The Lucky Winners of our Christmas Raffle!

Congratulations to the winners of the Friends of the Library's Christmas Raffle!

• 1st Prize:  Linda Hunt was the winner of the fabulous gift basket from Mrs. McGarrigle's (value $350).
• 2nd Prize: Chris Walker was the winner of the charming rustic loveseat from Applegarth Arbour Studios (value $300)
• 3rd Prize:  Andrea Struthers was the winner of the $50 gift certificate from Elements Bistro

The Friends of the Library are pleased to announce that the Raffle raised $1770 for library programs and projects!

Thank You to everyone who purchased tickets in support of the Library, and Thank You to

Janet Campbell (Mrs. McGarrigle's),

Jan Schryburt (Applegarth Arbour Studios),

Karen Brule (Elements Bistro)

who so generously donated these prizes.

Off the Shelf welcomes The Giocoso Strings - Dec. 12

Off the Shelf, our popular story-reading series, returns Mon., Dec. 12 at a special time - 7:00 pm - for a Christmas-themed evening of readings - and music!

Members of Theatre Night in Merrickville will be sharing favourite seasonal short stories and poetry for adults and older children. This month's readers are Brian Fitzpatrick, Martin Green, and Alyson Reid. To make the evening extra-special, TNIM is delighted to welcome The Giocoso Strings to the program. The Giocoso Strings, a popular Merrickville string "quartet plus", will be playing a selection of favourite Christmas music and carols.

As always, Off the Shelf is held at the Library. Light seasonal refreshments will be available. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated. Space is limited and sure to fill up fast - reserve your seat today (613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca).

Christmas Raffle - Get your tickets now!

Your chance for the perfect Christmas gift! Buy a ticket in the Friends of the Library’s Christmas Raffle!

This year there are 3 great prizes to be won:

• 1st Prize - a gift basket and gift certificate (total value $350) from Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop
• 2nd Prize - a Rustic Loveseat (value $300) from Applegarth Arbours Studio
• 3rd Prize - a gift certificate (value $50) from Elements Bistro.

Tickets are $2 each / 3 for $5, and are available at Mrs. McGarrigle's and the Library.
The draw will be held on Thurs., Dec. 15th at 11:00am at Mrs. McGarrigle’s.

Treat yourself and support your library!  Someone’s going to win – why not you?!

Thank you to Mrs. McGarrigle’s, Applegarth Arbours Studio, and Elements Bistro for so generously donating these wonderful prizes.

"Read to Every Kid Every Day" is back!

The Read to Every Kid Every Day campaign is back for its 3rd year!

The premise behind this award-winning program (a joint effort of libraries, OEYCs and other children’s agencies across Leeds & Grenville) is simple: Reading to children from the earliest age contributes to greater success in school and in life - and it's fun.

Based on the idea of “Canada Reads”, parents/caregivers read the 10 selected picture books to their children (books available at Merrickville Public Library, as well as other libraries and OEYCs).  Then the kids vote for their favourite! 

This year's 10 titles promote key skills for reading success, as well as being lots of fun to read.

• Bear Snores On  (Karma Wilson)
• Big Bear Hug  (NIcholas Oldland)
• Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers  (Laura Numeroff)
• I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean  (Kevin Sherry)
• The Little Mouse, the Ripe Red Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear (Audrey Wood)
• Pete's a Pizza  (William Steig)
• Pinkalicious  (Victoria Kann)
• Rhyming Dust Bunnies  (Jan Thomas)
• Sing a Song of Mother Goose  (Barbara Reid)
• Wiggle  (Doreen Cronin)

Contest runs until January 20, 2012.

The winning book will be announced on Family Literacy Day, January 27. 

Contact the Library (613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca) for more information.

Halloween Fun at the Library!

Halloween Howl 

Join us Sat., Oct. 29 at 10:00 am

for a Halloween story & music program

featuring stories, rhythm instruments, songs,

lots of audience participation, and a snack! 

Fun for ages 10 & under (& a parent).
Please call or email to register (613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca ).

Get Library Updates by Email or RSS

Missed hearing about a great Library Program?
Want to know what New Books have arrived?

