You are here: Home / Archives for library

Summer Reading for Kids

July 9, 2010 By Amber Leave a Comment
Photo Courtesy aidanmorgan on Flickr

Photo Courtesy aidanmorgan on Flickr

Now that school’s out, summer reading clubs are in at the local libraries. If you’re looking for a way to entertain and engage your children this summer, this is a great option. These are all free, drop-in programs, and no registration is required.

Coquitlam Public Library

For more information on any of Coquitlam’s programs, please phone the Children’s Department at City Centre (604.927.3561) or Poirier (604.937.4142).

Summer Stories for Babies and Toddlers
Songs, rhymes, bounces and stories for children under three years old and their caregivers.
City Centre: Mondays, July 5 – August 9 from 10:30–11am
Poirier: Thursdays, July 8 – August 12 from 10:30–11am

Summer Stories for Preschoolers
The very best in children’s literature, classic folk tales, songs and rhymes for children aged 3–5, including children entering kindergarten in the fall. Parents, stay with your children and join in the fun.
City Centre: Thursdays, July 8 – August 12 from 10:30–11am
Poirier: Wednesdays, July 7 – August 11 from 10:30–11am

Summer Stories for School-Aged Children
Story theatre, puppets, story telling and book talks for children who are entering grade one or older. Parents and caregivers are welcome to stay and enjoy the show!
City Centre: Thursdays, July 8 – August 12 from 1:30–2:15pm
Poirier: Tuesdays, July 6 – August 10 from 10:30–11:15am

Summer Reading Club
The Summer Reading Club is a great way for children in grades one and up to discover books and have fun reading all through the summer holiday. Register at the Information Desk at either library.

Middle Schoolers Only Summer Reading Club
Just for kids in grades 6 through 8. Register at the Information Desk of either library branch. Write reviews of the books you read during the summer and give them to the librarian at the Information Desk. Each week, we will do draws for prize books. The more reviews you write, the better your chances of winning!

Port Moody Public Library

For more information on any of Port Moody’s programs, please phone 604.469.4575.

Summer Family Storytime
Children aged birth to six years can join us for stories, songs, and fun reading games this summer. Our new evening time slot it is perfect for working parents.
Tuesdays, July 13 – August 17 from 6:30-7:30pm

Summer Reading Buddies
Kids in grades 2-4 can drop in for an hour of reading, book discussion, and literacy games. Our fantastic teen reading mentors will help kids find books they love, and build literacy skills in a relaxed, friendly environment. For more information about this program, please contact program coordinator, Vicki Donoghue at 604.469.4666 or vicki.donoghue@cityofportmoody.com.
Thursdays, July 15-August 12 from 3-4pm

Summer Reading Club
Kids can earn a special medal by reading for 50 days during the summer. Read anywhere, anytime, and you choose the books! Lots of free fun activities to keep kids reading all summer long. Register in person at the Information Desk.

Terry Fox Library

For more information on any of Terry Fox Library’s programs, please call 604.927.7995.

Saturday Family Storytime
Come and join us for a half hour of stories, songs, fingerplays and flannel stories. Storytimes are for preschoolers and their families.
Saturday July 17 and Saturday, August 21 from 11 – 11:30am

Pyjama Family Storytime
Preschoolers and their families will enjoy a half hour of stories, songs and rhymes. Children are welcome to come in pyjamas and bring a stuffed toy.
Wednesday, August 4 from 6:45 – 7:15pm

Kids Summer Reading Club
Children from preschool to grade 6 can discover that “Reading Rocks!” this summer by joining the annual Summer Reading Club sponsored by the British Columbia Library Association and public libraries around the province. Terry Fox Library is offering kids the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of children’s literature through books, contests and various entertaining programs. To join drop by the library’s Information Desk.

Teen Summer Reading Club
Teens from grades 7 to 12 can “Get Into Character” this summer by joining the Teen Reading Club. To join drop by the library’s Information Desk and pick up your Teen Reading Record and bookmark. For every seven days that you read this summer, you become eligible to win one of several amazing prizes, including laptop computers, digital camcorders and digital cameras.

Happy reading!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,

A Theatre, an Overpass and a Library

March 3, 2010 By Amber Leave a Comment
one_act_jake's_gift

I am sure that I am not the only one who is still recovering from the Olympics in Vancouver. In fact, I’m certain that I’m not, because this weekend is shaping up to be a quiet one here in the V3H. However, there are still several fabulous events to choose from, so read on!

