Press Releases

Richmond, BC – The library, together with the City of Richmond, the Bayit, Chabad of Richmond, Ebco Group of Companies and Lightspeed POS, is proud to present the annual lighting of the giant 25-foot-tall Menorah, one of the largest in the world.

The festivities, marking the beginning of Chanukah, take place on Monday, December 23, on the Cultural Centre plaza in front of Brighouse branch, located at 7700 Minoru Gate in Richmond. There will be family activities beginning at 5:00pm, followed by the lighting of the Menorah at 6:00pm. Then, all are welcome to stay and celebrate with traditional Jewish refreshments.

Keith Liedtke, President of the Bayit Richmond, says “The Richmond Bayit Synagogue is honoured to sponsor this year’s Jewish Festival of Lights, symbolized by the Arthur Erickson designed Hanukkah Menorah, one of the largest in the world. The event is funded by the Ebco Group and Canadian technology unicorn – Lightspeed Inc. The Bayit welcomes all to witness the warmth and spirit of the Menorah lighting ceremony.”

Susan Walters, Chief Librarian says “The library is committed to offering cultural programming and resources for the entire community to enjoy. Events such as the Menorah lighting support the library’s goal of building and growing our community. People of all backgrounds and faiths are encouraged to celebrate the tradition of Chanukah and learn about Jewish culture.”

The Menorah lighting occurs on the Cultural Centre plaza. The ceremony and family activities will be inside the library and the Cultural Centre Performance Hall.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is celebrating the addition of two new Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers. Drop by the Brighouse branch on Saturday, November 30 between 11:00am and 1:00pm for a free family-friendly launch event. Get to know our Launchpad staff, check out our new 3D printers, see demonstrations and explore interactive displays.

In 2014, Richmond Public Library was one of the first public libraries in BC to offer 3D printing services and free beginner 3D modelling workshops for anyone ages 8 and older. Models drawn in three dimensions on a computer can be created in a 3D printer using melted material to draw the model layer by layer. Since you can draw almost anything on a computer these days, this is a powerful tool and skill to learn. All ages are welcome to connect with library staff to discover more about game-changing 3D print technology and its applications in engineering, medicine, art, and many more industries.

“These new printers offer advancements in 3D technology, use of different materials, longer and finer detailed prints and increased dependability,” said Cindy Ho, Head of Digital & Learning Services. “We appreciate the service and support of Shop3D.ca as we learn the capabilities of our new Ultimaker printers.”

“Ultimaker printers are an open source 3D printer renowned for their reliability and quality of prints,” said Jacky Wan, Technical Director at Shop3D.ca. “Shop3D.ca is excited to help make 3D printing locally accessible on a grand scale.”

Whether you are new to 3D print technology or are a 3D printing expert, this launch event has something fun and educational to offer everyone. For more details about this event, visit https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/5dcf316ab8f9ee2f008ab111.

Richmond, BC – Today, Richmond Public Library was delighted to host Vancouver author, editor and speaker, Kallie George, at the Brighouse and Ironwood branches.

Kallie George is the author of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency and The Heartwood Hotel series. In addition to writing books for young readers, she leads workshops for students. In today’s “Soaring Through Stories” presentations, George shared how she was inspired to become an author, presented her work and offered students a glimpse at her notebooks, crafts she created for her stories and inspiration she draws upon.

“My presentation was designed to empower and inspire students of all grades to read and write their own stories,” George explained. “I included a fun activity where each child drew a different animal head and matched them with one of six different bottoms. They were tickled to reveal their unique magical creature.”

Today’s event was enjoyed by students from Thomas Kidd and General Currie Elementary schools, as well as members of the public. Thomas Kidd Teacher-Librarian, Vandy Advani, said “Our students especially enjoyed looking at her sketches, the variety of crafts she had created for her work, and learning about the designing process. It was an enriching experience for our students and they left the library inspired to be creative thinkers and authors. Events such as this inspire children to pursue creative endeavours and connect lessons learned in the classroom with the wider world.”

General Currie Elementary Teacher-Librarian, Teresa Debou, added, “We found Kallie’s presentation to be very inspiring. My students loved her Magical Mystery Pet Adoptions series and went on to find The Heartwood Hotel series in our library. I am excited by her turning kids onto the Anne of Green Gables story too. How exciting it is for our young readers to learn about a classic story in a Canadian setting.”

For more details about free children’s literacy programs at Richmond Public Library, including dates, times, and how to register, 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 announce the return of the 12th annual Science Bash on Friday November 22. This free event takes place from 1:00 – 4:00pm at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, located at 7700 Minoru Gate.