You can now get automatic email or RSS feed notification of Updates to our Library Blogs:

• What's Happening (upcoming programs & events)
• New Books
• Teen Book Blog

It's easy!  Just go to the blog and scroll down the left-hand menu to the "Follow by Email"  or "Subscribe" (for RSS) links.  You can also share our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

eBook & eAudiobook Seminar - Oct. 15

The library will be holding a free seminar on eBooks & eAudiobooks on Sat. Oct. 15 at 10:00am, to be followed by a drop-in technical support Q&A at 11:00am. 

The seminar gives an introduction to the libraryʼs eBook & eAudiobook services, and will cover how you can borrow them through the library's website and how to transfer them to eBook readers, iPods, and other portable devices. Patrons who are already familiar with these services are invited to stop by for the following drop-in question and answer hour for help with any questions or technical problems.

eBooks and eAudiobooks are growing in popularity; come find out how to get them @ your library . Visit the library's website and see the large collection available through OverDrive & Ebscohost, two of the many eResources being offered at the Library through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

New - Museum of Nature Passes!

The Library is excited to announce that we now have Family Passes to the

Canadian Museum of Nature. 

Family passes allow 5 people (max. 2 adults) to visit the museum for free. 
Members can borrow a pass for 1 week.

The Library continues to offer passes to:

• The Canadian Museum of Civilizaton
• The Canadian Museum of Science and Technology
• The Canadian War Museum
• and the local  history museums of the Ottawa Museum Network

Contact the library for more information
(613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca)

Homework eResources demos this fall!

The library is offering demos and tutorials of the homework eResources available on our website in September and October. 

Researching your school assignments has never been easier!
Contact the library for your login to access from home or anywhere – you’ll be glad you did! 

We have easy-to-use online encyclopedias, reference books & magazine/newspaper collections for all grade levels, K-12 (& French language).

Take a look!
For Elementary Students:  (see our Kids' Page)
TumbleBooks/TumbleReadables:
Animated picture books kids can listen to, or read along with - plus read-along books for all reading levels.

PebbleGo:
225+ animals and science topics. Written for emerging readers, articles include narrated text and video clips.

KidsInfoBits:
Easy-to-read, full-text content on a variety of subjects from reference sources & magazines.

World Book Online:
Includes full-text encyclopedia, multimedia, games and activities.
-also available in French - World Book Decouverte!

Canada in Context:
Reference, magazines & more covering many subjects - with a focus on Canadian topics.

The Canadian Encyclopedia:
A first source for information on all Canadian topics for students. 

World Book Discover:
A collection of resources for differentiated learning including read-aloud, text translation, video, and clear, easy-to-read information.

For High School Students:  (see our Teen Page)
Canada in Context:
Reference, magazines & more covering a variety of subjects - with a focus on Canadian topics. 

Canadian Points of View:
Essays & articles take opposing view-points on a variety of controversial issues.

Literature Resource Centre:
Great for literature courses. Includes overviews, critical essays, author biographies.

Teen Health & Wellness:
Covers physical, mental, & social health topics. Informative & easy to use for school or personal interest.

Virtual Reference Library:
E-versions of reference books in a variety of subjects.

Career Cruising:
Excellent resource for "Careers" class or to plan your future. 

Grzmek's Animal Life: Multi-media animal encyclopedia - includes habitats & more.

World Book Online:
Includes encyclopedia, multimedia, e-book, and primary source databases, fully integrated in a single search.

The Canadian Encyclopedia:
A comprehensive first source for information on all Canadian topics for students.

TumbleBooks help struggling readers!

If your child is having difficulties with reading, try TumbleBooks or TumbleReadables (with books for older kids) - the links are on our kids page:

http://village.merrickville-wolford.on.ca/mpl/kids.html

The June edition of School Library Journal has a great article on how a school used Tumblebooks with emergent readers, with remarkable results.

The students using Tumblebooks leapt ahead of their peers. Last November, three months after starting the project, the average fluency rate for the Tumblebook group was 23 percentage points higher than that of the control group. Students using the ebooks had moved from a Lexile level of K to M. By January, the entire group of children in the ebook program had achieved fluency to the point that they were "exited" from her pull-out sessions and integrated back into their regular classrooms. It took the control group two months longer.

She credits the success to the ebooks' ability to narrate the story, while allowing students to feel like they're in control of what and when they read. "When students repeatedly have a strong model of fluency, the more they hear that, the better they get it".

Brenda Carter Memorial Art Workshop this Saturday!

