Check out Albert Campbell branch’s eye-catching display highlighting Asian Heritage Month.
As part of Toronto Public Library’s celebration of Pan-Asian culture, Albert Campbell branch hosted a lively workshop on Chinese Brush Painting. Participants learned basic brush strokes and painting techniques from a local artist.
These are some of their artistic masterpieces!
For more information on Toronto Public Library programs celebrating Asian Heritage Month visit the Upcoming Events section of the website, or sign-up for the Toronto Public Library’s Newsletter to receive email notifications on upcoming programs and events at various branches throughout the city.
Are you an aspiring artist, or lover of painting and art? Would you like to learn the ancient and celebrated technique of Chinese Brush Painting? If so, then join us at Albert Campbell branch on Wednesday May 2nd from 2:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon for an interactive workshop in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. Participants will learn the skilled art of Chinese Brush Painting from a local artist, and make their own masterpieces to take home. This program is suitable for teens, adults, and older adults.
Registration is required and space is limited, so make sure to register in advance by visiting the branch or calling 416-396-8890 to reserve your spot!
We are saddened by the sudden death of Toronto Star Sports Reporter Randy Starkman. Randy had a special interest in Canada's young athletes who sacrifice much in order to achieve success at the Olympics. Tributes from athletes and his fellow journalists testify to his devotion to his craft and his subjects.
Kennedy/Eglinton was pleased to host Randy in April 2010 courtesy of the Toronto Star Speakers Bureau. He arrived at the branch, backpack full of laptop, for our evening program after a full day of his own work.
Our audience was small that night, but Randy didn't mind. He spoke informally to a small group which included 5 teens and a young family. He talked about the places he'd been and the athletes he'd met. They enjoyed his stories and he answered a lot of their questions. It was really quite a nice conversation!
He launched the branch's "Keep Toronto Reading" April events, and made the first entry in that year's "travelling journal" He faithfully put it in his backpack and pledged to leave it on the TTC for others to pick up and share their favourite reads.
The best thing about the evening, however, was a connection Randy made with a precocious young lad who was eager to demonstrate his computer skills. He worked one on one with the child for quite a while, trusting him with the laptop, and was impressed with the boy's enthusiasm and talent. Randy was just so interested in what this child was showing him. And this was after his official program ended.
That, I think, is the treasure of Randy Starkman. He was interested in people, their lives and their journeys. And, I think, he had a real desire to see success in the people he met and the athletes whose lives he covered for the Star. One of those athletes, paddler Adam van Koeverden, this week shared his memories of Randy in the Star.
It is the mandate of a public library to welcome all within its walls. People meet, engage, and create within those walls.The young lad who so engaged Randy that night hasn't been back to the branch for a while. People come and people go, but they often leave a lasting impression on us. The young lad did so, and so did Randy Starkman. That's, to us at the branch, his legacy. He was a great guy who considered his work a vocation. We will think of him at Kennedy/Eglinton with affection and respect. Much respect.
Spring is the traditional time for romance. People meet, their stars collide, they fall in love and live happily ever after. Right? Ha! Really, romance is a complicated thing. In the spring and all the seasons, for young and old alike.
May's Movies, with Marie feature four films with really, serious complications.
Hannah and Her Sisters
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Persuasion
Crimes and Misdmeanors
We bookend the month with two serious but funny Woody Allen films. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) is all about Elliot's (Michael Caine) mid-life crisis of confidence and fidelity.
Crimes and Misdemeanours (1989) is about Judah Rosenthal (Martin Landau), an apparently successful opthamologist who is conflicted about his infidelity with the needy Dolores - Anjelica Huston in a stunning performance. Jerry Orbach, Sam Waterston and Claire Bloom figure prominently in Judah's moral journey. This film features the best one-line analysis ever of what makes something funny.
Woody Allen began his career as a standup comic before he turned to film directing. The film critic Richard Schickel sat down with Woody Allen in 2002 for a long, long conversation. Borrow the book.Woody Allen A Life In Film
And if you want to explore Woody's wit in writing, Mere Anarchy, 2007 and Getting Even, 1978 are grand introductions that will make you chuckle out loud.
But wait! Do you think love got complicated only with Woody Allen? Wrong, wrong, wrong. Love affairs have been fraught with interruptions, interference and complications for ever and ever - and everywhere too!
