Press Releases

Richmond Public Library is teaming up with the Employment Resource Centre and the Richmond Career Centre to offer free One-on-One Employment Counselling at the library. Job seekers of any age can register for one half hour session by calling 604-231-6413 or in person at the information desk on the second floor of the Brighouse (Main) Branch, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. There is a limit of one session per person. Sessions will take place in the large seminar room in the silent study room at Brighouse. Sessions will take place every half hour from 10-11:30 a.m. and will be offered on Jan. 7th in English; Jan. 14th in Cantonese or Mandarin; Jan. 21st in English; Jan. 28th in Cantonese or Mandarin; Feb. 4th in English; Feb. 11th in Cantonese or Mandarin; Feb. 18th in English; and Feb. 25th in Cantonese or Mandarin. When registering, please specify which language you want. “This employment counseling will provide job seekers, especially those who have had trouble finding a job, with job search knowledge and skills,” said the library’s coordinator of multicultural services, Wendy Jang. Employment counselors will meet one-on-one with job seekers to assess their job search techniques and advise them on how and what they need to do to look for a job. People who need extra help will be referred back to either the Employment Resource Centre and/or the Richmond Career Centre to get further assistance.

Are you retired or nearing retirement, and worried about your financial security? If so, then come a free seminar called How to Retire Worry-Free, at the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate, in the lecture hall. The program will be offered in English, Cantonese and Mandarin on three different days. Space is limited so register early by visiting any branch of Richmond Public Library, calling 604-231-6413 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm.The English seminar (#535) will take place on December 6 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.; the Cantonese seminar (#536) will take place on December 8 from 6-9 p.m.; and the Mandarin seminar (#537) will take place on December 10 from 6-9 p.m. The guest speakers are Diana Mau, a Chartered Accountant, and Winston Wong, a financial advisor.“It’s so important, in these uncertain economic times, to learn how to safeguard your money. These seminars will offer comprehensive and practical information on all financial matters concerning retirement,” said Wendy Jang, the library’s coordinator of multilingual services.The sessions will cover:• The sources of retirement income provided by government, such as Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Canada Pension Plan, and who will be eligible, how benefits are calculated, how benefits are penalized or enhanced, and how to maximize the benefits;• How you can maximize the use of tax deductions and tax credits;• How to take advantage of some investment products to maximize government retirement income, minimize income taxes, and most importantly, provide security.• Investment products that guarantee investment capital plus some upside market potential.For more information phone 604-231-6413 (English) or 604-231-6462 (Chinese message).

Do you have ideas you’d like to share about what Richmond needs to be a literate and thriving community? The Richmond Literacy Now Committee will be hosting a community conversation for Richmond residents and those interested in literacy, to express their views on how to improve literacy for the community of Richmond. This will take place on November 19 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, 2nd floor group study room, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. Refreshments will be provided.“By providing this opportunity for community conversation, we hope that you’ll bring your ideas and offer your input on the important issue of literacy,” said senior librarian Dace Starr. If you have any questions or want more information please contact Natasha Raey at 778-552-4538 or email her at natasha@raeyconsulting.com.

Richmond Public Library recently revamped its TD Canada Trust Language Learning Centre at the Brighouse (Main) Branch. New language learning software includes Greenwood ESL (on CD-ROM) that teaches English pronunciation, conversation and grammar; Mango Languages (online audio and written lessons) which features 12 languages; Cantonese Talking e-Dictionary (on CD-ROM); and Learning Cantonese (on CD-ROM).“Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from TD Canada Trust, the library provides a unique and user friendly facility for language learners of all ages and levels,” said Head of Adult Services Ping He. “Mango Languages can be used remotely from home or office, but the others are all CD-based and only available for use in the Language Learning Centre. It’s all free to use. You just need a Richmond Public Library card,” added He. The TD Canada Trust Language Learning Centre is open during regular hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.The TD Canada Trust Language Learning Centre benefits students and new immigrants who are learning new languages, those who want to practice and improve their existing language skills and travelers who want to learn foreign languages. “Being such a multicultural community and so integrated into the global economy, Richmond residents and people from across the Lower Mainland will definitely find this Language Learning software useful,” added He. The Language Learning Centre is located on the second floor of the Brighouse (Main) Branch. It contains seven computers individually equipped with headphones and microphones, and there are lots of languages to choose from at the different levels. The language learning software is interactive and easy to use, and the languages available include: English, Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Greek and Russian.Anyone with a valid library card can use the TD Canada Trust Language Learning Centre for two hours a day. The Greenwood ESL software is only available for use at the Brighouse library on a first come, first served basis and you can just logon using your library card. However, you can access the Mango Language software at the library or remotely from home 24 x 7 via the library’s website at http://www.yourlibrary.ca/content.cfm?lev1=190&lev2=398. All you have to do is login using your library card and phone number. “TD Canada Trust is a strong supporter of literacy and the Richmond Public Library, and they’re investing in the community by helping people pursue lifelong learning,” added He. “There are different kinds of literacy, but language acquisition is one of the most important tools a person can have in order to function successfully in the global economy and global community. The ability to speak, listen and write well increases your chances of contributing to the community in positive and valuable ways.”