Science Bash is a partnership between the library and local science-based organizations to celebrate and promote science, technology and STEM-based learning. Organizations participating this year include STEM Aces Education Inc., UBC Physics & Astronomy Outreach Program, ROBOKIDS and more.

The goal of this event is to encourage families to explore and learn about the different branches of science and technology. All organizations hosting a booth will incorporate fun activities for children such as illusions and experiments with hands-on science demonstrations that together, creating an enriched and exciting learning atmosphere.

“Creative problem-solving and design approaches have proven to be active in engaging students including improving their technological literacy, all of which are critical 21st century skills,” says Dr. Olivia New, Chief Academic Officer at STEM Aces Education Inc.

Friday November 22 is a district professional development day and families are encouraged to come to the library to enjoy and experience the day’s events together.

Richmond, BC – GivingTuesday is a global movement that uses social media to encourage individuals to kick off the giving season by donating to their favourite charities. Richmond Public Library invites you to follow us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/yourlibraryRichmond/ throughout the month of November and then, give the gift of literacy on Tuesday December 3 at https://gt.yourlibrary.ca.

This year, the library is raising funds to purchase additional DAISY readers, which are easy-to-use talking books that enable customers with low vision, blindness and a wide variety of other print disabilities to independently experience reading a book.

“Coupled with some of our other seniors’ services, such as Home Services Delivery and outreach at local seniors’ facilities by library staff, the addition of new DAISY readers to our borrowing collection will enable more seniors and those experiencing print challenges the opportunity to feel connected and keep their minds active by reading,” says Susan Walters, Chief Librarian at Richmond Public Library. “Creating a community of engaged and informed readers will contribute to fostering an active and thriving Richmond.”

Follow us on social media all month long as we introduce you to some of our specialized seniors’ services, explore how a DAISY reader works and learn who can benefit from using a DAISY reader.

All donations over $10 will be eligible for a tax receipt. Thank you for your support!

Richmond, BC – October is Canadian Library Month and all month long, Richmond Public Library is extending an invitation to come to the library and learn something new. This year’s theme is “A visit to the library will get you thinking!”

The library has many unique resources to offer to the community – and we want you to know about them! This month, in the lobby of the Brighouse branch, we’ll be offering a daily feature about a different resource, service or program available at the library. Our friendly, helpful staff will be on-hand to help you learn more so bring your questions.

Curious about what you can make at the Creation Stations? Wondering what’s in our ESL collections? Want to measure your home’s energy efficiency? Looking for multi-lingual kids’ books? It’s all here and more. Check out our calendar of daily topics http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/CanadianLibraryMonthOctober2019.pdf and be sure to stop by. Most days, the table will be staffed from 3:30pm – 5:00pm. Exceptions are noted on the calendar.

We also want to hear what you love about your library. Stop by the table to share your library love on a sticky note for our poster display. We’ll share the community’s thoughts all month long at each branch and on social media.

We look forward to seeing you at the library this month!

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is excited to announce that our popular free “Learning Together” family literacy program will return to both the Ironwood and Cambie library branches in the fall of 2019. Sponsored by the Ministry of Advanced Education, this eight-week program for preschoolers and caregivers will run at the Ironwood branch on Wednesdays from September 18 to November 6 and at the Cambie branch on Thursdays from September 19 to November 7.

This program helps parents to discover new ways to connect with their child and make learning fun. Parents and children ages three to five will learn how to develop early literacy skills and a love of stories and reading within everyday life. Skills emphasized in this program include learning the alphabet and numbers, exposure to digital media and physical activity.

“The Learning Together program helped (my daughter) a lot to have interest in reading books,” said Ruth, parent of two children who have attended the program. “Because of that, my other girl who has special needs was really interested too.”

Activities, storytime and snacks are included in each weekly session. Sessions at both locations take place from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Interested participants should register to attend at one location only.
For more details about this program, including 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 be the recipient of funds raised at the Hoop to Learn basketball tournament, which was hosted at the Richmond Oval on Wednesday August 22. Partial proceeds from the tournament were donated to Richmond Public Library to fund literacy resources for students with learning disabilities. On Wednesday August 28, Kate Adams, Head of Children & Family Services, gratefully accepted a $1,000.00 donation on behalf of the library.

The tournament was the brainchild of Michael Jakac-Sinclair and Mahtab Singh Gill, who launched Open Doors BC Educational Society in 2018, with a goal of raising funds to improve learning experiences for students with learning disabilities. This year’s tournament was very successful, with 22 teams registering and 88 athletes participating in the day-long event.