The powerful drama Jake’s Gift began playing on Tuesday, March 2 and it continues until Saturday, March 6 at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. Jake’s Gift tells the story of 80-year-old Jake, a Canadian World War II veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day to find the grave of his eldest brother who was killed in 1944. In June 2004, Julia Mackey traveled to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. During her journey she interviewed dozens of veterans who had returned for the ceremonies. The stories they shared with Julia and her own life-long interest in World War II and remembrance were the inspiration to create Jake’s Gift. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.

If you are an actor, or have acting aspirations, you might be interested in the Open Auditions for the SHIFT 1-Act Theatre Festival. The auditions take place on Friday, March 5 from 6-9pm and Saturday, March 6 from 12-5pm in the Parkview Room, which is just above Inlet Theatre in Port Moody [map]. You should arrive with a prepared monologue around 1 minute long, and be ready to cold-read a short piece that will be provided when you arrive. You can sign up for an audition online. For more information call 604.910.1199 or email nick.sartore@shiftarts.ca.

As we shared a little over a week ago, the Coast Meridian Overpass is opening. To celebrate, there will be some opening ceremonies on Saturday, March 6 from 10am-noon. It sounds like a fabulous time!

The Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam [map] is running three great programs this week. On Saturday March 6 from 2:30-3:30pm they present Family Pet Series – Bite Free Program: Dog Bite Safety. SPCA Educator Nina Hobbis returns to deliver this dog bite safety presentation to children that will equip your family with the skills to interact comfortably with dogs. On Monday, March 8 from 7-8:30 pm they present Writing Your Will. The People’s Law School outlines the steps to writing a will and how to avoid common pitfalls. Finally, on Tuesday, March 9 from 7-8pm they present CSI Myths: What’s Really Involved When You Work in Forensics for teens. Dr. Mark Skinner, Forensic Anthropologist and co-director of SFU’s groundbreaking Centre for Forensic Research, will discuss and demo what really happens in the field of forensics in this interactive presentation. For more information on any of these programs, or to register, call 604.927.7999.

Have a great week!

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Activities for New Parents in the Tri-Cities

February 22, 2010 By Amber Leave a Comment
Babies

Having a new baby is a big adjustment. I have two little darlings of my own, and welcoming them into our family threw me for a loop – temporarily, anyway. It also left me wanting to find other new parents, who could relate to what was going on in my life. Like most moms I had a full year of maternity leave, and I wanted to get out with my babies and enjoy it. I found some baby groups and activities that helped me to do that.

Today I’m just sharing a few of the options for new parents here in the V3H. If you know of any great activities, playgroups or drop-ins that I haven’t listed, please mention them in the comments. Other new parents craving social interaction can benefit from your experience.

Library Babytimes
These free drop-in programs offer songs, rhymes and stories, as well as discussion of early literacy skills and a chance to meet other parents. The age range is from 0-17 months in Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, and 0-24 months in Coquitlam. Here are current dates at times:

Port Moody Public Library
Mondays, 11-11:30am
Thursdays, 2-2:30pm
Classes take place in the Storytelling Circle, and are cancelled on statutory holidays. For more information call 604.469.4577.

Coquitlam Public Library
Mondays, 11-11:30am at the City Centre Branch
Thursdays, 11-11:30am at the City Centre Branch
Thursdays, 10-10:30am at the Poirier Branch
Thursdays, 11-11:30am at the Poirier Branch
The Winter sessions of babytime end the first week of March. For more information call the Poirier Children’s Department at 604.937.4142, or the City Centre Children’s Department at 604.927.3561.

Terry Fox Library
Babytime (0-17 months)
Tuesdays, 10:15-10:40am, ending March 2
Thursdays, 10:15-10:40am, beginning on March 18
Free registration required. For more information, or to register, call 604.927.7999.

Runners and Booties Fitness
Local mom Lara started Runners and Booties when her own son was a baby himself. Now she offers her extremely popular Shop ‘n Stroll classes free through local malls. She also offers Salsa Babies, a Latin dance class for moms with babies in a sling or a carrier. I personally enjoyed Salsa Babies so much that I took it 3 times in a row, you should see my cha-cha-cha now. For more info on any Runners and Booties classes call 778.285.6265.