As part of the library's TD Summer Reading Club, the Library will be holding a double Art Workshop for Kids in memory of internationally-renowned local artist Brenda Carter. The art workshops will run on

Sat. July 23

10:30 in the morning for kids 4 - 8 years old  

1:00 in the afternoon for kids 9 years & up.

Tying into this year's Reading Club's theme “Splash - Celebrate Summer”, local artist Debbie Alexander will lead the morning workshop in painting an underwater mural to hang in the library - and yes, there will be finger-painting! In the afternoon workshop, the older kids can join Debbie to learn to make origami sea creatures to decorate our mural and take home.

Register at 613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca - space is limited!

Summer Reading Fun @ the Library!

Calling all kids to our

Splash - Celebrate Summer!

TD Summer Reading Club!

Kids joining the Club receive a poster, activity book, and stickers!

Enter one of our summer prize draws for each book you read - plus fish for a reading reward when you return your books! Collect all 9 stickers by the end of the summer and win a poster.

Visit our “Club House” anytime for fun with board games, puzzles, & a puppet theatre - and to pick up more books!

Reading Club Programs and Activities:

Join us for crafts & activities related to our reading program on Thursday afternoons (1:00 – 2:30 pm) - starting July 7. Activities include underwater crafts (yes, sharks!), chalk drawing, water gun play, a sailboat visit, a beach party, and a special nature program with Andrea Howard.

Can't make it on Thursdays? The library has these other special programs in July (contact the library to register):

Juice Jam:
Join us for a Juice Jam music program with Polly Beach on Sat. July 9, at 10:00 am. Songs, rhythm instruments, lots of audience participation, and a snack for ages 9 and under.

Brenda Carter Memorial Art Workshop for Kids:
As part of our summer program, the Library will be holding a double Art Workshop for Kids in memory of artist Brenda Carter on Sat. July 23!
In our morning workshop at 10:30, Debbie Alexander will lead kids 8 and under in painting an underwater mural to hang in the library - and yes, there will be finger-painting!
In our afternoon workshop at 1:00, kids 9 and up can join Debbie to learn to make origami sea creatures to decorate our mural and take home.
Register early - space is limited!

StoryTime:
StoryTime for ages 6 and under (and a parent/caregiver) continues through the summer! July 8 will be our monthly ToddlerTime. Themes for July are: Picnics, Summer, Fish, and Trees!

Summer reading programs have been shown to preserve and enhance literacy skills over the summer - they encourage kids to read for pleasure and develop the reading habit. The TD Summer Reading Club is an annual program sponsored by the Toronto Dominion Financial Group.

Join the Search for Alien Life - @ the Library

Ever wonder if we are alone in the universe? Join us for "Are We Alone?": the Search for Alien Life, a presentation by Frank Hitchins, area resident and long-time space enthusiast, on Mon. June 20, 7:00 pm at the Library.

This fascinating presentation explores how we are looking for life elsewhere in the universe, and is suitable for adults and older children. There is no charge for this event, but contact the library (613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca ) to reserve your seat.

New Program - Off the Shelf

Who says stories are just for kids? Don't miss Off the Shelf: Stories for Grown-ups on Monday, June 13 at 7:30 pm. 

Off the Shelf, a presentation by Theatre Night in Merrickville in conjunction with the Library, features readers sharing captivating short stories and poetry for your listening pleasure. Join us at the library as stories are brought to life by our readers: Martin Green, Heddy Sorour, & John Mundy! 

This is the first of what we hope will be an ongoing monthly series. Refreshments will be available. There is no charge, although donations will be gratefully accepted. 

Contact the library (613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca ) to reserve your seat, as space is limited.

Adopt-a-Book Fundraiser in June!

The Friends of the Library

are holding their

Adopt-a-Book campaign

June 13-18. 

The library is asking you to help add new books to our shelves by sponsoring one of our selected titles, or the next book by a favourite author, for the library. 

Tax receipts will be given, and a bookplate with the donor’s name (or other name of your choice) will be inserted in each book – plus, you can be the first one to check it out! 

The library has a variety of books for adults, kids & teens, with a range of prices, waiting to be added to the collection.  Drop by and take a look!

Our last Adopt-a-Book in 2008 was a great success – we hope for your support this time. 

For more information, contact the library (613-269-3326 or merickville_library@bellnet.ca )

Library's Annual Report now Online

Did you know that visits to the Merrickville Library and checkouts of books & other media increased 4% in 2010? 