The library will use the donated funds to purchase a variety of resources, all specifically aimed at supporting students with diverse learning styles. The new collections will be purchased and catalogued later this fall, and will be available for all to come and explore at the Brighouse branch.

“With access to the right resources, students can become empowered through their abilities and gain the confidence to fulfil their potential and passions,” says Jakac-Sinclair and Gill.

To find out more about the Hoop to Learn tournament or the Open Doors BC Educational Society, please visit https://www.opendoorsbceas.com/fund-the-dream.

Richmond, BC – On Saturday, September 7 from 1:30 – 3:30pm, join Mayor Brodie, City Councillors, the Richmond Public Library Board and community members at the Brighouse branch for the annual Summer Reading Finale. It’s been an exciting summer! Over 4,500 Richmond children, teens and adults registered for summer reading clubs this year.

Richmond readers connected with readers in Xiamen and Qingdao, China through the One Book, Three Cities reading project and had the opportunity to meet author Yann Martel in person. Kids and families kept their reading skills fresh all summer long by reading their way through challenges, games and contests. Teens were engaged and inspired with writing workshops, digital tech programs and even Escape Rooms.

Following the eagerly awaited medal and trophy presentations, explore free family-friendly activities throughout the library. The Summer Reading Finale is the icing on the cake to a summer full of reading. This event would not be possible without strong community support and generous sponsorship by RBC’s Garden City and Alderbridge branches. Don’t miss it!

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to announce that it is participating in Library Day at the PNE Fair. Thanks to a partnership between the PNE Fair and Public Library InterLINK, teen and adult fair-goers will receive a $6 gate admission ($9 savings) to the PNE Fair on Wednesday, August 21 by presenting their BC public library card! Think of the possibilities! You could use your savings on games or mini-donuts!

“InterLINK, along with its member libraries, is thrilled to participate in the third Library Day at the PNE Fair. Like the PNE Fair, our public libraries are a family favourite, and an integral part of British Columbians’ summers,” says Public Library InterLINK Executive Director Michael Burris.

Once in the Fair, attendees can stop by the Library Zone, near Toon City and the Snap Happy: A Do-It-Your-Selfie Experience Exhibit, for some fun and FREE activities with staff from BC libraries. “From storytime to makerspaces there is something for every age at the Library Zone,” adds Burris.

Interested fair-goers without a library card are encouraged to stop by any Richmond Public Library branch before August 21 to register for a card, free of charge. While you’re at the library, check out all the great resources, programs and services available exclusively to library card holders. You’ll be glad you did!

Public Library Day is made possible by your local library, Public Library InterLINK and the PNE Fair. Presenting a BC public library card on August 21 grants one cardholder admission for $6 (one card must be shown per person to receive the discount) and ID is recommended. The Fair is free for children under the age of 5 and the cost is $5 for kids 6 to 13. For more information, pop into any branch and speak with a staff member or visit https://www.pne.ca/thefair/ways-to-save/.

Richmond, BC – The library is very pleased to announce the highlight of the summer-long “One Book, Three Cities” reading program – a visit by Canadian author and Man Booker Prize winner Yann Martel.

“One Book, Three Cities” is a community-wide reading program, offered in partnership with the City of Richmond’s Sister City Advisory Committee (SCAC). The program fosters mutual understanding and meaningful connections with other cities and cultures for their common benefit. This program offers an online book forum, a first for the library, providing opportunities for Richmond readers to discuss Life of Pi with other readers from Xiamen and Qingdao, China, as well as in-branch activities all summer long, including the “Slice of Pi” contest for a chance to win fabulous book prizes. The highlight of the program features an evening with Life of Pi author Yann Martel at an exclusive, one-night-only free event, taking place on Thursday, August 1st from 7:00pm – 8:30pm in the Launchpad at the Brighouse branch.

At this event, Yann will talk about his books and his writing journey, hint at upcoming projects and take questions from the audience. Participants will also have an opportunity to purchase an autographed copy of his book Life of Pi from Indigo Books.

This is a registered event and only a few seats remain. Sign up today to reserve your seat and avoid disappointment!

Want to participate in “One Book, Three Cities” program but can’t attend this event? Full details about all our summer programs and events are available at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/books_dvd/src. We look forward to inspiring you to read, explore, discover and learn all summer long!

Richmond, BC – Steveston Community Centre will be adjusting their hours over the summer. To more closely match these hours, the library is also adjusting the open hours at the Steveston branch.