Richmond Public Library and the Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society are sponsoring a Diwali Celebration on November 5 from 4-7 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch in the lecture hall, located at 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. Everyone is welcome to attend this free, drop-in community event.Diwali is an important Indian festival, and this celebration will feature a variety of fun activities, including henna, rangoli, a sari tying demonstration, bhanghra and gidda dancing, traditional foods, Indian crafts and much more. For more information please call 604-231-6413.

Come celebrate National Science and Technology Week at the free Brighouse Science Bash on October 24th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. "Everyone is welcome to attend this free, fun learning event," said communications officer, Shelley Civkin. “There will be about 20 booths throughout the library with interactive displays, fun experiments and other kid-friendly activities. The idea is to take the mystery out of science and technology by creating an environment where kids can interact with science and technology professionals in different fields,” added Civkin. This year’s theme is the International Year of Planet Earth."There’s no school that day so students can come and enjoy all sorts of activities," added Civkin. Learn to build DNA models out of candy, see a live view of the ocean floor, learn about hydrogen fuel cell cars, engineering and robotics, see the ultimate HDTV, learn about living with coyotes and lots more. Check it all out at the Science Bash! “Quizzes, games and a checklist of exhibits are just a few of the things participants can expect to see. While quantities last, there will be National Science and Technology Week loot bags, tattoos and other giveaways. There will be cake to help celebrate, too,” added Civkin. National Science and Technology Week is a celebration of innovation, invention and imagination. “We want to raise awareness among young people about science activities and careers in science and technology.”

Richmond Public Library, in partnership with the Richmond Cancer Support Group and the Richmond Hospital Oncology Department will host a free information and discussion session on “Nutrition and Cancer” for cancer patients, their caregivers, families, friends and colleagues. It takes place on October 15th from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch library at 7700 Minoru Gate, in the lecture hall. Registration is necessary. To register call Brenda Goossen at 604-278-9711 local 4193. The session will be in English with Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation available. The guest speaker is Barbara Zak, a registered dietitian at the Richmond Hospital. She’ll discuss the basics of nutrition and cancer and take questions from the audience. Zak has worked in the areas of Oncology, palliative care and medicine. Anyone touched by cancer is welcome to attend this program, which is part of the Cancer Journey Series. For more information contact Lennie Tan at 604-278-9711 ext. 4343 or Brenda Goossen at 604-278-9711 ext. 4193.

Richmond Public Library, in partnership with the Richmond Cancer Support Group and the Richmond Hospital Oncology Department will host a free information and discussion session on “Nutrition and Cancer” for cancer patients, their caregivers, families, friends and colleagues. It takes place on October 15th from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch library at 7700 Minoru Gate, in the lecture hall. Registration is necessary. To register call Brenda Goossen at 604-278-9711 local 4193. The session will be in English with Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation available. The guest speaker is Barbara Zak, a registered dietitian at the Richmond Hospital. She’ll discuss the basics of nutrition and cancer and take questions from the audience. Zak has worked in the areas of Oncology, palliative care and medicine. Anyone touched by cancer is welcome to attend this program, which is part of the Cancer Journey Series. For more information contact Lennie Tan at 604-278-9711 ext. 4343 or Brenda Goossen at 604-278-9711 ext. 4193.

Richmond Public Library, in partnership with Simon Fraser University, presents a Philosopher’s Café in Russian on September 18 from 7-9 p.m. in the Brighouse (Main) Branch, Lecture Hall, at Richmond Public Library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. The topic is The Tragedy of the Great Russian poet Anna Achmatova and her son Lev Gumilyev. Guest speaker is Raissa Volkonitskaya. A free, drop-in program for Russian speaking adults. For information on other library events, visit www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm.

Enjoy the rich diversity of Korean, Filipino and Indian cultures at Richmond Public Library’s celebration of Asian Heritage Month in May. The library is partnering with the Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society to present a program on Korean Culture (program #226) on May 2 from 7-9 p.m.; a program on Filipino Culture (program #227) on May 22 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; and a program on Indian Culture (program #230) on May 27 from 7-9 p.m. These free events will take place in the Brighouse (Main) Branch, program room, located at 7700 Minoru Gate in Richmond. Programs are suitable for families and will be in English. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6412 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm. “Everyone is invited to come and learn about the abundantly rich diversity of Asian cultures, customs and traditions with stories, music, dance, crafts and foods,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multilingual services at Richmond Public Library. People of all ages are welcome to attend these free events, but registration is necessary.

