Press Releases

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is presenting a talk on “The Post-Leung Chun-ying Era of Hong Kong” by Lau Sai-leung on Friday, January 6 from 7-9 pm in the Performance Hall at Brighouse Library and Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate.  Please note that this event will be conducted in Cantonese.  Pre-registration is required.

The speaker, Lau Sai-leung, is a well-known multimedia journalist and current affairs commentator from Hong Kong.  Prior to working in the media, he was a member of Hong Kong Democratic Party’s think tank and served as an advisor to the Hong Kong Central Policy Unit in the Hong Kong Government.  He worked with three other journalists to establish House News, a news website, which ran from 2012 to 2014.
  
“Richmond Public Library is pleased to work with our program partners, Vancouver Hong Kong Forum Society and University of BC’s Hong Kong Studies Initiatives to present this current affairs seminar.  Since the announcement earlier this month by Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, of his decision not to seek re-election, the question of Hong Kong’s future has dominated people’s minds.  This talk by Mr. Lau Sai-leung may shed some light into the future socio-political situation in Hong Kong,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. 

For more information or to register, phone 604-231-6462, go to yourlibrary.ca/events, or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.
About Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. 
Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.  
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Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is teaming up with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEG BC) to hold a Popsicle stick bridge building competition. Registered teams of up to four people will try and build the strongest bridge. Prizes will be awarded for the strongest and the most creative bridge. All interested participants must attend an information session on Saturday November 5 from 1 – 2:30 PM at Brighouse branch. Participants attending this session will register for the competition, review the contest rules, learn bridge building strategies and form their teams. Participants will bring completed bridges to the library on November 19 from 1 – 4 pm to test them in the Bridge Buster. All are welcome to come and cheer on the contestants.“RPL is pleased to partner with APEG BC on this exciting event,” says Melanie Au, Coordinator of Children and Family Services. “This is just one of the many activities offered at the library that encourages children to build essential skills such as creative thinking and problem solving skills while having fun.”

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is delighted to offer “Gym Time at Home with Baby”, in Cantonese with Mandarin interpretation, for parents and their children aged 0-3 at the Brighouse Branch on Monday, November 14 from 4-5 pm. Registration is required.The program will be hosted by Wei Wei Xiang, a certified gym fitness teacher with a graduate degree in Education. She will demonstrate how children can have fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility while developing social skills, confidence, and self-esteem. Parents will learn how to encourage and motivate their children to exercise at home as well as age-appropriate exercises and safety issues.“There are many facets to literacy and this is a prime example of a physical literacy program to benefit young children”, says Jan Turner, Librarian. “Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) program supports the need for children to participate in physical activity and sport to promote healthy life-long enjoyment and for sporting success.” Parents with babies under 9 months should bring blankets whilst those with children 9 months to 3 years should bring yoga mats. All registered participants will receive a free gym bag, generously donated by My Gym Richmond (www.mygym.com).About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-For more information, contact Marketing or the event prime: Stephanie Vokey Coordinator, Marketing & Public RelationsRichmond Public LibraryT 604-231-6454 Stephanie.Vokey@yourlibrary.ca Jan TurnerLibrarian, Kids’ PlaceRichmond Public LibraryT 604-231-6412 jan.turner@yourlibrary.ca

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting Meet Patrick Taylor as part of the Writers’ Roundup series. The program runs November 3rd from 10:30 am to12:00 pm in Brighouse Branch. Registration is required.Well-known fiction author Patrick Taylor will be reading from his just published novel An Irish Country Love Story. Fans of gentle reads set in Ireland and Britain will enjoy this event. The book will be available for purchase. Patrick Taylor, M.D., is the author of the Irish Country books. Taylor was born and raised in Bangor, County Down, in Northern Ireland. After qualifying as a specialist in 1969, he worked in Canada for thirty-one years. He now lives on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. “We are so excited about having such a well-known author as part of our Writers’ Roundup series. The Writers’ Roundup series will run all throughout November with several author events and writing workshops. Please still tuned for more events in November,” says Ariana Galeano, Learning Place Librarian.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a book launch for launching a new Chinese book on the history of literary interactions between China and Canada writing written by local author, Professor Emeritus Laifong Leung. The book launch takes place on Friday, October 14 from 7-9 pm in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room at Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. This event is conducted in English and Mandarin. Everyone is welcome to attend.The author, Laifong Leung, is a retired professor from the China Institute at the University of Alberta, co-founder and current executive chair of the Chinese Canadian Writers’ Association, co-founder of the Canadian Teaching Chinese as a Second Language Association and editor of the e-magazine, Canadian TCSL Journal. Her research areas are post-Mao literature and Chinese Canadian history. She has developed a courseware which is being used at Simon Fraser University in teaching Mandarin to students. “This book launch is an activity in the Chinese Canadian History Series, presented by Richmond Public Library in partnership with the City of Richmond, Richmond Museum, UBC Asian Canadians and Asian Migration Studies, the Chinese Canadian Historical Society and Chinese Canadian Writers’ Association,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator Coordinator of Chinese community services. “’History of Literary Interactions Between China and Canada’ is the first scholarly work on this subject. It covers Chinese Canadian literature from the mid-19th century to the present, Sinology in Canada and the reception of Canadian literature in China.” Many local scholars, writers and community leaders will are expected to attend this event and give speeches. There will also be a book sale and author signing.For more information, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – 2016 has been a year like no other for RPL. We’ve grown to meet the changing needs of the community by offering dozens of new programs. We’ve teamed up with a wide variety of community partners and the City to bring exciting events to the community of Richmond. Our collections have grown too with new materials for older adults, including large print books, new children’s and teen materials for each branch and the ongoing addition of new popular and award-winning adult fiction and non-fiction to browse through. We’re even bringing the library to you in new ways with the Pop Up Library out in the community more than ever before. And that’s not all. Did you know that this is a very special year for RPL? Your community library was incorporated back in 1976, which means that we have been providing library service to the city of Richmond for 40 years! Now that’s the icing on the cake! We’re throwing a little party and the whole community is invited. We’ve picked October to celebrate because it is Canadian Library Month. Come check out the 9th annual Science Bash on Friday October 21st at the Brighouse branch for exciting activities and demonstrations about science and technology from 11 – 3 PM. Be sure to be there from 2 – 3 PM for a special birthday celebration with cupcakes, giveaways, limited edition stickers, tattoos, balloons, plus a chance to connect with Library Board members, staff and some of our community partners. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family. “The library has changed immensely in the past 40 years but our foundational role of connecting the community to information and to each other still remains. Both past and present RPL staff have been proud to provide programs, services and collections that match the literacy and information needs of the community,” says Lee Anne Smith, Coordinator, Programming, Digital & Information Services. “The library is an open door to the past, present and future. Come and see what you can discover with us.”Friday October 21st is a province-wide professional development day, so families are encouraged to come out to the library to enjoy the day’s events together. We hope to see you there! Can’t make it to Brighouse for the celebration? Stop by any of the library’s branches from 2 – 3 PM on Friday October 21st for a special treat. Do you remember coming to the library when you were little? Come and rediscover your library today and see what’s new.