Jungle Gym Time
Seven days a week, at various times of day, the Port Moody Recreation Centre offers drop-in Jungle Gym Time for babies and toddlers aged 0-5 years. This open gym allows older babies and toddlers to play and explore on various jungle gym apparatus. Parent participation is mandatory, and fees are $2.50 per child. For more information check out Port Moody’s Happening recreation guide, or call the Rec Centre at 604.469.4556.

Gym Bugs
Babies and toddlers aged 9 months – 3 years can join in the fun at Coquitlam’s Poirier Community Centre, with gymnastics equipment, toys and other things to keep everyone busy. An instructor will be on hand to suggest skills your child can learn, and parent participation is required. Classes run on Sundays from 10am-12pm, and the drop in fee is $2.50 per session for one child or $4.00 for 2 children (with the same parent). For more information call 604.927.6046.

Playmates
Children ages 0-6 years are invited to play and enjoy the large space in the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex’s Mabbett Room. There are paper crafts, puzzles, ride-on toys and much more. There’s coffee on for the adults, too. Parent participation is required. Sessions run from 9:30-11:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and fees are $4.25 for 2 children, and $2.25 for each extra child. For more information call 604.927.7529.

La Leche League
New moms who have breastfeeding questions find that La Leche League is a valuable resource. Volunteer leaders are available to answer questions and provide support over the telephone 7 days a week. For help anywhere in the Lower Mainland call 604.520.4623. Local moms who need one-on-one support, or who like to meet other breastfeeding moms, are invited to La Leche League Coquitlam’s free monthly meetings at the SHARE Society office at 2615 Clarke Street in Port Moody. Meetings happen the 2nd Thursday of every month, from 9:30-11:30am. Toddlers and older children are welcome, and so are expectant moms who want to get some support before their baby arrives.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Week in Literature

January 27, 2010 By Amber Leave a Comment
port_moody_fire

It’s Wednesday again, which means that I am about to run through the many exciting ways you can spend your week here in the Tri-Cities. So read on, and just see if there isn’t something that tickles your fancy.

An Olympic-themed Family Fun Night will be taking place on Wednesday, January 27 from 6-8pm outside the Toy Jungle in Coquitlam Centre Mall [map]. Children aged 3 to 10 and their parents are invited to join local librarians for this free Family Play and Learn Night. Imagine, play and learn through stories, songs arts and more. No registration required, please drop in.

Port Moody needs a new Fire Hall, and they will be holding a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, January 27 at Inlet Theatre [map]. There will displays put up at 6:30pm, and the presentation starts at 7pm. The Fire Hall is the top priority City-funded capital project for 2009-2014. This meeting is the first step in gathering public feedback for the construction of a new Fire Hall #1. If you can’t make the meeting, you can also submit your feedback using the online comment form.

The Tri-Cities Literacy Committee is running a ‘Lunch and Learn’ series beginning on Thursday, January 28. The first session will be all about the Read-a-ma-Tazz! family literacy program, and it runs from 12-1pm in the Elm Room at Winslow Centre [map]. This exciting program is designed for families with children ages 0 – 5. Everyone is welcome, and RSVP is requested. A microwave is available on site, and coffee/tea will be provided. For more information or to register, please email jrioux@sd43.bc.ca or call 604.817.6462.

The City of Port Coquitlam is holding a Climate Action Plan Open House on Thursday, January 28 from 2-4pm at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre [map]. Find out how the city is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, learn about the emission targets, view displays, speak to staff and provide feedback. The Virtual Open House, including comment forms, draft plan and project info boards will be posted on January 26th. For more information call 604.927.5424 or email jensena@portcoquitlam.ca.

We’ve already shared the info about the Save the Golden Spike Days fundraiser on Friday, January 29 with Barney Bentall and Nikki Werner. I hear tickets are going fast!

The Coquitlam Public Library is offering a Beginner Internet Class on Saturday, January 30 from 10-11am at their Poirier branch [map]. Participants will learn the basics of the Internet, and must be able to click and scroll using the mouse. The program is free, but registration is required. For more information, or to register, call 604.937.4144.

(Aside – I toyed with whether or not to add this event, since if you are reading this information you probably don’t need a beginner’s internet class. But maybe a friend or family member does, so I included it. These are the issues that keep me up at night as I try to keep you informed.)

The Tri-Cities Spelling Bee takes place on Saturday, January 30 from 2-4pm at Inlet Theatre [map]. Students in grades 4 and 5 will be competing to see who comes out on top. Register in advance at the Port Moody, Terry Fox or Coquitlam library, or just come out and see the spellers in action.