Come and enjoy the richness of Thai culture at a free program featuring dance, crafts, food, games and more. Richmond Public Library is partnering with the Royal Thai Consulate General in Vancouver to present Thai Culture (program #225) on May 4th from 3-5 p.m. in the lecture hall at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, located at 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond.Everyone is welcome to attend, but registration is necessary. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6412 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm. The program is suitable for families and will be in English.“This program is being held to celebrate Asian Heritage Month, and people can enjoy watching fruit crafting, a Thai food demonstration, Thai dancing, games and a DVD presentation,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multilingual services. “It will be a lot of fun and people will have the chance to learn more about the Thai culture,” added Jang.

Celebrate Poetry Month in April by entering Richmond Public Library’s (RPL) Teen Poetry Contest. If you’re between the ages of 13-18, bring your poem to any branch of RPL between April 1st – 30th for a chance to win great prizes and have your poem published in the Richmond News. Poems should be no longer than one single-spaced typed page. Only one original poem per person can be submitted. Six winners will receive prizes. For more information and full contest rules, visit any RPL branch or call Kate Adams, teen librarian at 604-278-9811 ext. 634.

At their most recent meeting on January 30th, the Richmond Public Library (RPL) Board elected Lyn Greenhill as Board Chair. A longtime Richmond resident, she has served on the Library Board since 2002 and is a retired Richmond City Councillor. Arlene Yoshikawa, a longstanding member of the Richmond community, was elected Vice-Chair. Councillor Bill McNulty will once again serve as City Council representative to the Richmond Public Library Board. Returning Board members include Dulce Cuenca, Pat Watson, and past Chair, Leslie Wilson.Richmond City Council has appointed three new Library Board members for two-year terms. They include Mark Bostwick, Susan Koch and Albert Beh. Bostwick is a retired Social Planner for the District of North Vancouver who has a broad array of experience in the areas of Social Services, cooperative housing, teaching and writing. He has been involved in volunteer work for a variety of causes. Koch is an accredited accounting and finance professional bringing 23 years of experience from a wide range of businesses. She is the Chief Financial Officer of Cellex Power Products Incorporated. Beh is a lifelong Richmond resident with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Asian studies. He is a Manager of Financial Services for TD Canada Trust. Beh comes to the library with a solid background in volunteering for the Richmond Chinese Community Society, Variety – The Children’s Charity and United Way.As the elected Library Board Chair, one of Greenhill’s main focuses is "to promote and encourage literacy in our community." She adds, "Using a broad range of resources and programs, we can help people with the practical issues they face in their daily lives. We offer traditional formats as well as new technologies, so we invite everyone to explore our libraries and our web site when they want recreational reading, reference sources, or literacy resources. Providing for the basic needs of our growing and diverse community is a challenge, but our Board members and library staff are working hard to do just that." Richmond Public Library is an award-winning library system and the most heavily used community facility in Richmond. It is committed to the goals of education, lifelong learning and free access to information. The library had over 1.8 million visitors last year.

The entire family can enjoy Chinese New Year celebrations at Richmond Public Library this year. Fun, free activities for all ages will take place at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate, on Sat. February 9 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the lecture hall and library. Everyone is welcome to drop in and enjoy the celebrations. For more information call 604-231-6462 (Chinese) or 604-231-6412 (English).Crafts, games and displays will start at 11:00 a.m. in the Brighouse library and the performances will start at 1:30 p.m. in the lecture hall. Performances and crafts will include lion dance; martial arts; a skit; guzheng (Chinese musical instruments) performance; Chinese and Filipino folk dance; music and singing; raffles with prizes; Chinese New Year snacks and more. Kimberley Cheung from Fairchild Radio AM1470 will be the Master of Ceremonies.Demonstrations in the library will include: Chinese painting and calligraphy, orchid culture and sale, Chinese riddles, couplets and classical Chinese literature, games, crafts and more. People can enjoy Chinese New Year decorations with lanterns, kites, lucky slogans and pictures. There will be lots of excitement, so come and join the fun!Richmond Public Library gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors: Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, Richmond Public Library’s Classical Chinese Reading Club, TD Canada Trust, Reading Buddies, Richmond Orchid Culture Club, Irene Ho, and Henry Wong (photographer).The Richmond Public Library is pleased to showcase the following performers: Kin Fung Athletic Group, Sincere S.Y. Lam Guzheng Ensemble, Richmond Chinese Folk Dance Society, the Ultima Youth Group of SUCCESS (Richmond Office), Dan Propp, Kapamilya Multicultural society, Richmond Public Library’s Classical Chinese Reading Club, Richmond Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Club, Richmond Orchid Culture Club, and the Women’s Group from SUCCESS (Richmond Office).