Richmond, BC – In celebration of National Science and Technology Week, Richmond Public Library is holding its 9th annual Science Bash on Friday October 21st followed by an all new Learning Hive on Saturday October 22nd. Both events are free to attend and take place from 11 – 3 pm at the Brighouse (Main) Branch of Richmond Public Library, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. The Science Bash is an annual event where the library partners with local science organizations to celebrate and promote science and technology. This year we will also be partnering with the Hive Learning Community to celebrate digital literacy and collaborative making. The goal of this two day event is to encourage the community to learn about the different branches of science and technology and speak with professionals about possible careers and areas of interest. All booths will incorporate activities for children such as illusions, experiments and other hands-on science demonstrations that create an enriched learning atmosphere.Friday October 21st is a province-wide professional development day and families are encouraged to come to the library to enjoy the day’s events together.In addition to this year’s scheduled Science Bash activities on Friday, the library will be hosting its’ 40th birthday party from 2 – 3 PM. Come have a cupcake and meet some of our community partners! Stay tuned for more information. "Richmond Public Library offers a huge variety of digital programming and services”, says Christine McCrea, Kids’ Place Librarian at Richmond Public Library. “This two day event provides the public with a great opportunity to learn about many of the new tools and technologies available, all under one roof!”

MEDIA RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseCelebrating Small Business Week at the Library!RICHMOND –In recognition of BC Small Business Week, Richmond Public Library is hosting a series of programs to inspire Canadian entrepreneurs plus small and medium-size enterprises in Richmond. This free series runs from Monday, October 17 to Thursday, October 20 and all programs will be held at either the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate and the Ironwood Branch, 8200-11688 Steveston Hwy during the evenings. The library has teamed up with several local community partners to share knowledge, information and resources specific to community members interested in starting up a small business. The library is pleased to welcome Canada Revenue Agency, Futurpreneur Canada, VanCity, Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Avia Employment Services, Douglas College, S.U.C.C.E.S.S and KISS App Digital Gifts & E-cards. Program participants will gain a better understanding of what to expect when starting a business and all the resources that are available to help them launch their business. “Every year, this program grows and more partners join the library to share their knowledge and expertise with the community.” said Maggie Lukban, Community Programmer. “This year, we have a fantastic program line-up that will suit the needs of any individual looking to start a small business in Richmond”. To register, call 604.231.6413 or visit http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-For more information, contact Marketing or the event prime: Stephanie Vokey Coordinator, Marketing & Public RelationsRichmond Public LibraryT 604-231-6454 Stephanie.Vokey@yourlibrary.ca Maggie LukbanCommunity ProgrammerRichmond Public LibraryT 604-231-6457 Maggie.Lukban@yourlibrary.ca

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is offering “Canadian Citizenship Preparation Class” workshops on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October 18 – 27 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. This series will be held in the Special Collection Room on the 2nd floor of Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required and participants must attend all 4 sessions.The “Canadian Citizenship Preparation Class” is designed to help immigrants who plan to apply for Canadian citizenship and need help with preparing for the Citizenship exam. It teaches the participants about Canadian history and geography, the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, the government system and structure, and Canadian symbols. Participants must have CLB 4 English and are required to bring their Permanent Resident card to class. “As many new immigrants in our community are interested in knowing more about Canada and want to become Canadian citizens, the Library presents this citizenship preparation series in partnership with the Richmond office of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. The contents of this program are based on Discover Canada: the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, the study guide issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. This series is led by Doris Lam, Settlement Program Coordinator of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.To register, phone 604-231-6412 or 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. – more –Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is offering a series of programs dedicated to helping parents to better understand the school system so they can help their children succeed. Presented in partnership with Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) and Richmond School District 38, these Parent Information Sessions take place at the Brighouse (Main) branch at 100 – 7700 Minoru Gate on the following dates: • Thursday, October 6th, 4:00-4:45pm: School Expectations• Thursday, November 3rd, 4:00-4:45pm: B.C.’s New Curriculum• Thursday, December 1st, 4:00-4:45pm: Report CardsThe first session, “School Expectations”, will discuss ways to help your child have a successful school year and find out what you can do to support your child’s learning. The “B.C.’s New Curriculum” session will help parents understand the recent changes to the curriculum and the impact it will have on their child’s education. The series concludes with a session on “Report Cards” which will give parents tips on how to support their child’s learning in upcoming terms. “Parents have a lot of questions about the new curriculum and how this will shape their child’s learning,” said librarian Christine McCrea. “They want to support their children and help them get the most out of their education, but they don’t always know how. These programs are presented by educators directly involved with the school system. Settlement Workers will also be present to help orient newcomers to B.C.”To register for these programs, please go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events. For more information please call 604-231-6412.

September 19, 2016MEDIA RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseWorld Food Day Event at Richmond Public LibraryRICHMOND – Richmond Public Library has partnered with the Richmond Food Security Society to host a special event for all ages in celebration of World Food Day. This free public event will be held on Sunday, October 16 from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. There will be interactive and educational drop-in activities, a photo booth, and a seed-savings workshop with guest speaker David Catzel from 2 pm – 3:30 pm; registration is required to attend the seed savings workshop.World Food Day aims to educate participants on the impact climate change has on food and agriculture, and what we as individuals can do to make a difference. By making minor changes in our daily lives, we can minimize food wastage, purchase local foods, and support local farms. “In 2014, this event was a huge success and attracted more than 200 spectators. This year the event has expanded and offers an even broader variety of fun and educational activities for all ages.” said Maggie Lukban, Community Programmer. ““The goal of this event is to educate the public about the impacts of climate change and the importance of plant-based foods by providing fun and interactive activities where learning will take place without knowing it!”To register, call 604.244.7377 or visit www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/events/calendar. About Richmond Food Security SocietyRichmond Food Security Society (RFSS) is a community-based non-profit organization whose mission is to grow a robust local food system through advocacy, education, and initiatives aimed at fighting hunger and increasing food production in Richmond. Healthy, sustainable, and local food for all – that is our vision. Find out more about our programs and initiatives, and how you can be involved.http://www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/ About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

RICHMOND – Richmond Public Library has partnered with Dennis Wang and the Charity Brighouse organization to host the second annual Richmond Youth Volunteerism Fair. This event will be held on Thursday, September 29 from 3 pm – 6:30 pm at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. No registration is required, interested participants are free to drop in at any time throughout the event.In 2015, Charity Brighouse’s Chairman, Dennis Wang, received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award which holds the highest honour for volunteerism in the country. Since then, Dennis has continued to promote volunteerism through Charity Brighouse and creating partnerships with the library and various non-profit organizations in Richmond. The library continues to support Dennis and Charity Brighouse which is a youth-led volunteer organization that promotes and supports youth to get involved through volunteerism. The Richmond Youth Volunteerism Fair will include over 20 non-profit organizations from the community to help teens select a volunteer position that complements their personal interests. There is a volunteer position for everyone who is looking for an opportunity. “Last year, this event attracted more than 400 teens from Richmond and Vancouver.” said Tiffany Mak, Charity Brighouse, Director of Marketing. “The goal is to create local involvement by young people as we feel they should be valued as they are an asset to our community. We really tried to communicate to local students that the opportunities are out there no matter what their personal interests may be.” said Dennis Wang, Charity Brighouse Chairman. – more – In addition, a prize will be awarded to participants who take the time following this event to provide their feedback, which the planning team will be able to use for next year’s event. Teens looking for work experience, to earn school credit, or meet new friends should not miss this event! For more information about this event visit http://www.charitybrighouse.org/ About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-For more information, contact Marketing or the event prime: Stephanie Vokey Coordinator, Marketing & Public RelationsRichmond Public LibraryT 604-231-6454 Stephanie.Vokey@yourlibrary.ca Maggie LukbanCommunity ProgrammerRichmond Public LibraryT 604-231-6457Maggie.Lukban@yourlibrary.ca