From Tuesday July 2 to Sunday September 1, the Steveston branch will be open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 8:00pm. Weekend hours remain unchanged at 10:00am to 5:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The Steveston branch will resume its regular Monday to Friday operating hours of 10:00am to 9:00pm on Tuesday September 3.

Upcoming summer holiday closures

All library branches will be closed on Monday July 1, August 5 and September 2.

Please see our Holiday Hours schedule for more details. http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/holidayhours

Richmond, BC – Kids, teens and adults are all invited to celebrate reading with Richmond Public Library this summer! The annual summer reading programs start soon and there will be a wide variety of events and reading activities to suit all ages and all interests. Best of all, all summer reading activities are free to join and attend!

The library welcomes adults and teens to “One Book, Three Cities”, a new community-wide reading program in partnership with the City of Richmond’s Sister City Advisory Committee (SCAC). SCAC fosters mutual understanding and meaningful connections with other cities and cultures for their common benefit. This year, the community will be talking about Life of Pi by Canadian author Yann Martel, who is excited about coming to the library this summer to discuss his book. Whether you’ve never read the book or enjoyed it previously, be sure to pick up a copy in-branch or download the ebook today – we have lots of digital copies available all summer long. Everyone is invited to the official launch on Thursday July 4. Then, readers can enjoy connecting with other readers from Xiamen and Qingdao, China on the “One Book, Three Cities” online discussion forum. Plus, program participants will enjoy a variety of activities, including the “Slice of Pi” contest for a chance to win fabulous book prizes.

“Reading at an early age promotes lifelong learning, exploration and discovery,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Similarly, our Sister City relationships provide great opportunities for youth and our entire community to learn about and discover other cultures from across Canada and around the world. This pairing provides a great opportunity for young readers to learn about the benefits of cultural diversity and harmony.”

This year’s provincial theme for the Kids’ Summer Reading Club is “Imagine the Possibilities”. Starting June 20, come in to any RPL branch to pick up your reading booklet. Then, record your reading progress to earn weekly stickers and a medal at the end of the summer. Special programs and events are happening throughout the summer at all four library branches, too! Join us on Sunday July 14 for our Summer Reading Magic Show with Norden the Magician to kick off the fun! https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/5cdc72117b22853100db8de7

And last but not least – just for teens! Starting June 20, you can join the RPL Teen Summer Reading Club and make reading and visiting the library a part of your summer plans. Post book reviews on our blog and enter the booklet design contest for a chance to win prizes. Don’t miss our first ever “Alternate Reality Scavenger Hunt”, participate in our “Escape Room”, writing workshops and more.

Full details about all our summer programs and events are available at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/books_dvd/src, plus you’ll find all the information you need to know about Summer Reading program registration.

We look forward to inspiring the community to read, explore, discover and learn all summer long!

Richmond, BC – On Sunday, June 16 from 2:00 – 3:30pm at the Brighouse branch, Richmond Public Library and the City of Richmond’s Public Art Program will host a community Celebration of Musqueam Expression to conclude the Musqueam Artist Workshops. This free event will showcase the four artists’ creations and feature a performance by the Coast Salish Tsatsu Stalquayu (also known as the Coastal Wolf Pack).

Over the last six months, the library hosted carvers Martin Sparrow and Richard Campbell, and weavers Gary Point and Sandra Guerin. These four artists led a series of engaging demonstrations and hands-on workshops. The workshops were extremely popular and more than 100 community members attended. Each workshop gave participants an opportunity to personally interact with the artist, hear their unique stories and learn about Musqueam culture and heritage.

These workshops were part of the 2019 Engaging Artists in Community Program for Public Art. The program aims to support artists with socially-oriented practices and encourages the development of a wide variety of collaborative engagements for artists working within communities. Community-based artworks can express a shared goal or theme and provoke dialogue on ideas related to cultural identity, social history or the environment.

For more information about the Celebration of Musqueam Expression, visit https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/5cf187b1e77aec3c0066eb1c or call 604-231-6413.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is proud to announce that it is participating in the Canadian Urban Libraries Council / Conseils des Bibliothèques du Canada (CULC / CBUC) inaugural One eRead Canada program, running from June 3 to 30, 2019.

The library will be offering free, unlimited access to the book Glass Beads by Dawn Dumont, in both ebook and eAudiobook format between June 3 to 30. A small number of print editions will also be available for book clubs and individuals to borrow on a first come, first serve basis.

One eRead Canada aims to introduce readers and listeners to new titles and authors. This program is intended to help improve library access to ebooks, benefiting Canadian publishers, readers and authors, and positively impacting the sale of digital content.

