the advancement of public library service in Ontario".
For More Information Contact:
Elaine Barr
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Vaughan Public Libraries
905-653-READ (7323) ext. 4108
4.3 CHRISTINA WILSON LEAVES ONTARIO TO WORK AT THE ALBERTA LIBRARY
My last day of work at Cambridge Libraries is Friday, August 17, 2007.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my years spent working in, and for, Ontario's public libraries and the communities they serve. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many talented people over the years and feel very fortunate for the valuable contacts made and the numerous lessons learned. I was lucky to be in a key position at the Cambridge Libraries and Galleries during a time of great change. One can easily stick handle constant technological change when working with a great team and supportive fans. I leave Cambridge Libraries and Galleries knowing that it is equipped to continue delivering excellent public library service to a growing and dynamic community.
As you can imagine I am really excited about the move to Alberta and everything this new change entails. I am especially thrilled be working for such a unique organization such as TAL, where I will be their Emerging Technology Librarian. There are many exciting projects afoot, so watch this space!
Christina Wilson [cwilson@cambridgelibraries.ca]
4.4 HUNTSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY APPOINTS MAUREEN CUBBERLY NEW CEO
The Board of the Huntsville Public Library is delighted to announce the appointment of Maureen Cubberley to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after a nation-wide search.
Ms. Cubberley comes to Huntsville with over twenty years of senior level experience in public libraries in Ontario and Manitoba, directorship with the provincial government and federal governments, and as an industry advisor, facilitator and consultant in the private sector. She has exceptional working knowledge and experience in library leadership and community engagement across Canada and locally. Her accomplishments in public libraries include media and library promotion, internet registration authority, municipal archiving, and meeting the needs of diverse communities. She has written extensively about library and information technology trends. Her work has been pan-Canadian and international.
Ms. Cubberley has had a permanent home in Armour Township, just north of Huntsville, for over 20 years. "This area has always been my home and I welcome the opportunity to re-enter this vibrant community and make a positive impact".
"The Huntsville Public Library is extremely fortunate to have attracted a candidate with such a wealth of experience and accomplishments", according to Barbara Stephen, Library Board Chair. The Board was assisted by the Southern Ontario Library Service in a process that included a rigorous screening and interview process.
Ms. Cubberley will assume her duties in early October 2007. She replaces Marguerite Urban, who will retire after 16 years as Chief Librarian and CEO. Marguerite will continue as acting CEO until Ms. Cubberley arrives.
Contact:
Barb Stephen, Chair
Huntsville Public Library Board
(stephbp@vianet.on.ca)
4.5 BROCK TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY APPOINTS RONA O'BANION NEW CEO
The Board of the Brock Township Public Library is delighted to announce the appointment of Rona O'Banion to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after a nation-wide search assisted by Southern Ontario Library Services.
Ms. O'Banion comes to Brock Township with 15 years experience in public libraries, including the last 4 as CEO. Her accomplishments include renovating and updating an existing facility, successfully implementing the Ontario Public Library Guidelines and receiving accreditation status, securing sustainable funding and improving marketing and communication activities resulting in increased library awareness and usage. She has a Master of Library Science degree and Bachelor degrees in history and psychology.
Active in numerous community organizations, Ms. O'Banion is looking forward to becoming part of the Brock Township community and working closely with the Board and staff to ensure continued growth and success of our system.
"The Brock Township Public Library Board looks forward to having Ms. O'Banion as our first full-time CEO. The caliber of candidates we had to choose from was outstanding.
We look to continuing and expanding on the improvements in library service which our current CEO initiated," says Karen Enss, Chair of the Brock Township Public Library Board.
Ms. O'Banion will assume her duties in early October 2007. She replaces Joan Bowness, who will retire after 4 years as CEO. Cheryl Dillon, currently the Interim CEO, will continue in that position with assistance from Ms. Bowness, who is currently on a leave of absence, until Ms. O'Banion arrives.
Contact:
Karen Enss, Chair, Brock Township Public Library Board
karenenss@brocklibraries.ca
4.6 PAULA COUTTS NEW CEO AT NEW TECUMSETH
The New Tecumseth Public Library Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Coutts to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) during Mary Anne Wilson's extended leave.
Ms. Coutts comes to New Tecumseth Public Library from 8 years with the Pickering Public Library's management team and more than 25 years in various types of libraries, including managing libraries in the health and volunteer sectors and coordinating and teaching in the Library and Information Technician Program at Algonquin College in Ottawa.
At Pickering, Ms. Coutts was part of the reorganization team, developing a more user-friendly, customer-oriented approach to the delivery of library services.
A resident of Port Hope, Ms. Coutts is looking forward to re-locating to the New Tecumseth area and becoming involved in our growing community.
The Board is delighted to welcome Ms. Coutts to the New Tecumseth Public Library and we look forward to working with her.
Ms. Coutts has been Acting CEO since mid-July and will assume her new position on September 10th, 2007.
Margaret M. Doucette, Administrative Coordinator
New Tecumseth Public Library
ph: (705) 435-0250 fax (705) 435-0750
mdoucette@ntpl.ca
5. NEXT ISSUE:
The next issue will be our annual conference issue, which will be in hard copy, and will be released at the 2008 OLA Superconference. Deadline is December 1st, 2007, and photos are welcome for this edition only. Please send submissions to Rudi Denham, Editor, rdenham@st-thomas.library.on.ca