Richmond, BC – To help kids get ready for National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, Richmond Public Library is running a Kids’ Writing club called NaNo Prep. The program runs Tuesdays from October 4 to October 25 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Brighouse Branch of Richmond Public Library. Registration is required. This program is suitable for ages 9 to 13.In this program, kids will learn the writing elements needed to plan a good story such as character development, story structure, plotting, and other aspects of stories. By the end of the four sessions, participants will have novels planned out and ready to be written during the NaNoWriMo challenge in November which will be open for all ages.NaNoWriMo is a month-long creative writing event where the challenge is to complete an entire novel in just 30 days. Kids from K to Grade 12 will choose word count goals, and from November 1 to November 30, they will write and conquer their own personal challenge. “We are very excited to be able to offer this program that will help kids explore their creativity and also improve their self-confidence, writing skills, creative thinking and time management skills,” says Ariana Galeano, Learning Place Librarian.To register, phone 604-231-6412, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit Kids’ Place at the Brighouse Branch of Richmond Public Library.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is delighted to offer a two-part workshop series for new and prospective parents.The workshops will be hosted by Priscilla Lau, Registered Dietitian and Lactation Consultant, who promotes breastfeeding and healthy eating for babies and their mothers. The first workshop in the series, Antenatal Care for Prospective Mothers, takes place on October 6 and the second workshop, Enhancing Breastfeeding Success, takes place on November 3.Both workshops will be presented in Cantonese and will benefit new mothers as they learn how to care for themselves before and after delivery. Ms. Lau is also a nutrition column writer and published author. Registration is required.For more details about the program, including times and how to register, interested participants should check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is excited to announce that our popular “Learning Together” family literacy program will return to the Ironwood Library. This eight-week program for preschoolers and caregivers will run on Wednesdays from October 12. to November 30. Registration is required. Discover new ways to connect with your child and make learning fun. Parents and children ages 3-5 will use the alphabet, numbers, stories and play to learn literacy skills and help develop a love of reading. “We love the play-based learning!” says a program graduate. Activities, storytime and snacks are included in each weekly session.For more details about the program, including dates, times and how to register, interested participants should check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is proud to host renowned children’s book author Kyo Maclear at the Brighouse (Main) Branch on Saturday September 24th from 3:30-4:30pm. This FREE event is suitable for children ages 5 and up. Registration is required. Program participants will learn about Kyo Maclear’s children’s books, and how great books can begin with just a tiny seed of creativity. Ms. Maclear will also read from her latest book, The Wish Tree, and lead children in a craft activity.“Literacy is one of the foundations of the public library, and having authors come and share their stories is an excellent way to engage kids and families with books” says Kate Adams, librarian.For more details about the program, please check our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to host the longstanding Food for Thought book club on the second Wednesday of every month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the 2nd Floor Community Place, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required. This particular book club is suitable for adults and older teens. The Food for Thought Book Club discusses books that are related to living off the land and our relationship with food. In September, participants will be reading and discussing “The Jaguar’s Children” by John Vaillant and in October the book to be discussed will be “The Reason You Walk” by Wab Kinew. New members are always welcome, but space is limited to twelve people so interested library members should register early.

Richmond, BC – Drones have become increasingly more commonplace for both personal and commercial use. It’s safe to say that drones are revolutionizing the way we live and do business. In fact, drone technology advancements are progressing at lightning speed as the drones of today have increasingly more sophisticated sensors and enhanced digital technology than their early predecessors. Richmond Public Library is pleased to partner with Coastline Robotics to offer a free program that will provide an overview of drone technology and some insights into what’s to come in the future of drones. This event takes place on Thursday September 22 from 7 – 8:30 PM in the Launchpad at the Brighouse branch and is suitable for ages youth through adult. It is a registered event, and due to the exciting nature of this topic, interested participants are encouraged to register quickly to avoid disappointment. At this one-time session, Coastline Robotics will have several drone models on hand for participants to see and explore. In addition, drone pilot Ronald Meza will be flying a micro first-person view drone inside the library. This will be a must-see event for drone enthusiasts young and old!For more details about this and other programs, please check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to welcome Richmond Councillor Harold Steves, who will be speaking about the life and experiences of local Chinese pioneers from Steveston at “Richmond’s Chinese Pioneers”. This free, public seminar will take place at the Richmond Public Library on Tuesday, September 13 from 7- 9 pm in the Community Place Room on the 2nd floor of the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required.“There has been a large community of Chinese people in the Steveston since the 19th century. Harold Steves, whose family has been in Steveston for 250 years and is one of the first founding families, has done extensive research on the Chinese pioneers in Richmond. In his presentation, he will talk about some of the Chinese pioneers that he knew or worked with, including farmer Lum Poy; the owners of Hong Wo Store, Jessie, George and Ling Lam, and some cannery workers,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multicultural and Chinese community services. This seminar is part of the Chinese Canadian History Series, which is presented in partnership with the City of Richmond, Richmond Museum, UBC Asian Canadians and Asian Migration Studies and the Chinese Canadian Historical Society.Harold Steves has served as a Councillor in the City of Richmond continuously since 1977. Prior to that, he served as alderman from 1968-1973 and as an M.L.A. from 1973-1975. His family is one of the pioneer farming families of Richmond and they gave their name to the community of Steveston. Over the years, they employed many Chinese labourers to work on their farm. Councillor Steves continues to operate the family farm. He serves as his family’s historian and has given talks on the history of Chinese people in Richmond. His other interests are in the preservation of farmland, heritage preservation and environmental issues.To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