Comedian Roman Danylo is bringing his hilarious comedy show to Evergreen Cultural Centre on Saturday, January 30 at 8pm [map]. Danylo is ‘Roman around the country’ with his quick witted, interactive sketches, high energy observational stand-up, and improv. Topping off the night with a little comedic chaos, Danylo will invite local improvisers to join him onstage for a short jam. Danylo’s partner for the evening will be Vancouverite Ellie Harvie. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.

Port Coquitlam’s Sunday Coffee Concert Series kicks off with Latin Explosion on Sunday, January 31 at 1:30pm at Terry Fox Theatre [map]. Rumba Calzada will perform a powerful blend of Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms with drums, percussion, congas, timbales and trombones. They have an original sound that is guaranteed to make you move! After the concert, stay and meet the performers over coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons. Admission is pay what you can, and children 12 and under are free. For more information call 604.927.8440 or email chuiy@portcoquitlam.ca.

Have a great week!

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: , , , ,

Heritage Books, Hobson’s Choice and Poetry

January 13, 2010 By Amber Leave a Comment
hobsons_choice

It is a rainy, rainy January so far in the V3H. We hope that you’re all staying dry, and that your ark construction projects are progressing smoothly. When you get a break, here are a few things you might want to check out this week.

Coquitlam’s Mackin House Museum is launching two historical literature book clubs, one the afternoon and the other in the evening. The clubs are open to the public and interested history and literature buffs. Everyone is invited to attend the organizational sessions, which will both take place in the parlour at Mackin House [map]. The first session is on Wednesday, January 13 at 6:30 pm and the second is on Thursday, January 14th at 2pm. Titles for discussion will be chosen as a group. For more information, or to register call call 604.516.6151 or email info@coquitlamheritage.ca.

Beginning on Thursday, January 14 Stage 43 will be presenting Hobson’s Choice at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. Three daughters, one drunken father, a shy shoemaker and an ambitious woman make for plenty of laughs in this treasure of a play. Performances run from January 14-17, and then again from January 21-23. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555. You can also enjoy a fabulous 3 course pre-dinner show for $30 at Port Moody’s Saint St. Grill [map]. The dinners run from from 6-8pm on show days. Call 604.937.7477 in advance to reserve and let them know your are coming for the HOBSON’S dinner.

Here’s a promotional clip from the show…

The Port Moody Public Library is running Poetry Planet on Monday, January 18 from 7-9pm in the ParkLane room [map]. This open reading is a great opportunity to hear new poetry and share your own writing. No registration is required. For more information call 604.469.4575.

And remember, the rain may be dreary, but at least you don’t have to shovel it. ;)

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Helen Daniels Exhibit at the Library

January 8, 2010 By Amber Leave a Comment
47860006

Throughout the month of January artwork by local photographer Helen Daniels is on display at the Port Moody Public Library.

Helen’s longtime interest in photography got a jump start a few years ago when she encountered Lomography, a worldwide movement of artistic experimental photography that started in Europe in the early 1990s. It features spontaneous shots, light leaks welcome, and you never know quite what you’ll end up with. Helen describes it as ‘basically go with the flow analog photography’. Lomography has provided Helen with a somewhat quirky means of creative expression, and the sense of serendipity particularly appeals to her.

Fourteen pieces are on display, showing a cross section of Helen’s work. The photographs were taken on a variety of cameras, including an aging Canon Sureshot and 3 Lomos: a Holga, a fish-eye model and a Supersampler. The Supersampler takes 4 pictures at once – pull string to advance film. Inspiration for the images comes from the everyday as seen while walking her Chocolate Lab, Moksha and travelling, with some architectural detailing and self-portraits added to the mix.

Daniels has exhibited her work, primarily photography, in 10 group shows in the Tri-Cities, Vancouver and most recently in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Helen Daniels is also known to many locals as the arts administrator for ArtsConnect, a position she has held for 10 years. In that capacity she has promoted arts and culture in the Tri-Cities, and worked to support local artists. The Tri-Cities is lucky to have Helen as an ardent advocate for our community, as well as a talented artist in her own right.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,

Port Moody Library Open House Tuesday

October 19, 2009 By Jon Leave a Comment
library_open_house

library_open_house

When the leaves begin to fall and the rains return to our fair city, there’s nothing like getting a cup of tea and curling up with a good book.

