Press Releases

Need to find that perfect gift for your loved one, your child’s teacher or maybe your neighbour? Richmond Public Library’s Celebrate With Books campaign invites you to support the library with a cash donation in honor or in memory of a special person or occasion. The library buys a book with your donation and you get a tax receipt. To donate, come to any branch of Richmond Public Library, donate online at www.yourlibrary.ca/celebrate/ or contact Shelley Civkin at 604-231-6416 or shelley.civkin@yourlibrary.ca. “Celebrate With Books benefits the whole community,” said communications officer Shelley Civkin. “It’s a great way to support literacy and a very thoughtful approach to gift giving,” added Civkin. “Finding the right gift has never been easier.” “The Library appreciates all those people in our community who donate books and money anonymously as well,” said Civkin. “We know that the many smaller donations we receive on a regular basis are what help make the library such a fantastic community resource.”

Learn about Separation & Divorce at a free program (#843) on October 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, lecture hall, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. To register for this program visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6412 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm. This program is part of the library’s Knowledge Series and is offered in partnership with People’s Law School.Speaker Garth Edwards, is a lawyer with Cohen Buchan Edwards and is an arbitrator, mediator and founding member of the Richmond Collaborative Family Law Group, which strives to achieve solutions for families without going to court.

More and more family caregivers are looking after sick, elderly and disabled loved ones than ever before. And even the most resilient, healthy caregiver can become stressed and overwhelmed with the enormous challenges of caregiving. Richmond Public Library is offering a free program called “Caregiving: Staying Healthy as you Care for Others” (#842) for family caregivers on September 19 from 7-9 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, lecture hall. To register for this program visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6412 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm.Guest speaker Jan Spilman is a Registered Nurse, health educator and Registered Clinical Counsellor. Spilman warns that if you are a family caregiver of a child, teen or adult, the emotional impact of constant care can be huge. She encourages all family caregivers to learn how to take care of their own emotional wellness so that they can stay healthy as they care for others. For more information please call 604-231-6412 or visit http://www.caregiverwellness.ca/index.html. This program is offered in partnership with the Caregiver Wellness Program.

Richmond Public Library, in partnership with Simon Fraser University, presents a Philosopher’s Café in Russian on September 20 from 7-9 p.m. in the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. The topic is: “What is nanotechnology and what do we expect from it?” This is a free, drop-in program for Russian speaking adults. For information on other library events visit www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm.

If your child has Autism, and you want to learn more about the cause, diagnosis and management of the disorder, then come to a free talk by Dr. Ruth Wingerin on September 11 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The program (#825) takes place in the lecture hall at the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. Everyone is welcome to attend. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6412 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm. This program is part of the library’s Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Series.Dr. Wingerin will be talking about Autism spectrum disorders, what doctors do and don’t know about autism, how to diagnose it and what to be concerned about as a parent if your child is not developing normally. Wingerin will address concerns regarding vaccinations and their relationship to autism, as well as treatment facts and myths. This informal talk will include lots of time for questions and answers.Dr. Wingerin is a developmental pediatrician with special interests in Autism and ADHD. She works at Oakridge Pediatrics as well as at the Provincial Autism Resource Centre Assessment Clinic at Sunny Hill Hospital in Vancouver. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Wingerin has trained in New York and Toronto, and she moved to Vancouver in 1997. She is currently on staff at the BC Children’s Hospital in the Division of General Pediatrics.

Richmond Public Library is looking for French-speaking teens to join Le Club Français and help younger French Immersion students with their reading and writing skills. Registration deadline is September 10, 2007 and a training workshop will be provided for teens. For more information and to register, go to the library’s website at www.yourlibrary.ca and select “Community”, then “Teens.” Le Club Français takes place on Thursdays, from September 27 – November 15 from 4-5 p.m. in the Brighouse (Main) Branch program room, located at 7700 Minoru Gate.“This program is for teens in grade 8-12 who are fluent in French and looking for a chance to help others and work with younger kids,” said teen librarian Kate Adams. “As a teen helper, you’ll be paired up with a French Immersion student in grade 1-6 to help them with their reading and homework. It’s only a commitment of one hour per week, and you’ll gain really valuable experience,” said Adams. Space is limited, so register now.