RICHMOND – Are you are an internationally trained professional who has permanent resident status in Canada and needs help with starting a career in Canada? Come to the Move Your Professional Career to Canada: Introduction to the Workplace Connections Mentorship Program on Monday, August 29 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Richmond Public Library. This program is presented in partnership with MOSAIC. It will be held in the Community Place Room on the 2nd floor of Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required.“The Workplace Connections Mentorship Program helps professional immigrants develop the necessary skills to successfully move their professions to Canada. They are paired with volunteer professional mentors who help them to improve their knowledge of the language and culture of the Canadian workplace, build professional networks, practice self-marketing skills and identify potential employers. The workshop provides and introduction to the Workplace Connections Mentorship Program, how mentorship works, the volunteer mentors and how to enroll in this program as well as gives a brief overview of MOSAIC’s services for newcomers,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. The guest speaker, Milly Ting, is a program facilitator in the Workplace Connections Mentorship Program. To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, Richmond Public Library is offering two free programs on Friday September 16.. From 5:00-6:30 p.m., there will be a riddles event in the 2nd floor Special Collection Room and from 7:00-9:00 p.m., there will be a poetry reading event in the Cultural Centre Performance Hall. Both programs will be held at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Everyone is welcomeThe “Mid-Autumn Festival Riddles” event is hosted by the Richmond Public Library’s Chinese Couplets Study Club. People who correctly answer the riddles will receive a prize. The prizes are sponsored by Zhao Hatong Academy of Art. The riddles are provided Tianxing Li, a member of the Chinese Couplets Study Club.The “Mid-Autumn Festival Poetry” event is presented by the Richmond Public Library’s Chinese Classics Study Club in partnership with Canadian Chinese Poetry Association and Chinese Canadian Pen Centre. Members of these organizations will present an exciting evening of Chinese poetry recitation, music, singing and dancing.“The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important cultural events in China. It is a time for families to gather together to celebrate a bountiful harvest and admire the largest and most beautiful full moon of the year. The library would like to invite people to come and join us in our celebratory activities,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. For more information, phone 604-231-6413, go online to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is celebrating the end of summer, as well as the achievements of participants in the Summer Reading Club (SRC) program, at a special Finale and Medal Ceremony event at the Brighouse (Main) Branch on Saturday August 20th from 1:30-4:00pm. The event is FREE and no registration is required. Open to children of all ages and their families, event participants are encouraged to bring their SRC reading booklet to receive their reading medal (for completing the SRC program) at a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries and then “travel the globe” to compete in special activities and games throughout the library. “Nearly 4,000 children throughout Richmond participated in the SRC program this year. We know that children who read regularly through the summer show greater confidence in reading and readiness for school in September and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements at this special event,” says Kate Adams, librarian. For more details about the program, please check our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library, in partnership with the Asian Canadian Asian Studies program at the University of British Columbia, is offering a free digital film-making workshop for teens. The program is on Sunday July 24th at the Brighouse (Main) branch, from 1-4pm. Registration is required,Open to teens ages 12-18, the program will introduce participants to digital film-making techniques using iPads, and will focus on creating short films about family history. “This workshop is a great way to use technology to help preserve family stories and memories from the past,” says Kate Adams, Librarian. For more details about the program, and to register, please check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a “Board at the Library” program for adults. The program runs on Wednesdays from August 3 to August 31 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required. Participants can bring their own board games to share or choose one of the games that will be available, and then find some players and start their own table. Players of all levels are welcome.Ariana Galeano, Learning Place Librarian says, “The library offers activities that enlarge literacy skills, critical thinking, storytelling, and community building for all ages. Board games at the library provide a unique opportunity for community members to develop these valuable skills, enjoy new friendships and be a part of a vibrant, connected city.”To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

RICHMOND – Richmond Public Library is offering a free series computer classes in Cantonese for seniors on Mondays and Wednesdays, July 18 – August 8 from 10 am – 12 noon in the Special Collection Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Participants must register for and attend all six sessions. Due to high demand, this program is for local residents who have not attended this course before.“This course will cover the basics of computer hardware, what to look for when buying a computer, Internet safety and how to use the mouse and keyboard, MS Windows, browsers, search engines, email, WIFI, Android tablets and smartphones. Participants should bring their laptops, Android tablets and smartphones to class,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. “We are grateful to Mr. Jim Ng for volunteering his time to teach this course,” Jang added. Jim Ng is a full time instructor of computer courses at Douglas College. To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is launching a new Chinese book on couplets and poetry writing by local author, Ronald Zhang on Wednesday, July 13 from 1-3 pm in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room at Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. This event is conducted in Mandarin. Everyone is welcome to attend.The author, Ronald Zhang, is a local writer and translator. He has published books on classical Chinese poetry, couplets and Chinese culture; served as a judge in Chinese couplets competitions; and given talks at universities and community organizations. He was the winner of a Chinese essay-writing contest in Vancouver. He is the leader of Richmond Public Library’s Chinese Couplets Study Club. “Richmond Public Library is pleased to work with our program partner, Hua Xia Multiculture Society to present this new easy to use instructional manual on poetry writing to promote understanding of Chinese poetry writing,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. Many local Chinese writers and artists will attend this event and give speeches. There will be a book sale and author signing.For more information, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Come learn about the history of Chinese Canadians in Richmond at “Richmond Celebrates Chinese Canadian History”. This free, public event, which follows the 9th international conference of the International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO), is held at the Richmond Public Library on Saturday, July 9 from 10 am – 4 pm. Featured will be presentations and displays held in the Cultural Centre Performance Hall and on the main floor of the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate, and also an historical tour of Richmond. Everyone is welcome; however, some of the activities require registration.The event program is:10:15 am—12:15 pm NAVIGATING THREE DECADES OF CHANGECouncillor Derek Dang, Wendy Jang , Pierre Pelletier, and Winnie Hwo will discuss the City of Richmond, Richmond Public Library, Richmond News and the Chinese media’s responses to the influx of Chinese immigrants to Richmond. This session is moderated by Professor Henry Yu, UBC. Registration required. 10:30 am – 4:00 pm EATING ACROSS RICHMONDHop on the bus to explore the regional variations of Chinese food through visits to Britannia Shipyards, Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Ling Yen Mountain Temple, and tastes of the Golden Village. This tour is presented by the Richmond Museum. The tour fee of $40 per person includes lunch. For information on this tour, email museumed@richmond.ca. 12 noon – 4 pm DISPLAYSThree different displays presented by the Chinese Canadian Military Museum, Richmond Archives, and Rudy Chiang will provide insight into the life and experience of Chinese war veterans, Chinese cannery workers, and Chinese people in Richmond. 2 pm—4 pm REDISCOVER THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE CHINESE PIONEERS IN RICHMONDCouncillor Harold Steves, Rudy Chiang and Steve Ko will explore the lives of the Chinese farm workers, cannery workers and the first Chinese volunteer firefighter in Steveston. This session is moderated by Hayne Wai, past president of the Chinese Canadian Historical Society. Registration required. 3:30 pm—4 pm UNWANTED CANADIANSVeteran George Ing will talk about the Chinese Head Tax and the veterans’ fight for Canadian citizenship. Registration required. “We are pleased that ISSCO has chosen Richmond as the venue for their 2016 conference and appreciate the opportunity for the library to take part in this important international event. Besides setting up a library display at the conference itself, we are working in partnership with the City of Richmond, Richmond Museum, UBC Asian Canadians and Asian Migration Studies, and the Chinese Canadian Historical Society to present a full day of activities to promote understanding of Chinese Canadian history in Richmond on July 9,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multicultural and Chinese community services. To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