October is Canadian Library Month, and the Port Moody Library is getting in the spirit by hosting an Open House. It will be held to thank patrons for their support, and to help everyone in the community get the most out of their local library.

There are over 22,000 libraries in Canada, and they are much more than depositories of books. Libraries have become community information centres, connecting people not only to books but online resources as well. Whether studying for citizenship tests, reading to your kids, connecting with employment resources, or just enjoying a quiet moment to read; the Port Moody Library has something for everyone.

Open House:

There will be tours, online information gathering demonstrations, door prizes, refreshments (food in the library, oh my!), and a pyjama storytime starting at 6:30pm. For more information call 604-469-4577.

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: , , ,

Port Moody Public Library’s Links to Literacy

August 14, 2009 By Amber Leave a Comment
Port_Moody_Library_Golf

Port_Moody_Library_Golf

The Port Moody Public Library’s 9th Annual Links to Literacy Golf Tournament and Banquet is coming up on Monday, August 31. The tournament will take place at Meadow Gardens Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, with registration at 11:00am and a shotgun start at 12:00pm. Links to Literacy is relaxed and fun, and everyone is welcome.

The day will be capped off by an evening banquet, complete with prizes and an auction. The no host bar will open at 5:30pm, and dinner and auction will start at 6:30pm. The items up for auction include a trip for two to the Port Moody Police firing range, a location portrait session by In view Images, and a dinner for four at Pasta Polo Restaurant. CTV’s Jason Pires will do the honours as Master of Ceremonies, and Canucks play-by-play announcer Johns Shorthouse will fill the role of auctioneer. If you absolutely don’t golf (and I’m sheepishly raising my hand on this one) you’re welcome to come out just for the banquet and auction.

As its name implies, the tournament raises money to support literacy in Port Moody. Funds from last year’s tournament allowed the library to bring literacy experts, such as David Bouchard and Dr. Gabor Mate, to the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody for a special evening lecture series. Proceeds from the tournament were also used for library enhancements such as an easy reading collection and computer listening station for our special needs patrons, and a talking book reader and talking books for our visually disabled patrons. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be directed at creating a portable computer lab to provide basic and advanced training on Internet, email and other electronic resources.

Tickets for the tournament and banquet are a steal at $165 each. Tickets for the banquet and auction only are even more of a steal at $40. And of course, you can donate or sponsor the event without having to show up at all. Could there possibly be an easier way to support our local library? I don’t think so.

To register, or for more information, call 604.469.4686 or email dayna.solem@cityofportmoody.com. Get out there, support the library, and have some fun!

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Coquitlam Public Library Hosts Martini Tasting Challenge

August 7, 2009 By Amber Leave a Comment
poirier_library_martini

poirier_library_martini

I love books. I also love martinis. If you’re anything like me, then the Coquitlam Public Library has crafted the perfect event for you. On Sunday August 16 the Poirier Branch will be hosting a Martini Tasting Challenge from 3 – 6pm [map].

The event features local bartenders, who will create literary-themed martinis. Guests have a chance to taste them all and vote for their favourites. There will also be appetizers (a good thing when you’re tasting martinis), art displays and music. Funds raised will go to support the Wonder Bus, which brings books and programs to Coquitlam residents.

Tickets are a steal at $25.00 each, and can be purchased by calling Sandra at 604-937-4130. So get out, sample some martinis, and support the Coquitlam Public Library. But please, remember to plan for a safe ride home.

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: , , , ,

Random Acts of Kindness at the Port Moody Library

April 22, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment
Kids Reading at Port Moody Library

Kids Reading at Port Moody Library

They tell you not to take candy from a stranger, but random kindness is something we can all share without too many hangups. Now the Port Moody library is creating a project based on paying it forward.

The Port Moody Library is teaming with School District 43 to sponsor a Random Acts of Kindness project. This is a celebration of the small acts that make a community a better place. Members of the public are invited to get involved by…

1. Picking up a paper leaf at the Port Moody Library information desk.
2. Perform a random act of kindness
3. Write it down on the leaf
4. Return it to the library to be posted on the wall with student leaves, where it will inspire others.

Let’s get out there and make Port Moody a better place to live! The project runs until April 30th, you can pick up your kindness leaves at the Port Moody library information desk. The library is open 9-9 Monday – Friday, 9-5 Saturdays and 1-5 on Sundays.

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Filed Under: News Tagged With: , ,