Did you know that library use has been increasing for the last 5 years? 

Did you know that the library received provincial funding for collections, e-resources and accessible technology? 

Find out more in the library's 2010 Annual Report, now available on our website:

http://village.merrickville-wolford.on.ca/mpl/AnnualReport.pdf .

Easter Hours

The Library will be Closed on Good Friday (Apr. 22) and Easter Monday (Apr. 25), but will be Open at our regular hours on Sat. Apr. 23.

Pick up a book or movie to enjoy with your Easter chocolate!

StoryTime in April!

Join us for StoryTime - Friday mornings at 10:00(ish).  Note: StoryTime will be cancelled on Apr. 22 for Good Friday.

StoryTime is for ages 6 and under plus a parent or caregiver. We have stories, songs, rhymes, rhythm instruments, and a simple craft - including "Every Child Ready to Read" programming to promote pre-literacy skills.

The first Friday of the month (Apr. 1) continues to be a special StoryTime for toddlers - all children are will always be welcome, but we'll be doing stories and activities of special interest for 1 & 2 year olds.

StoryTime is a great way to introduce your child to books and develop literacy skills in a fun & relaxed atmosphere. New StoryTimers are always welcome! For more information, contact the library (613-269-3326).

Themes for April:
Apr. 1 - Toddler Time - Bunnies
Apr. 8 - Easter
Apr. 15 - More Easter
Apr. 22 - StoryTime Cancelled for Good Friday
Apr. 29 - Spring 

Book Clubs in April!

The Merrickville Library Readers Book Club meets the 2nd Tues. of the month.
Next Meeting: April 12 at 10 am.
April's book: The Jade Peony (Wayson Choy).

The Library Bookworms Book Club meets the last Mon. of the month.
Next meeting: May 2 at 6:30 pm.
(rescheduled due to Easter Monday)
April's book: The Reader (Bernhard Schlink).

New members welcome!
For more information, contact the Librarian 613-269-3326
or use our email link (above).

Library Now More Accessible!

Accessible Computer Workstation:
The library has recently added a computer workstation with a variety of accessible features including a larger monitor, a keyboard with easier to read keys, a large track ball, a screen reader,a screen magnifier, and an adjustable-height desk.

CNIB Partners Program: 
The library is also now in partnership with the CNIB to assist people with print disabilities in accessing DAISY audiobooks and magazines. The library has a DAISY player available for short-term loan to allow people to try them out. Free software is also available to play DAISY audiobooks on your computer. Anyone who is has difficulty with reading print due to a vision, physical, or learning disability is eligible for this service. Contact the library for more information.

Text to Audio (or Large Print):
The library now also has a new Read-It Scholar - it quickly scans and magnifies or converts any text document into audio or large print format. Contact the library for more information.

March Break Fun at the Library!

Take a (March) Break at the Library:
Bring your kids & their friends to the Library during March Break - for a day trip without leaving the village! Check out our new kids' books, enjoy our new Early Literacy computer featuring games and TumbleBooks narrated picture books (also available at home from our website's Kids page), or visit our March Break “Fun Corner” - with board games, puzzles, and a puppet theatre.

March Break Activities:
Or come to one of our fun March Break activities. Contact the library at 613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca to register.

Juice Jam:
Join Polly Beach for Juice Jam on Sat., Mar. 12 at 10:00 am – a music program featuring simple songs, rhythm instruments, lots of audience participation, and a snack! Juice Jam is fun for preschoolers & primary graders (& a parent).

Brenda Carter Memorial Art Workshop for Kids:
Join Debbie Alexander on Tues., Mar. 15 at 1:30 pm to make a beautiful Winter Playground collage! Ages 5 and up.

Captain Underpants Fun:
Join Tia Lutes & Shelby Brown on Thurs, Mar. 17 at 1:30 pm for games & activities all about everyone's favourite superhero "Captain Underpants". Pre-shrunk & cottony fun for kids aged 5-12.

Dont'forget...
Museum Passes:
A museum visit is a great March Break family activity! The library lends free family passes to the Museum of Civilization, the Canadian Science and Technology Museum and more. Contact the library for more information.

StoryTime in March!

Join us for StoryTime - Friday mornings at 10:00(ish).