RICHMOND –Some researchers believe that Chinese sailors may have arrived in the Americas before Columbus, and now you can judge the evidence for yourself. Richmond Public Library is hosting a free presentation by author Charlotte Harris Rees called “Did Ancient Chinese Explore America? My Journey Through the Rocky Mountains to Find Answers” on Tuesday, July 5, from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Richmond Cultural Centre Performance Hall. To register, phone 604-231-6412 or 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.“According to the classic text, Shan Hai Jing, the ancient Chinese travelled to the ends of the earth,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. “To test the hypothesis that this Chinese classic described specific locations in North America, author Charlotte Harris Rees took a 1,100 mile trek through the Rockies in 2012. She was able to validate 93% of the descriptions concerning the locations of minerals, plants and animals, including several that were native to North America. Harris Rees will show photographs of her trek and the names of Chinese kings etched on boulders in New Mexico, as well as discuss DNA evidence,” said Jang. Charlotte Harris Rees has appeared on television and National Public Radio in the United States and Canada and in many international news articles. She has given presentations at the Library of Congress, the National Library of China, Royal Geographical Societies in London and Hong Kong, and universities around the world, about her family’s old maps, and her research concerning the early arrival of Chinese to America. She is a graduate of Columbia International University and works as an independent researcher. The late Cyclone Covey, the expert on the study of the Chinese connection to the early Americas was her research mentor for ten years. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to offer the “Adult Summer Reading Club” during July and August. The program will kick off on July 7th, 2016 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the Kwok- Chu Lee Living room at Brighouse (Main) Branch with book talks by members of the Richmond News Book Club review column. There will be a fun reading challenge for adults throughout July and August with a prize draw for those participating in the reading challenge.Participants of the reading challenge will have the chance to win amazing prizes including Canada Berries wines, tickets for the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, free Richmond Public Library 3D printing tickets, and free books!“The mission of the Richmond Public Library is fostering lifelong learning. As part of the library’s commitment to this ideal, we are very excited to be offering a challenge especially tailored for adults designed to encourage reading enjoyment during the summer,” says Ariana Galeano, Learning Place Librarian.To register for this program, please come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at (604) 231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

RICHMOND – Richmond Public Library is offering a free series computer classes in Mandarin for seniors on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 27 – July13 from 10 am – 12 noon in the Special Collection Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Participants must register for and attend all six sessions. Due to high demand, this program is for local residents who have not attended this course before.“This course will cover the basics of computer hardware, what to look for when buying a computer, Internet safety and how to use the mouse and keyboard, MS Windows, browsers, search engines, email, WIFI, Android tablets and smartphones. Participants should bring their laptops, Android tablets and smartphones to class,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. “We are grateful to Mr. Jim Ng for volunteering his time to teach this course,” Jang added. Jim Ng is a full time instructor of computer courses at Douglas College. To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

RICHMOND, B.C. – Richmond Public Library is hosting a free event in Mandarin called “Poetry and the Dragon Boat Festival” in celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival on Friday, June 3 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Brighouse (Main) Branch library in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room, 7700 Minoru Gate. This event is presented in partnership with the Canadian Chinese Poetry Association. There will be recitation of “Chu Ci” poems and original works to commemorate Qu Yuan by some local writers and Chinese classical music performances.To register, visit any Richmond Public Library branch, call 604-231-6413 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

RICHMOND – Learn the basics about the eye disease macular degeneration at a free seminar called “Age Related Macular Degeneration.” This program is conducted in Cantonese and will take place at Richmond Public Library on Wednesday, May 18 from 7:30 – 9:00 pm in the Community Place room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required.“This program is presented in partnership with the Canadian Health Awareness Society. It covers the different forms of macular degeneration, their symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services.The guest speaker is Dr. Haiquan Liu. Dr. Liu started his practice as glaucoma specialist in 1988. He has extensive experience in clinical practice and research, in depth understanding of the mechanisms of this eye disease, and broad knowledge of current research in the treatment of ocular diseases. To register, phone 604-231-6412 or 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

Richmond, BC – Looking for a fun, free event for the entire family? Richmond Public Library, together with the Gateway Theatre, is offering a special reading and puppet performance of Eileen Spinelli’s picture book, Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch. The program will include a hands-on activity and refreshments based on the story. Join us Friday May 6, 2016 from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm at the Brighouse (Main) branch. This free program is best for children 3 years old and up and is drop-in. “Children are going to love this story and the puppets,” says Melanie Au, the library’s Coordinator of Children and Family Services. “Programs like this are a wonderful way to show how literature is tied to other the other areas of the arts and inspire the community to explore these fields.”Gateway Theatre is Richmond’s only live professional theatre. The library is pleased to partner with Gateway to bring this unique and heartwarming tale to life.

RICHMOND – Come celebrate Asian Heritage Month by learning about the many different Asian cultures at Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. The library is offering a wide variety of activities in May in partnership with community organizations and volunteers. Everyone is welcome however some programs require registration.• Puppet Films about the famous Monkey King will be shown on Mondays, May 2 and 9 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room. • Chinese Art Tutorial will be held on Sunday, May 8 from 2:00-4:00 pm in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room. It features a demonstration of writing a Tang dynasty poem in Chinese calligraphy and painting peonies by a non-Chinese artist. Introduction to I Ching Divination is a 2-session seminar held on Tuesdays, May 10 and 17 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Community Place room. • Japanese Canadian Culture will be celebrated on Friday, May 13 with various activities. o 2:30 – 3:30 pm: there will be a talk on Japanese Canadian history by Tatsuo Kage, author of Uprooted again: Japanese Canadians move to Japan after World War II. o 4:00 – 5:00 p.: there will be an Ikebana (flower arranging) demonstration by Greta Kos. o 6:00 – 7:00 pm: there will be origami for families, led by Chi Charchuk. o 7:00 – 7:15 pm: there will be Taiko Drumming by Ruku Shichi Taikoo All of the programs are conducted in English and will be held in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room with exception of Taiko Drumming, which will be held outside in the Courtyard.• Come to the Richmond Public Library booth at the Asian Heritage Festival at Lansdowne Centre on Saturday, May 14 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm and see what DASH the robot has to say about Richmond Public Library. Librarians Ying and Cindy will answer your questions about our multilingual programs, collections and services. You may even win a prize!• A Fire Tiger’s Tale on the Ceremony of Rebellion with Taiwanese artist-activist Jen Sungshine will be held on Saturday, May 14 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room. This drop in program is conducted in English.• Arab “Middle Eastern” Culture will be held on Thursday, May 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room. This is an exciting opportunity to learn about the culture found in the Arab countries of Asia. Registration is required.• Tai Chi for Women’s Self Defense will be held on Saturday, May 21 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm in the Community Place room. This program is conducted in Mandarin. Registration is required.• Tai Chi for Good Health will be held on Thursday, May 26 from 10 am – 12:00 noon in the Community Place room. This program is conducted in Mandarin and is presented in partnership with the Taiji Zhenguan Academy. Registration is required.“Asian Heritage Month provides an opportunity for the public to celebrate the diverse contributions made by Asian Canadians to our community. The library is pleased to have an opportunity to work with so many different community partners and volunteers to present a series of activities that enhance people’s understanding of the various Asian cultures.” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. To register or get information about any of the Asian Heritage Month programs, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/AsianHeritageMonth.pdf, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library or phone 604-231-6413.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

RICHMOND – Learn how the I Ching (Book of Changes) can be used to provide insight into a future event at a free seminar called “Introduction to I Ching Divination.” This program is conducted in English and will take place at Richmond Public Library on Tuesdays, May 10 and 17 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Community Place room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required.“The I Ching has been used as a divination tool in China for thousands of years. In this two-session program, Mr. Rudy Chiang will explain the meaning of Yi (change) and divination; discuss the oracle bones, trigrams, hexagrams, and other codes; and demonstrate practical divination and consultation.” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. “Richmond Public Library has a large collection of Chinese language books on the I Ching in its Special Collection on Chinese Culture. These books are invaluable to the study of this Chinese classic.”The guest speaker Rudy Chiang studied the I Ching under the guidance of Master K.S. Fung, a renowned teacher of I Ching divination. Chiang continues to conduct research in this topic and shares his learnings in weekly study classes with other interested students.To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