Dawn Dumont is a Saskatchewan-born Indigenous author, actor and comedian. Her book features a collection of interconnected short stories, focussed on the lives of four First Nations people against a backdrop of two decades of political, social and cultural change. The book was chosen to help foster national conversations about reconciliation and Indigenous experiences.

There are several ways that Richmond Public Library card holders can take part in the conversation. The library is offering two Book Club sessions on June 20 at the Brighouse branch. For those wishing to connect online, participants can view a live online author event on June 12 or join the virtual Book Club on Facebook.

To find out more, and register for programs or borrow the book, visit http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/OneeRead.pdf.

Richmond, BC – The library is pleased to announce the return of the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) this summer. This third installment offers some exciting enhancements.

The YEP is unique and exclusive to Richmond Public Library. It offers free career and business training for youth interested in pursuing entrepreneurship as their career path. Workshop topics include:

• Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Business Start-up• Budgeting & Finances• Elevator Pitch• Writing a Business Plan • Marketing & Branding

This year’s program is a week-long intensive format to enable participants to maximize their learning potential by attending workshops daily from Monday July 15 to Thursday July 18. Practicing what they’ve learned, participants will plan and make a pitch presentation to their peers, mentors and library Board and staff on Friday July 19.

Also new this year is the target age range for the program. The YEP is open to youth ages 15 to 19, to give high school and newly graduated students a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to learn about entrepreneurship.

The library is proud to welcome and introduce the following mentors and facilitators for this year’s program: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Self-Employment Training for Young Entrepreneurs Program, Futurpreneur Canada, Launch Academy, Junior Achievement of British Columbia, Richmond Chamber of Commerce and O’Brien. The library thanks its generous sponsors Small Business BC and PriceSmart Foods, who help make this program possible.

“…This program is a very unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs of all levels to learn and experience what it is that entrepreneurship does and why we need it,” said Ian, one of the participants in the 2018 program. “I came into this program feeling nervous… but I managed to grasp and learn very quickly.”

Interested or know someone who might be? Hurry – registration is capped at 15 participants to ensure that everyone who attends receives a personalized learning experience. Find out more at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar/yep.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library was the first stop for the TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, hosting a Paper Collage workshop today at Ironwood branch.

Ashley Barron, a Toronto multimedia artist, is one of 30 Canadian children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers on tour for the annual TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, which runs events across the Lower Mainland between May 4th and 11th. With more than 400 readings taking place across 175 Canadian communities, this week-long event highlights the importance of reading for children.

Barron is best known for her cut-paper collage-style work. Her award-winning illustrations have appeared in magazines and children’s publications, as well as animations, advertising campaigns, clothing and window displays.

“In my presentation for Canadian Children’s Book Week, I explain what an illustrator does and how I came to be one. There is a slideshow of my drawings, my studio and the tools and process I use to make my art.” Barron explained. “After a fun, interactive paper collage demo, children create their own paper collage creation.”

Today’s event was enjoyed by Thomas Kidd Elementary students and members of the public alike. Teacher-Librarian Vandy Advani said “Our class absolutely enjoyed meeting with Ashley Barron and learning about the process of creating illustrations for picture books. Our students learned about the various illustration techniques, the designing process, and the monumental amount of research that goes into designing picture books. It was an enriching experience and we are grateful to Richmond Public Library for co-ordinating the visit. Events such as this inspire children to pursue creative endeavours and connect lessons learned in the classroom with the wider world.”

For more details about free children’s literacy programs at Richmond Public Library, including dates, times, and how to register, check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.

Richmond, BC – It’s National Poetry Month and Richmond Public Library is celebrating by offering its 12th annual Poetry Writing Contest for Teens.

Throughout the entire month of April, teens are invited to submit an original poem for a chance to win a Richmond Centre gift card.

There are two age categories: Group 1 for ages 12 to 15 and Group 2 for ages 16 to 18. Entrants are encouraged to be creative. Any format of original poem will be accepted but must be no longer than one single-spaced typed page. Entries will be judged based on their creativity, clarity, originality and literary merit of their message within the poem.

Prizes

There will be two prizes awarded for each of the two age categories: 1st place will be awarded a $25 gift card and 2nd place will be awarded a $10 gift card.

To enter

Interested teens should submit their entry to any Richmond Public Library branch before closing on April 30th or by email to teenblog@yourlibrary.ca.

For more information and to view the full contest rules, visit http://rplteenhub.yourlibrary.ca/.