Her Majesty, the Queen (a.k.a. Carolyn Sadowska) has a Ralphy Library Card from Richmond Public Library. Do you? To register for your free, one-of-a-kind round Ralphy card, just come into any Richmond Public Library branch. The Ralphy card is your ticket to a world of fun! Borrow books, movies, music, manga, comics and more with your library card. As the Ralphy creator says: “Your library is the portal to infinite possibilities.” And hey, if the Queen has a Ralphy card, so should you! To see the card visit http://www.yourlibrary.ca/community_sub.cfm?lev1=2&lev2=13. And remember, it’s only available in Richmond.Designed by Trevor Lai, author and illustrator of the Ralphy the Rhino children’s book series, the Ralphy card is a huge success. “In just five months since it made its debut on March 17th over 5,590 kids and adults have registered for the Ralphy card,” said communications officer, Shelley Civkin. “We thought it would appeal mainly to kids, but we have lots of adults coming in and asking if they can get a Ralphy card, too, “ added Civkin. “The Queen (better known as Carolyn Sadowska) happened to be in Vancouver for an event at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and she very graciously agreed to get a Ralphy card and have her photo taken,” said Civkin. Bearing a striking resemblance to Queen Elizabeth, Sadowska works as a Queen look-a-like and comic. Find out more about her at www.queencomedy.com. And get your Ralphy card today!

Escape the crowds and summer heat by coming to the Steveston Branch of Richmond Public Library on Canada Day, July 1st between 1-4:30 p.m. Check out some books for a chance to reel in a book prize! The contest is open to both children and adults. There will be a special storytime for children of all ages at 3 p.m. in the Steveston Library. Children who visit the Library’s booth in the park can make a bookmark to take home. Come and have fun with the whole family at the Steveston Library on Canada Day! Located at 4111 Moncton Street in the Steveston Community Centre.

Author Joanne Arnott will offer a free Writers’ Workshop Program called “Writing in the Community” on Tuesday June 12 from 7-9 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch meeting room at Richmond Public Library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. This is a free workshop for people age 18 and older, but space is limited so register now to guarantee your placement. Contact Kyle Greenwood at the Writers’ Trust of Canada at (416) 504-8222 ext. 243 or email him at kgreenwood@writerstrust.com to register. Participants are invited to attend this all-genre workshop and are asked to submit samples of their own works in progress (no more than 10 pages please) for discussion, review and inspiration.Richmond is a place of great change, undergoing dramatic shifts in demographics over relatively short historical periods. The land has been settled since time out of mind, yet the question, "by whom?" brings forth answers that vary depending on the speaker or writer’s perspective, revealing a medley of historical pressures and societal transformations that are truly universal. The Writers’ Workshop Program contributes towards the development and maintenance of an active creative writing community in Canada. The program encourages both new and experienced writers to engage and explore new ideas and perspectives on the art of writing.JOANNE ARNOTT is a Metis/mixed blood writer, born in Winnipeg. She has lived in the Lower Mainland of BC, as well as in other communities in Manitoba and Ontario. Mother to six children ranging in age from three to twenty years, Joanne has been a literary performer and publishing poet since the late 1980’s. She incorporates social justice perspectives and peer counselling approaches in her work. Wiles of Girlhood won the League of Canadian Poets’ Gerald Lampert Award (1992) for best first book of poetry. She has since published five additional books, including My Grass Cradle, Ma MacDonald, Breasting the Waves: On Writing & Healing and Steepy Mountain: love poetry. Her most recent work, Mother Time: Poems New & Selected, is her sixth book and will be published by Ronsdale Press in 2007.