RICHMOND, B.C. – Richmond Public Library is hosting a Community Volunteer Appreciation event on April 28 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM in the Cultural Centre Performance Hall. This is an invitation-only event for all current library volunteers. Attendees will be treated to a showcase of their many contributions and hear words of appreciation for all that library volunteers provide.The library relies on volunteers to enrich the community programs and services it offers. “Having volunteers in the library helps build and foster a sense of community. The library appreciates all of its dedicated youth and adult volunteers who offer their time and talents to the library and to the broader community through library programs throughout the year,” says Lee Anne Smith, Coordinator, Programming, Digital and Information Services. “Our volunteers are an important part of Richmond Public Library and we are thankful for all their hard work.” Interested in becoming a volunteer at Richmond Public Library? There are a wide variety of volunteer roles and opportunities available. Check out our new Get Involved page at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/volunteering to learn more.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a “Community Education Series” on addiction-related topics. The program runs Tuesdays from May 3 – May 31 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the 2nd Floor Program Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Interested participants can register for one or all of the topics; however those who attend all five sessions will receive a certificate upon completion. The series is suitable for adults and teens. Sessions include:• May 3: “The Nature of Addiction” • May 10: “Chemicals in the Body” • May 17: “The Recovery Process” • May 24: “Helping Others” • May 31: “Why are Drugs Illegal?” Danny Taylor, Addiction Specialist from Richmond Addictions Services Society says, “Addiction remains a greatly stigmatized issue in our society. One way to address stigma is to cultivate our understanding. This is a great opportunity to engage in thought-provoking conversations about addictions and learn how to best support others.” This series is presented in partnership with Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS). The sessions will be presented by Jaclyn Chang, Prevention Worker, and Danny Taylor, both from RASS. To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is offering a Money Skills program for young adults, adults and seniors. The program runs Wednesdays beginning May 25 to June 8 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Brighouse Branch of Richmond Public Library. Registration for the program is required. The goals of this program are for participants to develop a better understanding of everyday finances and to broaden their knowledge of the overarching financial system. Over the three week program, participants will learn how to budget and take charge of their money, pay lower bank fees, build a good credit history, deal with debt, and get what they really want with their money.This program is presented in partnership with the Family Services of Greater Vancouver and will be presented by Billie Sinclair, FSGV Money Skills Facilitator.To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar.

RICHMOND, B.C. – Celebrate BC Youth Week at the Richmond Public Library! BC Youth Week is a provincial celebration held annually during the first week of May. It is a week of fun-filled interaction and celebration intended to build a strong connection between youth and their communities. This event profiles the issues, accomplishments, and diversity of youth across the province. This year, Youth Week programs at the library will offer opportunities to learn how to save money for post-secondary education, explore futuristic wearable electronics and how they would communicate with other devices around it, observe a Model UN conference and debate, attend a youth job fair, use coding and animation to bring characters on your computer screen to life and much more! The full list of programs is as follows: – The Lumen Jacket – Community Discussion with Eva Garcia Mockford 4pm – 5pm Tuesday May 3, 2016- Animation Academy 4pm – 5pm Tuesday May 3, 2016- STEM Aces Tuesdays: Academic Coaching and College Admissions 6:30pm – 8pm Tuesday May 3, 2016- Let’s Talk Credit For Teens 4pm – 5pm Wednesday May 4, 2016- Model UN Project (Project starts March 30 2016) 4pm – 5pm Wednesday May 4, 2016- Youth Week Job Fair 4pm – 5pm Thursday May 5, 2016- Saving for Post-Secondary Education 7pm – 8:30pm Thursday May 5, 2016- Community Youth Art Exhibition Reception Picture Your Story, Curator Angelica Poversky. 7pm – 8:30pm Friday May 6, 2016- Introduction to Sculptris10:30am – 12pm Saturday, May 7, 2016- IMPACT – Presented by Charity Brighouse11am – 4pm Saturday May 7, 2016All programs are free however registration is recommended as many of these programs are expected to fill. “Our Youth Week programs are presented in partnership with experts from The Credit Counselling Society, Avia Employment Services, and Charity Brighouse,” said Beverly Walker, Community Programmer at Richmond Public Library. “We are honoured to have specialists such as Eva Garcia Mockford, Dennis Wang, and Sandy Pang sharing their expertise with us!” To register, phone 604-231-6412 or 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.

RICHMOND – Learn about the functions of your kidney and how to avoid kidney diseases at a free seminar called “You and Your Kidney.” This program is in Cantonese and will take place at Richmond Public Library on Wednesday, April 20 from 7:30 – 9:00 pm in the Community Place room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required. To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.“This program is presented in partnership with the Canadian Health Awareness Society. It covers the structure and function of the kidney, common kidney diseases, new treatments, and the British Columbia Provincial Renal Agency,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services.The guest speaker is Dr. Victor Chan, vice-president of the Canaidan Health Awareness Society. Chan is a nephrologist at the Fraser Health Authority and Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of BC. His personal interest is in art and medicine. To register, phone 604-231-6412 or 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. – more –Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

April 4, 2016MEDIA RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseRICHMOND – Richmond Public Library is offering a free series computer classes in Cantonese for seniors on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 18 – May 4 from 10 am – 12 noon in the Special Collection Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Participants must register for and attend all six sessions. Due to high demand, this program is for local residents who have not attended this course before.“This course will cover the basics of computer hardware, what to look for when buying a computer, Internet safety and how to use the mouse and keyboard, MS Windows, browsers, search engines, email, WIFI, Android tablets and smartphones. Participants should bring their laptops, Android tablets and smartphones to class,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. “We are grateful to Mr. Jim Ng for volunteering his time to teach this course,” Jang added. Jim Ng is a full time instructor of computer courses at Douglas College. To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

RICHMOND – Richmond Public Library invites you to join its new Chinese Classics Study Club. Club meetings will be held on the first Friday of each month, starting on April 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Special Collection Room on the 2nd floor of Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. Study Club meetings will be conducted in Mandarin. “Richmond Public Library has a large collection of books on Chinese classics donated by Dr. Kwok-Chu Lee in its Special Collection on Chinese Culture. These books are invaluable to the study of Chinese classics,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. “We know that many people are interested in learning more about Chinese classics in history, literature and philosophy. We would like to invite them to come and join the Chinese Classics Study Club. Members of this club will meet monthly to discuss classics, such as The Analect, Three Hundred Poems from the Tang Dynasty, and The Art of War,” added Jang. The leader of this club is Dr. Liang Chen.Members interested in joining the Chinese Classics Study Club are required to have a valid Richmond Public Library card. To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

