Barbara Frum District Blog

Fines can be Fine

                    
 
Oh yes, I totally get it – nobody likes spending more money than they need to;  I’ll be the first one to tell you that.  I know some of you are thinking, “touché and true-say to that brother.”   Sometimes though, fines can be a good thing that benefits everybody, including you!

In recent months, I’ve been getting calls from our members about library fines: some accepting the responsibility of being late, while others are troubled by the concept.  Let’s talk about it for a moment.

Envision a library without a fines collection program, what would it look like?  For starters, people would not have a reason to return borrowed materials on time.  Library materials would be held onto longer than they should be and it would be very difficult to predict when they would be returned to the library so the next person could benefit.  How does that affect you as a borrower?  The pool of published resources that Toronto values would be less accessible, disorganized, and outright inefficient... scary isn't it?

So the next time you incur fines, remember the bigger picture and keep in mind that fines collected ensure the integrity of YOUR library.  Above all, fines are reinvested to improve library services to better serve you.

If you still don't welcome the idea, be sure to return your library items on time... here are some tips on how to avoid fines and pay them if you get to that point.

                    

Here Comes the Bride

It’s already May which means that wedding season is upon us.  Chances are that you are taking part in a wedding this summer.  I know I've already been invited to 4 and am expecting a few more invitations to show up in my mailbox.  Having planned a big wedding already once in my life, these days I’d much rather attend as a guest.  But I find that the best way to get my wedding fix is to read about them (it's much cheaper).  If you love weddings as much as I do, here are some suggestions of fun bridal literature. 

         

         

Getting Over the Cognitive Gap

I said this before and I say it with confidence again – Information is powerful.  Whether we realize it or not, we use information to solve our problems.  Librarians and information professionals like to call the absence of information in the wake of a problem a ‘cognitive gap.’

Here is a classic example of the dissolution of a cognitive gap at the library reference desk.  By the way, this is a very true story that has happened several times.

An elderly lady approaches me at the reference desk.  Before saying anything, the expression on her face reads exhaustion, confusion and melancholia.  It is clear that she is not feeling well.  When she begins to ask her question, it is also clear that she is having a hard time finding the words to speak, so I ask her the simple question, “How are you?”

I discovered that her life-time partner, friend and husband passed away and she needed support materials to help her deal with grief.  So I asked her if she is looking for personal stories, psychology/self-help books, and social support groups.  Her facial expression appeared instantly brighter as if she saw a glimmer of light nearby.  Although she did not say it, I could tell that she was fascinated by all the information and social supports available for her.  It was almost as if she knew the materials were there to help her cross the ‘cognitive gap’ so she could restore her well-being.

By the way, she comes to visit ever so often to remind me how grateful she is.  She even participates in our senior programs and has met some new people in the neighbourhood.  Here are some books that touched her:

             

It's beginning to look a lot like... summer?

    The weather might not indicate it, yet, but summer isn’t that far away.  There’s no time like the present to start thinking about summer vacation.

 Whether you’re planning a trip to the other side of the world, staying in North America, or just staying close to home this year – a staycation – we can help.

 For the world travellers, the Library has books, dvds and magazines to help you plan your trip.  You can look for information on where to go, what to do when you arrive, where to shop, what restaurants to visit, what museums you might find there, and lots of other information.  And if you would like to learn some phrases in other languages, we can help with that, too, with kits and phrasebooks.

 

                                    

 

Some people want to do more on their vacation than just relax and enjoy the sights.  Check out information on employment in foreign countries, employment for travelers, and books about what to do in your gap year.

                    

 What if you are staying within North America, perhaps even within Canada?  The Library has guidebooks for here, too!  Plus, you can find information on hiking, camping, biking, etc.

                        

 Perhaps you won’t be going much further than your own backyard – not a problem!  The Library has information on enjoying your deck – even how to build one if you don’t have one!  We can also help with information on landscaping, barbecues, picnics and more.

                    

 Summer is really all about the kids, isn’t it?  The Library will once again be offering the Summer Reading Program.  This year’s theme is “Imagine!” and there will be programs at almost every branch. 

 Above all – enjoy every day – there’s no shortage of things to do!

The order of books: Dewey Decimal System, the 000's

I previously introduced you to The order of books: Dewey Decimal System and was going to explain in detail the 10 main classes (000 - 900) that make up the Dewey Decimal System. Let's begin with the 000's, what we call 'Generalities'- or general works.

Items in this section have many different subjects including computers, computer science, programming, and general information on unusual and unexplained topics such as UFOs, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and alien encounters. Books recently received at Barbara Frum in the 000s include:

          

You can place a hold on any of the books above or come visit our Generalities section, the 000s and explore what we have. Next up is the 100s - Philosophy & Psychology.

Almost spring - time for cleaning and redecorating and...

When the days start to warm up, we like to open the doors and windows and let in the fresh air.  But all that sunshine also shows where we might want to clean, and some of us are ready to redecorate our homes.  So, let's get started!

Quick and easy curb appeal

Just clean enough                                               Organized simplicity

                                                                         

  

                                                             

 Now that your house is clean, maybe you want to do some renovations or redecorating.  We have lots of resources to help you.

Kitchens the smart approach to design                  Dream rooms

                                                         

Guy spaces : a guide to defining a man's personal space

The smart approach to kids' rooms                                                                    
                                                                                
    
Remember that we also have magazines filled with many more ideas, e.g.  Better Homes & Gardens, Canadian House & Home, Elle Decor, Family Handyman, House Beautiful, Interior Design, and Style at Home.

And there are dvds to help you with home renovation projects, as well.  Come on in and check us out.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Oscars to the Caregiving Experience

I watched the Oscars last night, and I must say that I was star struck by all the Hollywood glam – both the dressed-to-kill garments and the comicality of the event.