StoryTime is for ages 6 and under plus a parent or caregiver. We have stories, songs, rhymes, rhythm instruments, and a simple craft - including "Every Child Ready to Read" programming to promote pre-literacy skills.

The first Friday of the month (Mar. 4) continues to be a special StoryTime for toddlers - all children are will always be welcome, but we'll be doing stories and activities of special interest for 1 & 2 year olds.

StoryTime is a great way to introduce your child to books and develop literacy skills in a fun & relaxed atmosphere. New StoryTimers are always welcome! For more information, contact the library (613-269-3326).

Themes for March:
Mar. 4 - Toddler Time - Big & Little
Mar. 11 - The Circus
Mar. 18 - Reptiles
Mar. 25 - Bathtime

Book Clubs in March!

The Merrickville Library Readers Book Club meets the 2nd Tues. of the month.
Next Meeting: Mar. 8 at 10 am.
March's book: Twelve Weeks in Spring (June Callwood).


The Library Bookworms Book Club meets the last Mon. of the month.
Next meeting: Mar. 28 at 6:30 pm
February's books: Family Matters (Rohinton Mistry).

New members welcome!
For more information, contact the Librarian 613-269-3326
or use our email link (above).

Welcome to our New Website!

The Library is pleased to launch our new website. Let us know what you think.

Now it's even easier to:
Check for Upcoming Events & New Books!
Find out about the Library's Services!
Search the Library's Catalogue or use our Online eResources!

The library has recently added several new eResources (see below) thanks to funding from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism & Culture. Contact the library for your personal login.

New resources include:
Tumblebooks Library - online narrated picture books for kids & related games - includes French and other languages. Also includes read-along early readers and chapter books and audiobooks for kids and adults. Fun for kids and a great resource to enhance literacy skills and for homeschoolers. No login required.

New Homework E-Resources include:
World Book Online - enhanced online encyclopedia for kids and adults. Also available in French & a format for struggling readers.
PebbleGo - fun database covering animals and science for grades K - 3. All information is written for the emergent reader (with optional audio narration) and lots of video clips.
Literature Reference Centre - excellent resource for literary and dramatic works for high school and up. A great place to research English assignments!

New E-Resources of interest to adults include:
Novelist - find read-alikes for your favourite authors!
Consumer Health Complete - excellent resource with reliable information on health conditions/procedures, drugs, alternative treatments & more - includes reference books, health magazines, fact sheets/pamphlets, video clips, etc. Also in French.
Chilton Library- a great database of auto repair manuals and info.
Home Improvement Collection (joining our Culinary Arts & Gardening/Landscaping databases).

Winner announced - Read to Every Kid!

We have a winner in this year's Read to Every Kid Every Day Contest!

The children of Leeds & Grenville have voted for

What Color is Your Underwear? by Sam Lloyd.

This book and the other 9 titles are available at the library.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest this year! 

Join us again in October to vote for next year's favourite!

Celebrate Family Literacy Day

Join us for

Play for Literacy Stories & Games

on Sat., Jan. 29 at 10:00 am

celebrating Family Literacy Day.

The library's Play for Literacy fun will start with stories from the Read to Every Kid contest - including this year's winner, followed with a selection of board and card games for families to play together!

Attendance is free, but interested families are asked to register with the library (613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca). In addition to the stories and games for a variety of ages, there will be handouts for the kids and refreshments. If you can't make it for 10:00, don't worry - the games will be available to play all day long!

Who doesn’t love to play games?  Family Literacy Day is all about brushing up on your literacy skills in fun and different ways!  Play for Literacy includes all types of play that encourages literacy and numeracy development as well as comprehension skills, such as board games, card games and more. Engaging in play-centered activities such as board games, card games and self-created games are all fun ways you can improve literacy skills with your children.

Family Literacy Day, held annually on Jan. 27, was created by ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation in 1999 to promote the importance of reading and learning together as a family all year round. For more information, visit ABC Canada’s website: www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca .

Update on Online Resources

The library is getting new online resources, for homework and more
- and a new webpage!

However, during our switchover, you may find that a few of the resources on our current webpage no longer work.  We apologize for the inconvenience. 
Please contact the library (613-269-3326 or merrickville_library@bellnet.ca) if the database you are interested in is not working, and we may be able to help you.

Look for our new website & new resources, including: 

               World Book Online

                Tumblebooks

                Chilton Auto Repair

                Novelist Reader's Advisory

...coming in February!