RICHMOND, B.C. – Students of all ages and their parents gathered at the Richmond Public Library’s Brighouse branch on Tuesday, March 22, for a special edition of STEM ACES Tuesdays. STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Participants were treated to two compelling presentations by Austin Wang and Ray Liu, Lower Mainland high school students who have received international acclaim and multiple awards for their science fair projects. “The goal of this event was to excite Richmond students about STEM research and generate inspiration and ideas among Richmond library members about their own science projects,” says Melanie Au, Coordinator, Children & Family Services. Austin and Ray eagerly shared their research tips, tricks and best practices with the audience. Austin Wang, a grade 12 student from Vancouver, shared how his “basic science fair project” that investigated the energy output of bacteria, raised a plethora of questions that prompted him to keep digging deeper. Those questions led to an in-depth project where he determined the sequence of bacteria genes with the highest energy output. “I’d have to say that Edison is someone who inspires me because he went through so many dead ends with his experiments, but he kept persevering. What I really want to do is to create something that makes a difference to people,” says Wang. Wang is one of the eight students selected to represent Canada at the world’s largest and most prestigious science fair, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair this May.Ray Liu presented his research on robotics and computer-controlled laser technology. Ray is a 17 year old Richmond student whose passion for engineering and science began with taking apart a transistor radio and playing with Lego. By 8 years old, Ray had built his own computer. For his project, he designed a robotic device that utilizes motion detection and tracking software to track a moving target, and aims a laser to repel the target from advancing. Ray was quick to point out that he’s already engaged in his next project and expressed his interest in all things STEM. “Right now, I’m working on a solvent polymer deposition 3D printer,” explains Ray. “I think it’s important to try a bit of everything.” This one-of-a-kind event was presented by Dr. Olivia New on behalf of Insight Chemistry Tutors. The library is pleased to host Dr. New and the STEM ACES program every Tuesday through the end of June. A full list of all the upcoming events and topics is available here http://www.yourlibrary.ca/new_site_pdf/events/STEM_Flyer_2016.pdf

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a “Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program” for high school students who are looking to improve their oral presentation skills. The program runs on Thursdays from April 7 – May 26 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required. The series is suitable for grades 8 to 12. Participants must be at ESL Level 5 at minimum to participate. The Youth Leadership Program is a workshop that enables participants to develop communication and leadership skills through practical experience. Participants learn to: • Evaluate their present speaking ability • Organize and give speeches • Give impromptu talks • Control their voice, vocabulary and gestures • Give and receive constructive feedback and moreSadia Afrin, Senior Project Technologist in BC Housing Management Commission says, “Youth are the leaders of the future, and the Toastmasters Leadership program is helping thousands of kids take this path. The Toastmasters Leadership program will help kids learn effective communication, build confidence and became young leaders within the community.”This series is presented in partnership with Richmond Toastmasters. The sessions will be presented by Sadia Afrin, who has completed the Competent Communication Manual with Richmond Toastmasters.To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar.

February 16, 2016MEDIA RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseRICHMOND, B.C. – Freedom to Read Week will be celebrated across Canada from February 21 – 27, 2016 in support of intellectual freedom for all individuals. This annual event emphasizes the importance of freedom of information and the rights of individuals to choose what they want to read, view and listen to. Richmond Public Library is committed to raising public awareness of the issues surrounding censorship and how it affects people of all ages and backgrounds.Mayor Malcolm Brodie has issued an official proclamation endorsing Canada’s Freedom to Read Week. Richmond Public Library will mark this important event with displays of banned and challenged books at each of the branches, with the broadest book and material display at the Brighouse Branch, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. As always, the library provides community members with free access to a wide range of materials in a variety of formats, and librarians are always available to offer advice on age-appropriate books and other resources.“In Canada, we enjoy many freedoms not shared by other countries, but we know that our freedom to read can never be taken for granted,” says Library Board Chair, Simon Tang. “Every request to censor the materials we share with the community is taken very seriously as doing so has a direct impact on the rights of Canadians to decide for themselves what they wish to read.” To find out more about Freedom to Read Week, visit us at www.yourlibrary.ca and click on the Freedom to Read banner. “Freedom to Read Week is the perfect opportunity for all libraries to raise public awareness of the issues surrounding censorship and how it affects everyone,” adds Tang. Freedom to Read Week is organized by the Freedom of Expression Committee and is a project of the Book and Periodical Council.

February 10, 2016MEDIA RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseRichmond, BC – As part of the library`s Chinese New Year celebrations, Richmond Public Library is presenting a talk on the “Dream of the Red Chamber”. This program, which is conducted in Mandarin, will be held on Wednesday, February 23 from 2 – 4 pm. in the 2nd floor Community Place room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. “Richmond Public Library is pleased to work with our program partner, Chinese Canadian Writers’ Association, to present this literary seminar by local “Dream of the Red Chambre” researcher Zhaoyuan Liang. If you want to find out about the background of the author, Cao Xueqin, as well as some of the factual and fictional elements of this classical Chinese novel, please come to this program” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. To register, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library and the Richmond Public Library’s Chinese Couplets Study Club are pleased to announce the winners of the Chinese New Year Couplets Contest that was held from January 6 – January 27, 2016.The first line is: ????,???????????. 1st Prize / ??:Wilson Leung ???????,???????????2nd Prize / ??:Eric Lew ???????,???????????3rd Prize /??:Mu Ling Deng ???????,???????????The following five contestants received an Honorable Mention: • Kitty Tsang ???• ???• ???• Xu Guo Ting???• Zhi Jun WuThe following ten contestants received Encouragement Certificates:• Dan Wong ??• Amy Leung???• Wai Yin Lau ???• Chan Wah Ying???• ???• ???• Charles Shi ???• ???• ???• Wei Guan??The top three prize winners received a copy of their couplet written by a local calligrapher and a certificate. The Honorable Mention winners received a Chinese calligraphy album by local calligrapher Lau Wai Yin and a certificate. The encouragement certificate winners received a small prize and a certificate.The organizers would like to thank the judges, Ronald Zhang, A Nong, Li Tianxing, and Chik Fong Lee; the calligraphers, Lau Wai Yin, Zhenpeng Huang and William Chan; and the prize donors, Frame Craft Industry Corp., Ada Hu, and Nora from Hua Xia Multiculture Society. For more information about the Couplet Contest and other events at the library, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

February 4, 2016MEDIA RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseRichmond Library Helps Immigrants Prepare for the Citizenship ExamRichmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is offering “Canadian Citizenship Conversation Circle” workshops on Mondays and Thursdays from February 18 – March 14 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm. This series will be held in the Special Collection Room on the 2nd floor of Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required and participants must attend all 8 sessions.The “Canadian Citizenship Conversation Circle” is designed to help immigrants who have submitted their citizenship application with preparing for their test. It offers opportunities for the participants to become more knowledgeable about Canadian history and geography, the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens, the government system and structure, and Canadian symbols. They can also practice listening and speaking English. Participants must have CLB 4 English and are required to bring their Permanent Resident card to class. “As many new immigrants in our community are interested in knowing more about Canada and want to become Canadian citizens, the Library presents this new citizenship preparation series in partnership with the Richmond office of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. The contents of this program are based on Discover Canada: the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, the study guide issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. This series is led by Doris Lam, Settlement Program Coordinator of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.To register, phone 604-231-6412 or 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is offering a series of information sessions on employment topics. The program runs from February 18th to June on the third Thursday of the month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. This series will have a rotating schedule of popular employment topics. The first session will be on “The Power of Networking”.Lonnie Belfer, Industrial & Community Relationship Liaison at Avia Employment Services says “Looking for work may be the hardest work you ever do. You may be wondering… Where should I look? How do I get noticed in the sea of job-seekers? Am I ready to get the job I really want? In Avia Employment Services’ “Help Wanted” series, you will learn about current resume trends and interview techniques, gain valuable networking advice to stand out in the crowd (for all the right reasons!), and learn about the power of social media as a job-seeking tool.”This series is presented in partnership with Avia Employment Services and will be presented by Employment Specialists at Avia. To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