Underneath the opulent show pieces, the awards ceremony honoured the elements involved in creating a good film.  Acting, cinematography, music, costumes, and directing are all things that make a movie unbelievably memorable.

I was personally waiting for the announcement of the winner for Best Foreign Language Film.  Each year, participating countries from around the world submit an entry to compete for the award.  Canada made the shortlist of nominees for both 2011 and 2012.  Last year, Canadian submission "The Incendies (2010)," was edged out by Danish film, “In a Better World (2010).” A similar fate was announced yesterday, as "Monsieur Lazhar (2011)" lost to Iranian hit film production, “A Separation (2011).”

I saw A Separation last week and I must admit that it was a well-deserved victory.  The film reminded me about the impact of caregiving.   The main protagonist, Nader, did everything he could to provide care for his deteriorating father who suffers from Alzheimer’s.  As his father becomes increasingly ill, Nadir becomes pressured to ensure his health and safety, but in doing so, becomes forgetful, flustered and distressed.

The film brings to light some of the cultural, social and health issues faced by the caregiver.  An interesting study in 2007 conducted by Statistics Canada surveyed Canadians to investigate ‘how caregivers manage’ caring for seniors. Survey results suggest that elder care tends to be provided by close family members (and other family and friends when needed) and significantly less through institutional care. The study also confirms that caregiving duties have consequences that impact the caregivers’ work, health and family.

Understanding and celebrating the diversity in family caregiving is important for the caregiver, family and the dependent.  There are different ways to manage caregiving and some of its hardships.  On Saturday March 3, 2012, Barbara Frum Library will host a celebration of the diveristy in family caregiving.  Organized by Losing Our Parents, the celebration is all about exchanging information and sharing experiences with family caregiving.  The program is free and will include snacks & beverages, door prizes, resource information and the chance to hear three presentations.  View this photo for more information.

On the topic of caregiving, here are some recommended titles that will help you better understand and manage caregiving.

Fly Like a Bird, Free the Word

The last time I checked, we live in a democratic society.  I know what some of you are thinking… is he really stating something so obvious?  It seems like a no-brainer.  We are Canadians; we value and uphold democratic ideals.  We firmly believe that every Canadian has the right to make their own decisions.  We value transparency and the freedom to read anything we wish at our own discretion and not the discretion of others.

Here comes the spin-off.

Even with one of the most evolved constitutions, Canadians are not completely free to read what they desire.  Who is to blame for this?  Some say individuals or groups who believe that their own judgement is better than the rest of ours.  These same groups identify some books to be too controversial for the public to know, so it’s “better not to know.”

If you are anything like me you will agree that we should each make that decision for ourselves and for our own children, but not on behalf of anybody else.  This again is a matter of personal opinion, and there is no clear ethical answer to this controversy. 

Here are some suggested titles that work through some of the controversies around “intellectual freedom” or “information censorship.”

Censorship

Burn This Book

Virtually Obscene

If you are interested in getting involved in information censorship, this week Canadians celebrate Freedom to Read.  If you are on the anti-censorship side of the debate, check it out and learn how you can contribute to intellectual freedom in Canada.

To get in you in the mood, here are some titles that were challenged in Canada:

L is for the way you look at me

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air.   Are you looking for something fun to do on February 14? Then head down to your local library for a good romance novel or movie.  The library is filled with romantic materials that are just waiting to be borrowed.

Here are some of my favourite love stories:

Hey Teens – Need a Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone?  Then join us on February 14 to learn how to turn Hershey Kisses into roses.  Ages 9-18 are welcome.  Call the Barbara Frum branch at 416-395-5440 to register today.

BHM is Here: Let's Celebrate Together

This month cultural institutions across the City of Toronto and elsewhere in the world design programs that teach people about the history of African Diaspora. It’s also a time when we celebrate the wonderful cultural goods introduced by African peoples like the groovy invention of jazz music, which owes much of its entirety to African heritage and African-American musicians.

The Incentive Spirit of African Americans	The History of Jazz	African American Women Scientists and Inventors

The question of how jazz evolved to be the sultry, soulful, upbeat and energetic sound that it is today is an interesting history on its own. You can bet that legendary musician, Louis Armstrong, is included in the discussion. After all, who better made us aware of all the priceless and often overlooked beauty in our lives? Here's the open lyrics from the epic production, "What a Wonderful World" to give you a flavour of what I mean.

I see trees of green…. Red roses too I see’ em bloom… for me and for you And I think to myself… what a wonderful world.

Aaah… puts you in a good mood doesn’t it?  If you are in the Armstrong mood, order these CDs and play them the next time you have guests over.

The Very Best of Louis Armstrong	Hello Louis! the Hit Years	Falling in Love with Louis Armstrong

If you are interested in knowing more about the history of Jazz, Louis Armstrong and the relationship between African heritages then you have the opportunity to listen and interact with Hans De Groot, a devout Louis Armstrong admirer and former English professor at the University of Toronto.   The program is scheduled for Tuesday February 15 at 2 p.m.

For more Black History and Jazz programs at Barbara Frum Library and nearby libraries

• Thursday February 2, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Barbara Frum, we are screening The Colour Purple (1985), a classic film that depicts disparities faced by African-American women in the early 1900s. 
• Thursdsay February 16, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at Centennial Library, a live concert featuring Diana Brathwaite and Chris Whiteley.
• Tuesday April 24 at 6 p.m., please also join us in a live Jazz concert performed by musician and raconteur, Mboya Nicholson at Barbara Frum.  More information to follow in the coming months, stay tuned!
• For more Black History Month programs at Toronto Public Libraries, click here.