What’s on at the Bedford Public Library

Become a Tax Volunteer

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) needs tax volunteers at Halifax Public Libraries to participate in the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Help someone in your community with their taxes. CRA staff will show you how to complete simple tax returns. For more information, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/volunteer or call 1-888-281-8875.

Remembering Kelsey

It is with sadness that Halifax Public Libraries notes the passing of Kelsey. Kelsey and her owner Veronica Chipman were volunteers with the Paws to Read program. Kelsey will be missed by staff and patrons at the branches where she worked. She helped many children gain confidence and enjoyment in reading.

StoryTubes Contest

Youth in grades P-12

Do you love books? Make a short video (maximum two minutes) about your favourite book, upload it to YouTube or TeacherTube and enter the StoryTubes Contest. Individuals or small groups (up to five people) can apply. StoryTubes is supported by a partnership of public libraries across North America. Nova Scotia’s sponsor is the Annapolis Valley Regional Library. Check out winning videos from previous years and learn contest details at www.storytubes.info.

Book Clubs

The Libraries’ book clubs are a great way to meet new people, explore new authors and share reading ideas. Join us.

Tuesday, January 26/2 p.m.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
, by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
Registration begins December 29.

Tuesday, February 23/2 p.m.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
, by Khaled Hosseini
Registration begins January 26.

Bridge

Join us to play bridge. Some experience is necessary.

Alternate Wednesdays/6:30-8:30 p.m.
January 13, 27, February 10 & 24.

African Drumming

Watch a demonstration of the art of African drumming with Dr. Henry Bishop of the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia. Everyone can take part in this interactive workshop.

Saturday, February 6/2:30 p.m.
Registration is required, please call 490-5757.

Connecting with Wildlife & Our Environment

Enjoy an evening with Hope Swinimer, founder of the Hope for Wildlife Society, and her cast of educational animals. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet native Nova
Scotian wildlife and some exotic visitors.

To register call, 490-5757.
Wednesday, January 20/7 p.m.

Computer Programs

Please register as space is limited.
Duration: 90 minutes, unless indicated

Computer Basics

An introduction to computers. No experience required.
Monday, January 18/10 a.m.
Registration begins January 5.

How to Navigate the Internet

An introduction to navigating the Internet and using a web browser.
Prerequisite: Beyond the Basics or basic mouse, keyboard and Windows skills.
Saturday, January 30/10 a.m.
Registration begins January 5.

E-mail Basics

Learn to send, reply, forward and delete e-mail. Prerequisite:How to Navigate the Internet or familiarity using web browsers.

Monday, February 1/10 a.m.
Registration begins January 5.

English Language Learning (ELL)

Get help with your English language skills at volunteer tutor programs sponsored by Halifax Public Libraries and the Nova Scotia Department of Immigration.

The programs are free and open to:

-Permanent residents of Canada;
-Canadian citizens born outside of Canada (though services to recent immigrants to Nova Scotia will be given priority);
-Protected persons as defined in Section 95 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
-Foreign nationals temporarily residing in Nova Scotia who have been nominated (received Certificate of Nomination) under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program and their dependants.

Mondays/1:30-4 p.m.
Thursdays/6:30-8:30 p.m.
Call 490-5757

Volunteer Opportunities

About 12 million Canadian adults have trouble reading and writing. By becoming a volunteer tutor you can help someone in your community improve his or her basic literacy skills. No experience is necessary and training and support are available.

Call 490-5990 to register.

Looking for reading ideas?

Pour a cup of coffee and check the Readers section of the Library’s website.

On the Readers page, you can read reviews, summaries, excerpts and see book covers. When you find something of interest (and you will!) put it on hold and we’ll get it ready for pick up.

You’ll find:

-Ideas—staff picks, award-winners and “best of” lists
-Resources for finding read-a-likes
-Information on book clubs, upcoming author readings and video clips from past author visits

Visit our blog—TheReader.ca
If you wonder what books capture the attention of librarians or want to find interesting reads beyond the best-seller lists—look no further. It’s our little gift to you. Discuss, interact and enjoy.

Teen ELL

Ages 13-17

Open to teens in need of help with their English language skills. For more information, call Tatjana at 490-5757. Co-sponsored by the Cobequid Community Health Board.

Tuesdays/6:30-8:30 p.m.

Wii Tournament Season

Super Smash Bros.

Ages 13-19

Show off your skills and compete for prizes.Winners of this

event will be invited to play in the tournament of champions in March for the chance to win prizes such as a Nintendo DS or an iPod shuffle.

Registration begins at 1 p.m. on February 13,
call 490-5757.
Saturday, February 13/1-4 p.m.

Support for Students
Paws to Read

Grades 1-5

Does your child need encouragement to read? Maybe a reading therapy dog can help. Reading therapy dogs and their handlers are trained volunteers certified by Therapeutic Paws of Canada. Paws to Read matches children who have trouble reading with an audience that won’t judge their reading skills. Children have fun and gain confidence reading to an excellent listener.

Tuesdays/3:30 p.m.
Call 490-5757 to register.

Baby and Tot Time
Ages 0-35 months

Join the adventure as we listen to stories, learn new songs and share in interactive play.

Tuesdays/10:15-10:45 a.m.
January 12-March 9

Just for Twos
Age 2

Crawl through the magic tunnel to enter a world of imagination through stories, rhymes, instruments and crafts.

Fridays/10:15-11 a.m.
January 15-March 12
Registration now on.

Puppet Shows for African Heritage Month
All ages (unless indicated)

Thursday, February 18/10:30 a.m.

Pretty Salma: a Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa

It’s All about Mo
Ages 3-5

This special storytime event will feature the fabulous stories of Mo Willems, author of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct and the charming Elephant & Piggy books. Stories will be followed by a creative activity.

Wednesday, January 27/10:30-11:15 a.m.

Puppet Shows

Thursday, January 14/10:30 a.m.
The Case of the Disappearing Books

Thursday, January 21/10:30 a.m.
The Dragon Hunt

Thursday, January 28/10:30 a.m.
Cinderella

Thursday, February 4/10:30 a.m.
Witch’s Winter Kitchen

Thursday, February 11/10:30 a.m.
Frog in Love

Thursday, February 18/10:30 a.m.
Pretty Salma: a Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa

Thursday, February 25/10:30 a.m.
Seymour the Stegosaurus

Visit halifaxpubliclibraries.ca or call 490-5753 for General Inquiries.

Fighting Against “FAIL”

Prorogued.