Richmond, BC – A series of Musqueam Artist workshops, to be offered over the next few months at Richmond’s Brighouse library, will offer unique, hands-on opportunities to learn about Musqueam culture and the art of weaving.

“Working in partnership with the City of Richmond’s Public Art Program, we are so pleased to host our second series of Musqueam Artist workshops," said Susan Walters, Chief Librarian of Richmond Public Library.

Traditional Musqueam Weaving Techniques with Gary Point

Gary Point is a Musqueam artist and weaver. Through his art, he shares and explores traditional Musqueam knowledge and weaving techniques. The traditional preparation of the wool is an important part of his creative process, often informing the style, technique and content of the work. His works are in private and national collections, including the UBC Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver.

Gary will host a series of three consecutive workshops on Sundays beginning March 31st, to demonstrate traditional Musqueam weaving techniques.

Participants must register in advance and attend all three workshops.

Cedar Bracelet Making with Sandra Guerin

Sandra Guerin is a Coast Salish weaver who has been weaving since 1997. On her journey, she has learned her craft through many skilled weavers. Her art is shown at craft fairs, the First Nations Friendship Centre in Vancouver, the Musqueam Cultural Centre and in many private collections.Sandra will host three workshops on select dates in May and June to demonstrate traditional cedar weaving techniques and oral storytelling practices. Program participants will learn how to make their own cedar bracelets to take home.

Interested participants should register for only one session.

Register today!

These workshops are expected to fill to capacity quickly. To register, visit the library’s event calendar at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar.

The workshops are part of the 2019 Engaging Artists in Community Program for Public Art. The program aims to support artists with socially-oriented practices and encourages the development of a wide variety of collaborative engagements for artists working within communities. Community-based artworks can express a shared goal or theme and provoke dialogue on ideas related to cultural identity, social history or the environment.

The City of Richmond’s Public Art Program promotes and delivers the many benefits of public art to the community. Those benefits include the power to energize Richmond’s public spaces, arouse people’s thinking and transform Richmond places where people live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction. Public art can make strangers talk, children ask questions and calm a hurried life. Beyond its enriching personal benefits, public art is a true symbol of a city’s maturity. Discover Richmond’s public art by visiting https://www.richmond.ca/culture/publicart/collection/catalog.aspx.

Richmond, BC – Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that will be celebrated across Canadian libraries from February 24 – March 2, 2019 in support of intellectual freedom for all individuals. By acknowledging this event each year, Richmond Public Library continues to shine a spotlight on the importance of freedom of information and the rights of individuals to choose what they want to read, view and listen to. The 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 Freedom to Read Week. The library will mark this important event with displays of banned and challenged books at each of the branches.

The library provides a welcoming and inclusive space for the community to access a wide range of materials in a variety of formats. Those interested in learning more about any of our collections are encouraged to speak with a library staff member. Our staff are always available and happy to help with advice about age-appropriate books, websites, take-home kits, and many other resources. As always, all of our public materials and services are free to access, use and enjoy.

“We must continue our efforts to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our freedom to read,” says Robin Leung, Library Board Chair. “Freedom to Read Week is an opportunity for Richmond Public Library and the City of Richmond to jointly acknowledge our role in helping to maintain an open environment free of censorship, while highlighting the impacts that can occur when intellectual freedom is stifled.”

To find out more about Freedom to Read Week, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.

Richmond, BC – At their most recent meeting, the Richmond Public Library Board elected Robin Leung as Board Chair and Traci Corr as Vice-Chair. Returning Board members include: Chaslynn Gillanders, Jordan Oye and Caty Liu. City Councillor Linda McPhail will continue to serve as the City Council representative to the Richmond Public Library Board and the Board welcomes Councillor Kelly Greene as the City Council Alternate representative.

The Board thanks Susan Koch, outgoing Board Chair and Diane Cousar, Trustee, for their eight years of dedication and service to the Board. The Board also thanks Alexa Loo, outgoing City Council Alternate representative, for her strong support for the library over the past four years.

New to the Board are Denise Hawthorne, Denise Hui and Danielle Lemon, recently appointed by Richmond City Council for a two year term. Also returning to the Board is Traci Corr, recently re-appointed by Richmond City Council for a two year term.

Hawthorne is an active volunteer with the Friends of the Richmond Public Library and is passionate about advocating and fundraising for the library. She brings strong process improvement and project oversight skills to the Board.

Hui is an established local realtor with a lengthy history of volunteering in the community, particularly with the BC Children`s Hospital Foundation. She is a life-long library user and an enthusiastic supporter of library services.