February 1, 2016MEDIA RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseRichmond, BC – At their most recent meeting, the Richmond Public Library Board re-elected Simon Tang as Board Chair and elected Susan Koch as Vice-Chair. Tang brings strong and varied experience to the Board in the areas of information technology and software development, as well as project management. He currently works in Software Development at nTrust. Koch is a chartered professional accountant with 30 years expertise that enabled her to develop a strong management skillset. Her areas of expertise include accounting, leadership, fundraising and governance. She currently works for Carbon Engineering. Returning Board members include: Traci Corr, Diane Cousar and Robin Leung. City Councillor Chak Au will serve as the City Council representative to the Richmond Public Library Board and Councillor Alexa Loo will serve as the City Council Alternate representative. New to the Board are Jordan Oye, Arseniy Shchedrinskiy and Chaslynn Gillanders, recently appointed by Richmond City Council for a two year term. Oye is a long-time Richmond resident and active library member. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Finance, and holds both hockey coaching and refereeing certifications. Oye is presently working in marketing at TELUS and volunteering as a hockey coach. Shchedrinskiy holds a Degree in Law, a Degree in Management and a CPA, CMA accounting designation. His background is in strategic and financial management in private and public companies in Europe and North America.Gillanders is a practicing lawyer and a long-time Richmond resident. She works for Indigenous Nations throughout British Columbia and the Northwest Territories with a focus on comprehensive land claims, self-government and employment law. She volunteers with the Richmond Special Olympics basketball program. Library Board Chair Simon Tang says that the library is on track towards the successful implementation of a five year Strategic and Long Range Plan. "This year we want to build on previous successes and continue to create new and exciting learning opportunities for community members of all ages. By offering innovative programming combined with a relentless focus on expanding our traditional and digital collections, we want the public to know that there is something for everyone at the library,” said Tang. “We are very grateful for the support of City Council, our community, and our devoted Friends of the Library. As well, we are always looking for local partners who share our values and want to engage with us to create unique learning experiences for the community.” added Tang. ”Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a library partner or volunteering your time with the library.”

January 20, 2016MEDIA RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseRichmond Public Library Celebrates Chinese New YearRichmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is offering several activities at Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate, to celebrate the forthcoming Chinese New Year.• Chinese New Year – the Year of the Monkey celebration on Saturday, February 20 from 1-4 p.m. on the main floor and in the Kids’ Place. There will be a puppet show, arts and crafts booths, and lucky slogan writing. This is a drop in program.• The Chinese New Year Couplets Contest runs from Wednesday, January 6 to Wednesday, January 27 (3 p.m.). The first line is : ????,???????????. Winners will be announced and awards given out on Wednesday, February 3 at 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Community Place room. This program is presented by the Richmond Public Library Chinese Couplets Study Club.• Appreciation of Chinese New Year Couplets on Wednesday, February 3 from 1-3 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Community Place room. Participants can bring the Chinese New Year couplets they wrote to share with other. This program is presented by the Richmond Public Library Chinese Couplets Study Club. Registration is required.• The Lantern Riddles Contest runs from Tuesday, February 9 to Monday, February 22. Guess five riddles correctly for a chance to enter the raffle draw for prizes, including paintings, books and 3D decorationsa (what is the prize?). The riddles for adults can be found on a kiosk on the main floor of the library. The riddles for kids are in the Kids’ Place Program Room.• A Fun Talk on the “Dream of the Red Chamber” on Wednesday, February 24 from 2-4 p.m. Come find out about the factual and fictional elements in this classic novel. This program is presented in partnership with the Chinese Canadian Writers’ Association. Registration required.“The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is the most important festival of the year for Chinese people. We are pleased to work in partnership with local community organizations and individuals to present a series of events to celebrate this festival and promote traditional Chinese culture,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services. For more information on these events, go online to www.yourlibrary.ca/events or phone 604-231-6413 or 604-231-6412. .About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. -30-

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting an informative workshop on funeral arrangement preparation called “Preparing my Final Wishes”. The program takes place on Tuesday February 2 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. This workshop is suitable for adults and seniors. Frederick Margel, Funeral and Cemetery Advisor says “Most families have little idea of the decisions, work and, costs for making final arrangements at the time of need.” This session will provide information to help family members prepare and reduce the burden, the pressure, and the costs of arranging a funeral, cremation, or burial.The workshop will be presented by Frederick Margel, of First Memorial Funeral Service and Dignity Memorial.To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a “Community Education series” on addiction-related topics. The program runs on Wednesdays from January 27 – February 24 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Interested participants can register for one or all of the topics; however those who attend all five sessions will receive a certificate upon completion. The series is suitable for adults and teens. Sessions include:• January 27: “The Nature of Addiction” • February 3: “Chemicals in the Body” • February 10: “The Recovery Process” • February 17: “Helping Others” • February 24: “Why are Drugs Illegal?” Danny Taylor, Addiction Specialist from Richmond Addictions Services Society says, “Addiction remains a greatly stigmatized issue in our society. One way to address stigma is to cultivate our understanding. This is a great opportunity to engage in thought-provoking conversations about addictions and learn how to best support others.” This series is presented in partnership with Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS). The sessions will be presented by Jaclyn Chang, Prevention Worker, and Danny Taylor, both from RASS. To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is excited to announce that our popular “Learning Together” family literacy program will now be offered at three locations! This eight-week program for preschoolers and caregivers will run at the Ironwood, Brighouse and Cambie Branches beginning January 19th. Registration is required. Discover new ways to connect with your child and make learning fun. Parents and children ages 3-5 will use the alphabet, numbers, stories and play to learn literacy skills and help develop a love of reading. “We love the play-based learning!” says a program graduate. Activities, storytime and snacks are included in each weekly session.For more details about the program, including dates, times and how to register, interested participants should check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a series of information sessions on financial literacy topics. The program runs from January to June on the second Thursday of the month from 10:30 am to 11:30 am in the Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required for each session. Interested participants can register for one or all of the topics. Sessions include:• January 14: Basic Banking• February 11: RRSPs and TFSAs • March 10: Basic Budgeting• April 14: Taxation and Filing • May 12: Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention • June 9: Credit History This series is presented in partnership with Vancity, who run these programs with public library systems across the lower mainland. According to the Each One, Teach One page on Vancity’s website, “People’s financial well-being depends on their ability to understand and use financial information in a way that helps them make good decisions.” These workshops will be of particular interest for newcomers, refugees, and individuals who face barriers to financial services but are open for everyone to join. To register for any of the sessions, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.