Author Joanne Arnott will offer a free Writers’ Workshop Program called “Writing in the Community” on Tuesday June 12 from 7-9 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch meeting room at Richmond Public Library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. This is a free workshop for people age 18 and older, but space is limited so register now to guarantee your placement. Contact Kyle Greenwood at the Writers’ Trust of Canada at (416) 504-8222 ext. 243 or email him at kgreenwood@writerstrust.com to register. Participants are invited to attend this all-genre workshop and are asked to submit samples of their own works in progress (no more than 10 pages please) for discussion, review and inspiration.Richmond is a place of great change, undergoing dramatic shifts in demographics over relatively short historical periods. The land has been settled since time out of mind, yet the question, "by whom?" brings forth answers that vary depending on the speaker or writer’s perspective, revealing a medley of historical pressures and societal transformations that are truly universal. The Writers’ Workshop Program contributes towards the development and maintenance of an active creative writing community in Canada. The program encourages both new and experienced writers to engage and explore new ideas and perspectives on the art of writing.JOANNE ARNOTT is a Metis/mixed blood writer, born in Winnipeg. She has lived in the Lower Mainland of BC, as well as in other communities in Manitoba and Ontario. Mother to six children ranging in age from three to twenty years, Joanne has been a literary performer and publishing poet since the late 1980’s. She incorporates social justice perspectives and peer counselling approaches in her work. Wiles of Girlhood won the League of Canadian Poets’ Gerald Lampert Award (1992) for best first book of poetry. She has since published five additional books, including My Grass Cradle, Ma MacDonald, Breasting the Waves: On Writing & Healing and Steepy Mountain: love poetry. Her most recent work, Mother Time: Poems New & Selected, is her sixth book and will be published by Ronsdale Press in 2007.

It’s quite an honour to be shortlisted for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, and author Neil McKinnon holds that honour proudly. McKinnon will read from his newest book of humorous short stories, Tuckahoe Slidebottle, on Wed. May 23rd from 7-8 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room. The library is located at 7700 Minoru Gate in Richmond. This free, drop-in reading is open to all.Set in rural Saskatchewan, the stories in Tuckahoe Slidebottle feature ordinary prairie folks and the eccentricities inherent in small town life. “With an insider’s view to the curious mix of simplicity and tempestuousness that’s part of rural existence, McKinnon pokes good fun at everyone. He explores the ordinary themes of everyday life with perceptiveness and authenticity,” said library communications officer, Shelley Civkin.Raised in Saskatchewan, McKinnon has been a businessman, archaeologist, university lecturer and freelance writer for the Toronto Star and the Calgary Herald newspapers. He’s worked in China, Japan, Mexico, Canada and the U.S. In 1999 he won first prize in an International Writing Competition sponsored by the Canadian Author’s Association in Toronto. His book Tuckahoe Slidebottle was recently shortlisted for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humor and was nominated for an Alberta Book Award. McKinnon is proud to say that in July 2001 he ran the Calgary Marathon and collected his first pension cheque.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond Youth, in partnership with Richmond Public Library (RPL), is about to launch “My Library, Your Library, Everybody’s Library,” a public education and awareness campaign promoting the proper use of the library. The community and the media are invited to attend the launch on Sat. May 19th at 11:00 a.m. in the Brighouse (Main) Branch, Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room. It will include a PowerPoint presentation, video, displays, pamphlets, comics and more.Fueled by a desire to educate the community in a positive and interactive way, and stop the misuse of library materials and inappropriate behaviour in the library, the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond Youth have come up with a creative program of activities.“The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond Youth are remarkable role models for the community,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multilingual services at RPL. “They are totally committed to protecting the resources in our libraries so that everyone can fully enjoy them. Their goal is to promote the benefits and importance of respecting library materials and property, as well as the rights of all library users,” added Jang.Problematic issues include damage to books, magazines and newspapers, abuse of computer privileges, leaving young children unattended, excessively noisy customers, and more. “All libraries face similar problems. This is not something unique to RPL. But we hope that by raising awareness of it and by educating and engaging the public, we can turn it around, ” said Jang. “The more people understand the issue, the more likely they’ll be to respect library materials and their fellow users.”With an eye to generating public interest and involvement, the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond Youth have developed a plan that will engage the public on an interactive, community-wide level. Jang says their approach is very unique and will include the use of multimedia, original comics and pamphlets, skits, bookmark contests, board game competitions, puppet shows, and displays. “The campaign is a two-year educational process that uses positive and creative techniques to change people’s attitudes and behavior,” added Jang.