Lemon is a corporate and commercial lawyer with a broad range of experience. She also has a passion for local arts, theatre and Indigenous studies, which is reflected in her varied volunteer experience, certifications and education.

Newly elected Board Chair Robin Leung says that the Library Board and staff are looking forward to acting on the community’s feedback, collected during the recent public consultation. The library has a new Strategic Plan which reflects the ideas of the community and will guide the library as it evolves and grows to meet the needs of our unique and diverse community,” says Leung. “There is something for everyone at the library and we are excited to play a key role in helping Richmond residents of all ages to learn and reach their fullest potential.”

“We’re very grateful for the ongoing support of City Council, our community and our dedicated Friends of the Library,” added Leung. “We also appreciate the support of local partners who share our values and work with us to offer unique learning opportunities. Please contact the library if you are interested in becoming a partner of the library yourself or if you wish to volunteer your time.”

Richmond, BC – Celebrate the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present and their contributions to Canada’s history and culture. There will be eight free events and activities offered at the Richmond Cultural Centre and the Richmond Public Library from Friday, February 1 through Saturday, February 16. This year marks the fourth Black History Month in Richmond celebrated by the City and its partners.

The Richmond events for all ages are as follows:

Opening Ceremony

Friday, February 1, 6 to 7:15 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

This opening event features a presentation by Carole Christensen on Blacks in Canada: Acknowledging the Past and the Present to Envision the Future, and a musical performance by Checo Tohomaso and the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir.Richmond Cultural Centre Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate

Art Exhibition

Friday, February 1 to Saturday, February 16 (open during Richmond Cultural Centre opening hours)

This exhibition features artists Akem and Odera Igbokwe as they explore the concepts of identity, culture and representation through their illustration and paintings. Akem’s Mythic Texture focuses on Black people living with joy and adventure as a counter-narrative to the negative images in the media. Odera’s Black History, Present and Afrofuturism explores Black historical figures, legends and mythologies from the African diaspora, and visions of Afrofuturism. The artists will be present at the opening ceremony on Friday, February 1 at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)Richmond Cultural Centre Upper Rotunda Gallery, 7700 Minoru Gate

Reading and Storytelling for Children

Saturday, February 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join presenter Carmencita Lake as she tells stories about the history and contributions of the Black people in Canada.Richmond Public Library Kids Place Program Room, 7700 Minoru Gate

Living our Culture through Art, Dance and Community Events

Saturday, February 2, 2 to 4 p.m.

Discover Black culture through the dance performances of presenter Violet Haas and her dancers from Richmond and throughout the Lower Mainland.Richmond Public Library Community Place Room, 7700 Minoru Gate

Film Screening: Black Panther

Wednesday, February 6, 6:30 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)

Discover why Black Panther is the highest-grossing film of 2018 and why this superhero movie has sparked powerful conversations about Black history and culture.Richmond Cultural Centre Performance Hall, 7700 Minoru Gate

Beyond the Underground Railway; Feature on Viola Desmond

Thursday, February 7, 7 to 9 p.m.

Presented by Carmencita Lake, find out about the development of the Black community and its history in Canada and learn about the life of Viola Desmond, the first woman to appear on a Canadian bank note, and her fight against racial discrimination. There will be a discussion after the presentation.Richmond Public Library Community Place Room, 7700 Minoru Gate

Long Forgotten or Never Known Black Inventors: The Many Cultures within the Black Diaspora

Saturday, February 9, 2 to 4 p.m.

Presenters Ernest Codrington and Wilbur Walrond will introduce a selection of Black inventors and their inventions along with a discussion of the many different cultures that exist within the Black community due to intermarriages, respectively.Richmond Public Library Community Place Room, 7700 Minoru Gate

Book Displays

Friday, February 1 to Thursday, February 28

Open during Richmond Public Library operating hours

Book displays of books highlighting different aspects of Black history will be available for viewing and borrowing at all library branches throughout February.

Richmond Public Library, 7700 Minoru Gate

Background

The House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada in December 1995 following a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. Every February, Black History Month festivities and events celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians to Canadian society.

RICHMOND, B.C. – Richmond Public Library, in partnership with the Lord’s Harvest Fellowship, is offering free Income Tax Clinics to help community members with low income file their income tax returns. The clinics run on Saturdays in March and April at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, located at 7700 Minoru Gate. Participants must pre-register for a session; to do so, call 604-231-6413 or visit the Brighouse Branch 2nd floor Ask Me desk.

