Border Stories
BBQ monkey, lion pelts “without the heads”, wood tribal idols, and microbes – what do they have in common? The audience at the Border Stories program at the Whitby Central Library on May 17 found out first hand from Senior Officer Laurie Coleman from Canada Border Services Agency as she regaled everyone with tales of attempted smuggling and inadvertent transport through Pearson International Airport. She presented a wonderful, interesting and educational talk about what we can and cannot bring into our country and, most importantly, why. Her passion showed through in every word and brought home how concerned everyone should be about keeping a safeguard on Canada’s environment.
“We Bought a Zoo” at the Oshawa Public Libraries
In celebration of Fauna‘s animal menagerie, the Oshawa Public Libraries will be showing the film “We Bought a Zoo” at the Northview Branch on Thursday, June 7 at 2:00 pm.
Starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, a widower decides he needs a change and, against the advice of family and friends, buys a manor that comes with a twist: the new owner must manage the zoo accompanying the property. Free registration online or at any branch of the Oshawa Public Libraries.
Wild in the City
Wildlife isn’t only abundant in the Don Valley. Foxes, raccoons, coyotes, rabbits and many other creatures call Durham Region home. What do you do if you find a wild animal that needs help? Kristen Calis’ recent column at www.durhamregion.com/ addresses this very issue.
And the winner is . . .
Fauna by Alissa York! The title was revealed this morning at the Pass the Book Launch at the Pickering Public Library. Taking place in and around the Don Valley, Fauna is a remarkable story of love, redemption, friendship and trying to figure out where one fits in the world – both in the natural world and the one we construct. Writing in alternating voices, York is a master at making us look at the familiar in new ways. Pickering Library Board Chair John Sabean remarked at the launch, “I encourage you to spread the word about the Pass the Book program as well as share the books with your family, friends and neighbours.” Watch this site for information about programs throughout the spring, summer and fall, including author visits by Alissa York.
Imagine You can Fly with the Birds and Bats!
We are kicking off our TD Summer Reading program with The Centre of Conservation of Specialized Species. You will have the unique opportunity to interact with some of the animals living in the Don Valley. All ages. Tickets will be available at the Rossland Branch of the Whitby Public Library beginning June 23.
Start Your Engines!
Dads, Little Dudes and Dudettes, you are invited to a Father’s Day activity at the Rossland Branch of the Whitby Public Library. Join us for some wheelie cool fun. Who will make the most awesome track for their cars, and who might end up at Guy Howell’s auto-wrecker’s yard? All ages. Register online or call the branch at 905 668-1886 starting May 25.
Border Stories at the Whitby Public Library
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at our nation’s borders? Join Senior Officer Laurie Coleman of the Canada Border Services Agency as she shares her experiences and stories about attempted smuggling of restricted food, plant and animal goods into and out of Canada. Some are hilarious, some are tragic, some poignant, and some mind boggling and all are interesting!
The program takes place at the Whitby Central Library on Thursday, May 17 at 7 p.m. Register online or call 905 668-6531, ext. 2020.
Pass the Book Launch
The big reveal is almost here! Please join the Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby Public Libraries on Monday, May 14 at 10 a.m. for the unveiling of this year’s Pass the Book title. The event takes place at the Pickering Central Library, 1 The Esplanade, Pickering.
Pass the Book Shortlist Announced
We are only four weeks away from the official title announcement for this year’s Pass the Book title. The shortlist was released today and the eight titles are:
Fauna by Alissa York
Edal Jones, a burned out federal wildlife officer, finds a community that offers refuge for lost souls. Taking place in and around the Don Valley, Fauna is a remarkable story of love, redemption, friendship and trying to figure out where one fits in the world – both the natural world and the one we construct. Writing in alternating voices, York is a master at making us look at the familiar in new ways.
I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey by Izzeldin Abuelaish
This is the true account of a Palestinian doctor, a fertility specialist, raised in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. As a physician Dr. Abuelaish crossed the lines treating Israelis as well as his own people as a humanitarian who saw the need for improved public health and education for women in the Middle East. Instead of seeking revenge when his children were taken in an Israeli attack, he continues in his determination to move forward and in doing so bring justice to his family. Dr. Abuelaish’s deepest hope is that the loss of his daughters will be the last on the road to peace and he emphatically is trying to spread this message here in the western world as well.
No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay
Imagine not knowing what happened to your family for 25 years? They disappear one day and you shake your head everyday wondering what happened. Enjoy a book with so many twists and turns you will be shaking your head as well.
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien’s timeless tale of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and his adventures with a band of dwarves trying to reclaim the treasure of their ancient homeland in the Misty Mountains. The intrepid band encounters elves, trolls, goblins and the great dragon Smaug. Narrow escapes, great battles and the discovery of Gollum and the One Ring make this one of the most memorable books of all time.
Half-Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan
Berlin, 1939. A young, brilliant trumpet-player, Hieronymus, is arrested in a Paris cafe. The star musician was never heard from again. He was twenty years old. He was a German citizen. And he was black. Fifty years later, Sidney Griffiths, the only witness that day, still refuses to speak of what he saw. Half-Blood Blues is an electric, heart-breaking story about music, race, love and loyalty, and the sacrifices we ask of ourselves, and demand of others, in the name of art.
Joyner’s Dream by Sylvia Tyson
Sylvia Tyson’s first novel, Joyner’s Dream depicts the exploits of an unconventional family who have a passion for both music and thievery. Follow the multi-generational narration of the, Joyner-Fitzhelm clan as they take you on their historical journey. Beginning in 18th century England, and then concluding in present-day Canada, this heart-felt saga’s timeline is linked by music, a secret journal, and a violin.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
An enthralling, magical tale of two powerful illusionists raised from childhood to battle one another in a competition that they discover too late is a duel to the death. Set in the delicate arena of a black and white circus that appears without warning and only opens its doors when the sun goes down, Celia and Marco try to discover the identity of their adversary as the lines between reality and fantasy become increasingly blurred. This story has a vaguely Victorian feel and spins a compelling web from the very first page. The characters are mysterious, yet sympathetic and their stories will evoke a sense of child-like wonder in the most cynical reader. You will wish that such a circus did exist!
The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje
In the early 1950’s, an 11-year-old boy boards a ship in Colombo (Sri Lanka) bound for England. At mealtimes he is seated at the “cat’s table”- the furthest table from the Captain as possible in the dining hall- along with an assorted group of marginalized adults and two other boys. As the ship moves toward its destination, the boys move from one adventure to another. During their journeys, they encounter a host of people who, one by one, teach them about different aspects of life: jazz, women, literature, crime. Together, these lessons come together to tell the narrator’s story- as both a child and an adult-and recount a lifelong journey that began with one boy, one boat and one amazing voyage.