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954, Stanley Donen) is a rip-roaring yarn with a bit of Biblical inspiration featuring handsome Howard Keel, joyful Jane Powell and a whole lot of dancing, singing and even - even an avalanche!
There's also an amazing barn-raising sequence in this film, which of course is highlighted by dancing and singing. The director Stanley Donen is legend in Hollywood for the most magnificent of 1950s musicals. Read more about Donen and his achievements: Dancing On The Ceiling
Persuasion (1995, Roger Michell) is perhaps the most sentimental of our four May films. It resonates with strong, independent single women who have made (or have had made for them) decisions about life, love and destiny. Time, geography, war and poverty are just some of the obstacles in the way of Captain Wentworth and the plain (but very smart) Anne Elliot. Jane Austen's amazing novel Persuasion has been oft-adapted for the screen. This version with Ciaran Hinds as the dark and sullen Captain Wentworth
starts and ends (literally) on the sea. Persuasion addresses questions of unconditional love over time and geography, when people can communicate only through letter writing. Who loves more ardently, more long-lastingly? Men? Women?
Handwritten letters feature prominently in this film. Remember the art of writing a really, really good letter? Remind yourself by borrowing For The Love Of Letters, then try writing one yourself!
Can love really conquer all? Maybe. Find out Fridays at 2pm, Kennedy/Eglinton. Bring a snack, bring a friend. We'll supply the romance. And tissues!
On April 14, 1912 the unthinkable occurred when the RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the ocean killing 1517 passengers and crew members. This April is the 100 year anniversary of the disaster, and to commemorate the event Albert Campbell branch will be hosting a lively lecture with award-winning writer Hugh Brewster who will be discussing his new bookRMS Titanic: Gilded Lives on a Fatal Voyage.
Join us for this event on Tuesday April 10, 2012 at 7:00pm at Albert Campbell Library
March Break was beautiful in the Kennedy/Eglinton neighbourhood, even inside our little branch. Children’s entertainers Cindy Cook (from the Polka Dot Door) and Doug Barr delighted over 100 family members in dynamic and fun programs. But, the best of all events at the branch during the break was our inaugural IFY@KE Young Writer’s Workshop on March 15. Now, you know, it was an absolutely GORGEOUS day out, and even though six people had registered, we weren’t sure if anyone would come out of the daylight and into the branch. Writer Kristyn Dunnion engaged, enlightened and inspired 8 youth with mind-stretching exercises and lots of tips and tricks. Ideas flowed freely, experiences were shared and best of all the participants had a great time. Wow! It was an amazing night! Kennedy/Eglinton has three more IFY@KE workshops scheduled. April 5 focuses on Newsletter and Blog writing with Mabel Ho . April 19 is all about poetry with accomplished author and poet Lillian Necakov-Avalos. The final workshop on May 17 will focus on writing in Manga style and format. All the workshops are free. Youth between 13 and 19 can register by emailing Brennan at bheath@tropicanacommunity.org. Or, call the ProTech Lab in the Kennedy/Eglinton Branch at 647-345-1448. Or, just drop in to the branch and tell register in person. There is always room for youth at Kennedy/Eglinton Branch!
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year. It is a time to celebrate and remember the meaningful contributions and achievements of women all over the world.
-Albert Campbell branch's book display highlighting International Women's Day
In honour of International Women’s Day this year, I have decided to learn more about a strong and influential woman that I admire by reading Sheila Copps’ autobiography Worth Fighting For. I have always had an interest in Canadian politics, and growing up in the 1990s I remember Sheila’s career as a Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party of Canada. It takes a strong character to survive a career in politics, especially if you are a woman, and I look forward to reading about Sheila’s thoughts and experiences as an influential Canadian politician.
For anyone else who is interested in joining me in reading about an inspiring woman, the following is a list of biographies available at Albert Campbell branch of notable women in history.
Albert Campbell branch’s After School Newcomer Hub is hosting an exciting fencing program for children and teens ages 7 and up. Participants will learn the basics of this fun and challenging sport from varsity fencing coaches at the University of Toronto.
Did you know that fencing is one of the oldest sports, dating back to the 12th century! The sport has also been featured in every modern Olympic Games.
There are 3 main fencing weapons which are:
Foil- a light weapon that targets the torso
Sabre- a light weapon that is used in a cutting or thrusting motion to target the entire body above the waist
Epee- a heavier weapon used in a thrusting motion to target the entire body
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing for the program and don’t be worried about hurting yourself or others. Child safe equipment will be provided for this introductory course.
Where: The Auditorium at Albert Campbell branch
When: Tuesday March 13, 2012 from 5:00-7:00pm
Ages: 7 and up
For more information, visit the branch or call 416-396-8890.
Before you explore this post, you have to promise yourself to read all the way to the end. Join me on a little journey.
The art of mural making has been with us since cave dwellers carved visual stories on walls. People have a long history of using public space to share their stories. Here’s an example:
Artists and regular people tell stories about themselves, their community and their own experience. John Abrams’ recent work at the Cameron House is both eye-catching and thought-provoking:
Are you still reading? Have the images grabbed your attention? What's your reaction to this art?
Writing and drawing on walls is kind of subversive, right? Right? Hmmm... Political, artistic, and legal issues around graffiti as art or vandalism are hot topics right now in Toronto. The City of Toronto even has a “Graffiti Management Plan” http://www.toronto.ca/graffiti. A City program called StART (Street Art Toronto) has emerged out of that plan. This program supports street art and increases awareness of the beauty and character that street art brings to neighbourhoods.
Telling and listening to stories in a public space makes people more aware of their surroundings and their neighbours. It builds relationships and breaks down barriers. Scarborough’s own Mural Routes www.muralroutes.com works with residents to create beauty and art in otherwise dreary places. And a lot of stories get shared. Here’s a sample of what they've been doing since 2010. http://www.thestar.com/yourcitymycity/article/859554--a-toronto-bridge-becomes-a-symbol-of-hope
In 2011 Kennedy/Eglinton Branch partnered with Mural Routes for an 8 week program called “Leadership in Mural Making”. Young artists met weekly at the branch with Mural Routes staff and community artists to hone their skills and learn about the “business” of being a serious artist. The branch hosted an exhibition of their work at the end of the session.
This was the first public exhibition of work for many of the youth
Here are some wonderful pieces that emerged from this program. The artists produced work large:
and small
What makes graffiti different from a mural? What makes a mural so cool? What kind of planning goes into a mural and just how does it all come together on a public space? Find out at Kennedy/Eglinton this spring as we partner up again with Mural Routes to offer an 8 week program called “Introduction to Mural Arts".
We’re hosting a Mural Routes Open House on Thursday March 22 at 6:30. You’re invited. Yes. You. Meet up with our Mural Routes friends. Find out more about the program. The program begins on Saturday April 14 at Kennedy/Eglinton branch. It is open to people 14 to 99; and open to all skill levels. For more information contact Marie Belanger mbelanger@torontopubliclibrary.ca (416-396-8924) or Jen Fabico jen@muralroutes.com (416-698-7995). Jen will answer you on Twitter if you tweet @MuralRoutes. Explore the creation of art in a public space. Expand, explore and make your statement!
Albert Campbell branch has been fortunate in attracting excellent volunteers to its Leading to Reading program. One of these volunteers, Shane MacKinnon, will be receiving a TPL Years of Service Award in recognition of his dedication to the Leading to Reading program.
Shane MacKinnon has been a volunteer for the Leading to Reading program for seven years. His initial interest in volunteering at the library was to gain experience working with children and share his love of reading. Since becoming a volunteer, Shane has worked with six students helping them improve their literacy and reading skills. When asked to share his advice for new volunteers, Shane’s advice is simple - listen to the student and let them have a say in what is being covered in the session. With a supportive and encouraging attitude like this, it is no wonder Shane has had such a positive experience with the Leading to Reading program!
The Albert Campbell District Blog is an online resource and place where you can access information related to the Albert Campbell, Eglinton Square, McGregor Park, and Kennedy Eglinton branches. It will feature reading recommendations, information on new titles and resources in the branches, special events and programs, as well as other information of interest to you. We encourage you to make this blog an interactive space by replying and commenting on posts and by subscribing to the RSS feature which allows you to receive blog updates without having to search for them.