To qualify for this free service, single persons must have a maximum income of $35,000 and a couple must have a maximum income of $45,000 plus $2,500 per child. Sessions are 45 minutes per person and couples must sign up for one time slot each.

Trained volunteers will help people with low income to fill in their income tax returns free of charge. Registered participants should remember to bring a government issued ID and all relevant documents such as T4, T5 and Canada Child Benefit slips. All print documents are returned to the taxpayer at the end of their session.

“We are thankful and blessed that the Income Tax Clinic for the past eight years has been extending a helping hand in preparing and filling income taxes for students, seniors, new immigrants and people with modest income in our community,” said Pastor Abe Lagayan, representative of the Lord’s Harvest Fellowship.

Richmond, BC – In partnership with the City of Richmond Public Art Program, Richmond Public Library is excited to be offering its first ever series of Musqueam Artist Workshops at the Brighouse branch. This series encourages cross-cultural exchange and provides hands-on opportunities to learn about Musqueam culture.

Traditional Musqueam Paddles with Martin Sparrow

Martin Sparrow is a carver, traditional coastal performer and fisherman of Musqueam descent. Annually, in the fall, Martin smokes fish in a traditional smoke house. His smoked salmon is purchased worldwide. Martin has many stories of how his art and culture are his medicines for his own personal and community struggles. Martin believes strongly that the Indigenous way and the protection of salmon are good for all. He will host three workshops, running from January into February. Participants will learn about traditional hand-carved paddles and how they are used in cultural rituals and as an everyday tool in Musqueam culture. Participants will learn how to create their own designs and motifs on miniature wooden paddles to take home.

Musqueam Salmon Carving with Richard Campbell

Richard Campbell comes from a family of carvers and is of Musqueam descent. His relatives have all influenced his style of carving. Richard has been carving for 39 years in modern contemporary and Coast Salish style. He contributed to the building of the Coast Salish-style longhouse that is in the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. He will host a series of three workshops throughout March to demonstrate traditional carving techniques at different stages of his creative process. Participants will witness the transformation of a block of wood into a beautiful carved salmon. Richard will share stories and knowledge on the significance of salmon in Musqueam culture, including how it is used and prepared for sustenance and ceremonial purposes.

All workshops are full with a waitlist or nearly full. To find out more about these workshops or to be added to the waitlist for one of the workshops, please visit the library’s event calendar at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar. Stay tuned for more programs exploring Indigenous culture throughout 2019.

These workshops are part of the 2019 Engaging Artists in Community Program for Public Art. The program aims to support artists with socially-oriented practices and encourages the development of a wide variety of collaborative engagements for artists working within communities. Community-based artworks can express a shared goal or theme and provoke dialogue on ideas related to cultural identity, social history or the environment.

Richmond, BC – If you love reading, connecting with local authors and meeting other book lovers, then look no further than the Winter Author Events series, coming this February to Richmond Public Library’s Brighouse branch.

The library welcomes the following authors at four different events, taking place from February 2nd to March 2nd. Come out and support local authors!

Sunday Feb. 32:30 – 4:00pm Pnina Granirer Light within the Shadows: A Painter’s Memoirhttps://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/5c2e6f7c48fd702a00986d06 This lively and moving memoir about the author’s life as an artist, wife and mother begins in Romania, continues in Israel and concludes in North America.

Sunday Feb. 102:30 – 4:00 pm Lillian Boraks-Nemetz Mouth of Truth: Buried Secretshttps://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/5c2e6dc448fd702a00986c47This unique story is about a woman trapped in the vault of family secrets. Forty years after the Second World War, she discovers the truth about her beloved father, who was a Jewish policeman in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Sunday Feb. 10 11:00am – 12:00pm Ellen SchwartzThe Princess Dollshttps://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/5c12cac639612f3e006eedadThe Princess Dolls is a gentle story about friendship set in Vancouver in 1942 and is suitable for ages 8-12. Ellen is a highly acclaimed author of 17 books for young children and teens, including several historical novels dealing with social justice.

Saturday Mar. 22:30 – 4:00 pm Dr. Lawrence Matrick The QuislingRose CuddyReturn of the Jaguar https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/5be5f25cd6fafd2100a701d3The Quisling is a medical thriller about psychiatrist Dr. Zack Scarlatto who becomes involved with a violent Mexican drug cartel.Return of the Jaguar is a political thriller by local author Norman Cuddy, published posthumously by his wife Rose. It’s based on a true story about a massacre of Indigenous peoples that occurred in Mexico in 1997.

All events are free to attend but interested participants must register in advance at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar.