Press Releases

Do you love singing Christmas carols but hate standing out in the cold? Then come to the Christmas Carol Sing-along at the Ironwood Branch of Richmond Public Library, located in the Ironwood Shopping Centre, at the corner of Steveston Highway and No. 5 Road. This free drop-in program for kids and families takes place on December 18th from 3:00-3:45 p.m. in the Ironwood living room.Jeanette Chan, a local music teacher with 25 years experience and a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association will lead the singing. “One of the best parts of the Christmas season is the music, so this will be a great opportunity for families to gather together and sing some of their favorite Christmas carols,” said head of Ironwood branch, Kat Lucas. “Plus, the added perk is that you don’t have to stand out in the cold weather to do it!” added Lucas.

The Friends of the Richmond Public Library recently approved a $30,000 wish list of items to sponsor for the library. Now those are the kind of friends everyone would like!“Our Friends of the Library is such a hardworking, dedicated group of people, and we’re so grateful for their generosity,” said chief librarian Greg Buss. “They’ve been contributing to the library for years and their annual book sales are one of the most popular community events in Richmond.”At a recent library board meeting on November 24th the Friends’ chairperson Betsy Blair handed over the hefty cheque to the library. The items to be sponsored this year include: books and other resources for older adults and seniors; a mobile puppet stage; a collection for kids on global citizenship; fantasy novels for adults; Favourite Friends collection for kids and parents; classical DVDs, CD music and biographies; audio-books for kids; and a $5,000 donation to the Richmond Public Library Permanent Agency Endowment Fund held by the Richmond Community Foundation. “These items will certainly be in high demand, and we’re delighted to have this extra boost to our collections,” added Buss.Buss said that each year the Library puts together a wish list of items they need, and then the Friends of the Library decides which items they’d like to support. “They’ve been incredibly generous over the years, and we really appreciate their ongoing commitment to literacy and to helping our community thrive.”

Santa’s waiting to get your mail so he’ll know what to bring you this Christmas, so get writing! Kids of all ages are invited to visit the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library on Dec. 7th at 3:30 p.m. for a free puppet show and then stay to write a letter or draw a picture for Santa at 4 p.m. Canada Post will provide the paper for the letters and will have their Guinness World Records’ certified “World’s Largest Mailbox” there. The Brighouse Branch is located at 7700 Minoru Gate in Richmond.“You can’t miss this mailbox – it’s red, it’s 5.43 meters tall and 2.64 meters wide and will be right in front of the library,” said head of kids’ place, Virginia McCreedy. Kids can drop off their letters to Santa and they’ll receive a letter back from him. “They’ll even get a chance to meet some of Santa’s elves,” added McCreedy.This is part of Canada Post’s annual Santa Letter Writing Program, which helps promote literacy across Canada. “It’s really a great way to encourage kids to practice their writing skills and it’s fun for them,” said McCreedy. Don’t miss your chance to hear from Santa!

Come celebrate National Science and Technology Week and the Year of Science in BC, at the Fourth Annual Brighouse Science Bash on October 22nd from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. The opening ceremony and cake cutting is at 10 a.m. For more information call 604-231-6413."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 hands-on, child-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 “curiosity to understanding: the past, present and future”. The event is meant to encourage kids to take up careers in science later on."There’s no school that day so students can come and enjoy all sorts of activities. The special feature this year will be the Touch Tank from the Vancouver Aquarium, which lets people actually touch live aquatic animals in ‘touch tanks’,” added Civkin. Learn about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; find out about the Ms Infinity program (math + science = infinite options) and its mentoring program that connects girls with female scientists as role models and other opportunities to help girls explore careers in science and technology; learn about wildlife and lots more. “Quizzes and games are just a few of the things participants can expect to see. This year kids will be able to make candy DNA models and 3D masks, learn about bugs, birds, mountains and more. 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.”The organizations involved in this event include: Geological Survey of Canada; Genome BC / LTS; National Research Council – Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics; National Research Council – Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation; Department of Fisheries and Oceans; Parks Canada; Wildlife Rescue Association of BC; Environment Canada; Science Fair Foundation of BC / BC Innovation Counsel; Kwantlen Polytechnic University; Young Naturalist Club; MS Infinity; Vancouver Aquarium; NRCan – Pacific Forestry Centre; UBC Botanical Garden; and The SFU School of Interactive Arts. This event is co-sponsored by Richmond Public Library and the various Federal Science Departments.

NEWS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2010Richmond Library Launches Filipiniana Collection RICHMOND, B.C. – Thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Scotiabankers and Scotiabank, Richmond Public Library will hold an official launch of the new Filipiniana collection at the Brighouse (Main) Branch on Saturday, August 14th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The formal ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and light refreshments will be served.“The Filipino Scotiabankers of Metro Vancouver approached the library and proposed a campaign to establish a Filipiniana collection. Their idea was to solicit donations to Richmond Public Library directly from the community, and whatever funds they raised would be matched by the Scotiabank ,” said the coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “They have raised $12,200 so far and the proceeds have gone towards the purchase of 645 Filipino books, DVDs and music CDs in Tagalog, as well as books in English about Filipino culture and history, and books in English by Filipino authors. There are books for adults as well as children and the collection now has 1,171 items for borrowing. The gift was comprised of a $6,100 donation from the Filipino Scotiabankers, and matched by a $6,100 donation from Scotiabank. Richmond Public Library also purchased 526 items for this collection.-more-Page 2David Poole, Senior Vice President of Scotiabank for the British Columbia and Yukon Region; the Filipino Scotiabankers; Library Trustees and a representative from the Philippine Consulate General will be in attendance. Following the ceremony there will be fun and educational activities to promote the understanding of Filipino history and culture, including: • Philippine History 101• Tinikling Dance (bamboo dance)• Tagalog storytelling for children• comics exhibit tracing the progress of Philippine comics• Sungka tournament (a traditional Filipino game using shells or rocks and a piece of wood with carved out bowls that promotes analytical thinking)• Filipiniana costume exhibit• prints from the War and Dissent Exhibit from the Presidio of San Francisco;• Village of the Balangay Exhibit.“We’re just thrilled with the response to this campaign and it’s great to have the new Filipiniana collection. There’s definitely a heightened awareness of the library by the local Filipino community, and we hope that people will learn more about Filipino culture and history as a result of this collection,” added Jang. For more information please call Wendy Jang at 604-231-6419.-30-Contact: Wendy JangCoordinator of Multilingual Services Phone: 604-231-6419Email: wendy.jang@yourlibrary.ca

To help more BC women gain access to a lifesaving service and reduce deaths from breast cancer, the BC Cancer Agency’s Screening Mammography mobile service is coming to the Brighouse Branch of Richmond Public Library from July 14 – 17, 2010. Women ages 40-79 who want to get tested for free can call 604-877-6187 to book an appointment. The library is located at 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond.According to the BC Cancer Agency, regular screening mammograms are one of the best ways to monitor breast health. Early cancer detection allows for more treatment options and a better chance for recovery. The Screening Mammography Program of BC (SMP) offers free regular screening mammograms to women ages 40-79 without a doctor’s referral. Outside this age group, women are accepted with a doctor’s referral.The screening mammogram only takes about 15 minutes. It’s a known fact that age is the highest risk factor for breast cancer, which is why it’s so important for women 40 and older to get a regular screening mammogram.There are many benefits to the Screening Mammography Program. You receive reminders in the mail when it’s time to screen again, and the results are sent to both you and your doctor. You can go to any SMP facility and your previous SMP mammograms are available for comparison. And most importantly, regular screening mammograms can find most types of breast cancer, usually before it has spread. Visit www.smpbc.cafor more information and to see a short presentation on how a mammogram is given.