Thanks to a generous donation of $5,000 from the organizers of the Richmond E-Venti Marathon and sponsorship from Starbucks Coffee Canada, the Steveston Branch of Richmond Public Library will be increasing its collection of children’s books to help encourage childhood reading.At the library’s most recent board meeting, JJ Hill, Michelle LaPorte, Linda Hilts and a representative from Starbucks presented a cheque for $5,000 to library board chair Leslie Wilson. Hill said that their 26.2 km Richmond E-Venti Marathon attracted 82 runners not only from around the Lower Mainland, but also internationally. Participants ranged in age from eight to seventy-two, and there were 50 volunteers helping out. And all this to raise money and awareness in support of children’s literacy. “The money will be spent to buy kids books and other materials that can be used for Summer Reading Club and throughout the year,” said head of Steveston Branch, Susan Walters. “The importance of reading can’t be emphasized enough. It’s the basis for children’s success in everything they do in life,” added Walters. “It’s fantastic that the E-Venti Marathon organizers and Starbucks feel so passionately about supporting childhood literacy. We’re very grateful for their commitment, and their donation will benefit the community for years to come.”

The second annual Richmond E-Venti Marathon is about more than just winning and running to stay healthy. It’s all about supporting literacy in our community. JJ Hill, Michelle LaPorte and Linda Hilts have organized the 26.2 mile marathon to raise money for the Steveston Branch of Richmond Public Library, in an effort to support literacy for children. The Richmond E-Venti Marathon takes place on Sunday, March 4th at 7:30 a.m. starting at the Starbucks in Steveston, located at 4010 Bayview Street. The entry fee is $50.00. To register, please call JJ Hill at 604-241-8444 or email info@e-venti.ca. The marathon is limited to 104 participants and they’re 75% full, so register early.The organizers want to promote Richmond not only as a healthy community, but also as a community that’s willing to come together to support literacy. Proceeds from the marathon will go towards the purchase of children’s books for the Steveston Branch, to help promote literacy and encourage strong reading habits. “What better way to enhance literacy than to put books into the hands of children, so that their desire to read starts early and becomes a fun activity,” said E-Venti organizer, JJ Hill. Last year, the E-Venti Marathon raised $2,500 for the Ironwood Branch library.“The E-Venti Marathon is not a timed event. The winner is decided by the best poker hand, so that anyone, regardless of their ability, has the potential to win this marathon,” said Hill. “The point is, it’s not about speed or winning the race; it’s about helping to advance literacy in our community of Richmond.”E-Venti sponsors include Starbucks Coffee, Rackets & Runners, Brooks Canada, Konica Minolta, Niemi LaPorte & Dowle Appraisals Ltd., the Richmond Marriott, Z95, Ritchie Brothers, MapMyRun, Back-In-Motion, Precision Health, Welco Lumber, Western Tank & Lining, and Fountain Tire (Kingsway). The marathon will incorporate the eight Starbucks throughout Richmond. “Denise Sadgrove, Richmond district manager for Starbucks Coffee Canada, has been instrumental in facilitating this E-Venti Marathon, and we’re very grateful to her, as well as the other sponsors,” said Hill.

The Ironwood Branch of Richmond Public Library (RPL) wants you! Their afternoon book club is looking for new adults to join in lively and entertaining discussions about books. With over 140 titles in the RPL Book Club collection, there are lots of great books to borrow and discuss. For a look at the titles in this special collection, go to www.yourlibrary.ca and click on Find Books – Book Clubs.To register and get more information, please call Lynn Shane at 604-231-6468 or email lynn.shane@yourlibrary.ca. The Ironwood book club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, from 2-3 p.m. and is free. The Ironwood Branch is located in the Ironwood Plaza at the corner of Steveston Highway and No. 5 Road.“People join book clubs for all kinds of reasons: to expand their reading horizons, exchange ideas, and socialize with other book lovers,” said communications officer, Shelley Civkin. “Whatever the reason, it’s a great way to meet new people and new books!”