HST got your curious? Then come to a free seminar sponsored by Richmond Public Library and presented by chartered accountant, Diana Mau. The program – “HST Savings Tips for Consumers and Businesses” – will be offered in Mandarin on July 14th from 7-9 p.m. in the performance hall at the Brighouse (Main) Branch library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. Register by visiting any branch of Richmond Public Library, calling 604-231-6413 or online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm. “Participants will get a better understanding of the GST/HST system, learn about the transitional rules from PST to HST, learn about the Housing Rebate, and get some valuable HST savings tips,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multilingual services. For more information phone 604-231-6413 (English) or 604-231-6462 (Chinese).

Richmond Public Library and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (Group and Community Services) are offering free computer classes for Mandarin speaking seniors 55 years and older, who are recent immigrants. Pre-registration is necessary by calling 604-408-7260 (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) or 604-231-6462 (RPL Chinese information line) or online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson/cfm. “You must know the English alphabet to be able to participate, and your must bring your Permanent Resident Card to the first class to prove recent immigrant status,” said the library’s coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “Because we are offering this as a series, participants need to attend all four classes. 24 hours cancellation notice is required or you will be charged $5 per session. The classes are for Chinese speaking immigrant seniors who have not used a computer before.” S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will provide the instructor and class assistants. These 2 hour classes will be held at different locations on the following dates:Brighouse (Main) Branch (2nd floor computer lab), located at 7700 Minoru Gate#330 May 6, 13, 20, 27 10:00 am – 12:00 noonIronwood Branch (computer lab), located in the Ironwood Plaza, No. 5 Road and Steveston Highway #331 May 1, 8, 15, 22 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.The four classes will cover:Introduction to Computers, which covers basic computer components, powering up and shutting down, using the mouse and keyboard, changing time and date, and what to look for when buying a computer.Introduction to Microsoft Windows will teach you how to use the calculator, play games, use different programs, change the wallpaper, save, print and delete files, maximize and minimize the screen, and close programs. Getting Started on the Internet will cover web browsers, basic search techniques, and how to watch movies and listen to the radio on the computer. Email Basics will teach you how to set up an email account, send, open and delete emails, and use and open attachments.

Richmond Public Library and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (Group and Community Services) are offering free computer classes for Cantonese speaking seniors 55 years and older, who are recent immigrants. Pre-registration is necessary by calling 604-408-7260 (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) or 604-231-6462 (RPL Chinese information line) or online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson/cfm. “You must know the English alphabet to be able to participate, and your must bring your Permanent Resident Card to the first class to prove recent immigrant status,” said the library’s coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “Because we are offering this as a series, participants need to attend all four classes. 24 hours cancellation notice is required or you will be charged $5 per session. The classes are for Chinese speaking immigrant seniors who have not used a computer before.” S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will provide the instructor and class assistants. These 2 hour classes will be held at different locations on the following dates:Brighouse (Main) Branch (2nd floor computer lab), located at 7700 Minoru Gate#217 April 8, 15, 22, 29 10:00 am – 12:00 noonIronwood Branch (computer lab), located in the Ironwood Plaza, No. 5 Road and Steveston Highway #218 April 3, 10, 17, 24 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.The four classes will cover:Introduction to Computers, which covers basic computer components, powering up and shutting down, using the mouse and keyboard, changing time and date, and what to look for when buying a computer.Introduction to MS Windows will teach you how to use the calculator, play games, use different programs, change the wallpaper, save, print and delete files, maximize and minimize the screen, and close programs. Getting Started on the Internet will cover web browsers, basic search techniques, and how to watch movies and listen to the radio on the computer. Email Basics will teach you how to set up an email account, send, open and delete emails, and use and open attachments.

Richmond Public Library, in partnership with Simon Fraser University, is hosting a Philosopher’s Café in Russian on January 21st from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Ironwood Branch, located in the Ironwood Plaza at the corner of Steveston Highway and No. 5 Road.The topic is: “Philosophical Aspects of Aging.” The guest speaker is Dr. Adolf Zilberstein. This is a free, drop-in program for Russian speaking adults. For information on other library events, visit www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm.