North York Central Library Blog

It's tax time! Let us help you Solve the Mysteries of Income Tax

The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.

-Albert Einstein.

Like it or not, it's that time of year again, tax time! As you can see even Albert Einstein, deemed one of the smartest men in history also had a hard time understanding taxes. Not to worry, the library is here to help. If you come visit us in the Business Department department up on the fourth floor, we have some free booklets prepared by Ontario's Certified General Accountants called Your Personal Tax Planning Guide. Every year we receive these booklets around January, just in time for you to start preparing your taxes. You can also view this free publication online as a PDF.

It seems as if every year there is something new which we have to learn and include in our taxes. One of the nice features of the free booklet I mentioned above is that it includes a section called Major 2012 Federal and Provincial Changes Affecting Individuals. One of the major changes this year is that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is no longer mailing income tax and benefit packages, we are all being encouraged to file online. However, this doesn't mean that you can't file your taxes on paper you can request a paper package, and it will still be accepted. You can also call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 (press * star key to speak with an agent).

At North York Central Library, we have our annual income tax clinic:

This is a FREE, community income tax program provided by Certified General Accountants, using software supplied by Canada Revenue Agency. It is available to single persons with incomes under $30,000 or families with an income of under $35,000. Qualified accountants will help individuals to fill out their 2012 Income Tax Returns. Interest income must be under $1000. Sessions are on a First come/First served basis.

Please note clinic dates & times:

Saturdays, March 2, March 9, April 6, April 20, & April 27 - Hours are 10:00am-5pm, last client taken at 4:15pm. Concourse level.

Thursdays, March 7, March 14, March 28, April 11 & 25 - Hours are 6:00pm-8:30pm, last client taken at 7:45pm. Concourse Level.

Please call 416-395-5614 after Jan. 28, 2013 if you need more information.

If you have mobility issues, you can contact Wheel-Trans Customer Service at 416-393-4111 to arrange to be picked up or you can even book a wheel trans trip online. 

There are other tax clinics available all across Ontario, the CRA has a great list of Volunteer Tax Preparation Clinics. Also, 211toronto.ca has a list of clinics available across the GTA. If you come up to the Business Department, our staff will be happy to assist you with questions you may have about your income tax, we have a great deal of resources to help you or we can direct you to other places which may help you.

Don't forget that there are always books available to help you prepare your taxes as well if you'd like to do your taxes on your own, here's a couple you can take a peek at:

 

                                                 

                                      

      

Gordon Pape, Canadian Personal Finance Expert will also be coming to North York Central Library next Monday evening to present his program Retirement's Harsh New Realities where he'll discuss important things every Canadian should know including information about minimizing your taxes and protecting your financial future. 

All the best with your taxes!

Freedom To Read Week - Youth Forum with Ryan Kerr

Please join us at the North York Central Library (5120 Yonge st) on Wednesday February 27th from 7-8:25 P.M. for a youth forum on censorship and access to materials in honour of Freedom to Read week.

The forum will be hosted by local author Ryan Kerr (his first book "On Growin' Up" was just published) who will be discussing his own work and the different ways that censorship can take form. Also local youth will be discussing different books that have been banned or censored and encouraging discussion as to what this means and why access to materials should be allowed and for decisions on content to be made by the individual and not by a lobbying group.

The forum will take place in Room 1 in the library and discussion is encouraged. This program is for teens aged 13-19 but older people will also be permitted if room is available.

Science Fair Season

Does the thought that science fair season is upon us bring out the mad scientist in you?

If you're the parent of a school-aged child, you are no doubt familiar with the science project. Whether you have a younger child who needs some help or are watching from the sidelines as your high school student works on an assignment, you'll know that science projects involve a lot of work.

 

In addition to working on in-class projects, many students participate in science fairs, where their work is judged and prizes are awarded.  Students with winning projects from local and regional fairs are invited to participate in the Canada-Wide Science Fair, sponsered by Youth Science Canada, each May. The Super Bowl of fairs is probably the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, where students compete for over $3,000,000 in awards and scholarships, including $75,000 for the best project.

Awards and prizes aside,there are intangible benefits to participation in science fairs. Youth Science Canada points out that they encourage students to ".... get their hands dirty and develop scientific and technological knowledge and skills through project-based science". Of course not everyone is a fan; here's one contrarian view: Why Parents Should be Wary of Science Fairs.

The Science & Technology Department of the North York Central Library has a Science Fair collection to help students get started on their projects. There are books about how to prepare a science fair project and books with project ideas.

 

 

This unique collection also has resources for science teachers:

          

If you are a student or researcher, check out the lab manuals

       

and guides to science writing:

          

If you enjoy building things, there are books for you too:

        

And finally, for a  behind-the-scenes look at the drama of a big league science fair, pick up Science Fair Season: twelve Kids, a robot named Scorch - and what it takes to win.

Author Judy Dutton followed the fortunes of six young competitors at the 2009 Intel Science and Engineering Fair. She came away from her week at the competition encouraged:

"In a world brimming with bad news...science fairs are the silver lining...I got to know the most hardworking, humbling and heartbreaking group of young men and women. They changed everything I thought I knew about kids and what they are capable of, and what we can all do if our hearts are into it, at eight years old or eighty".                                                        

Body Image, Much?

Happy New Year! 

Congratulations!  It is 2013 and almost three weeks into the new year and time for some to put into effect their New Year's Resolution to lose those extra pounds from the good hearty winter feasts.  While others, as pictured below, look forward to gaining the added weight so needed during pregnancy.

 

So, what constitutes a healthy body image?  It depends on influences that relate to social and cultural values that could change over time.  The general basis for a healthy body image is as follows: a healthy diet, good exercise, enough rest, and a positive frame of mind.  With these basics covered, a healthy body image should be easy to maintain, right? 

Social and cultural influences can enhance or sabotage this self image. Athletes and beauty models in popular magazines, for instance, influence us on a regular basis.  As human nature would predict, there is always room for improvement.  The degree to which people are willing to go to seek self improvement may be debatable.

 

The beauty myth Vintage ed., with a new introd. by Naomi Wolf

 

The old cliche, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, provides little satisfaction when there are so many opportunities on the market to become more beautiful.  Naomi Wolf investigates the social perception of the beauty myth.  The author questions the current obsession to attain beauty and regards this obsession as demoralizing for women.  Naomi Wolf would support the healthy body image suggestions outlined above.  Elizabeth Brown in her March 22, 2009 article from The Christian Monitor provides an engaging review. 

 

The muscular ideal : psychological, social, and medical perspectives 1st ed. Edited by Guy Cafri and and Kevin J. Thompson

Men are not immune from this influence.  The current body image promoted in the exercise and fitness industry is the muscular physique. To develop this body ideal can be as simple as incorporating heavy weight resistance training with a high protein diet.  Other options include steroid use, cosmetic surgery, and muscle enhancement substances but may come with serious health risks.  Eatingdisordersreview.com reviewed this title in their March/April 2008 Volume 19, Number 2 edition .

 

 Feeling good about the way you look : a program for overcoming body image problems by Wilhelm, Sabine.

 

 

Despite the social and cultural pressures to attain the "ideal" body image, the best suggestion is to develop an awareness of positive self perception through education.  Using step-by-step guidelines, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) exercises, and overall motivational guidance, this self-help book has received many positive reviews on its success.  For more titles including detailed definitions on body image, click the little fella holding the mirror:   

This year, 2013, will be an exciting one and hope that whatever New Year's Resolution you follow, it will be a healthy, productive, and happy one.

Small Business Month may be over, but our Small Business Programs aren't!

Even though small business month is technically in October, in the Business Department at North York Central Library we decided to extend it until the end of the year! Did you know that in Ontario roughly half of us work for small and medium size enterprises (SME's), and they generate approximately $250 million annually?

"Small business owners and entrepreneurs are truly exemplary Ontarians. After all, they are key contributors to innovation, investment and job creation in every part of our province. They are the drivers of our economy, and while we pay special tribute to them this month, their efforts are felt year round."

- Harinder Takhar - Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship

We know that every year our patrons look forward to our annual small business month programs. Based on your feedback, we've realized that a lot of people wondered why small business programs were limited to October so we've got more planned for you entrepreneurs. We understand that finding the right information for your small business can be difficult and sometimes costly. All of the programs offered at the library are free, so why not stop by and learn something new?

Here's what's coming up in November:

Hot or Not: How to Know if Your Business Idea Will Fly or Fail

Sean Wise a Ryerson Professor, author and past Dragon's Den coach will discuss ideas based on his 2012 bestseller. 

There are many copies of the book available at the library, check it out:

 

 

Best Business Tools  

Miriam Tuerk our first ever Entrepreneur in Residence will discuss both cost and time effective productivity tools. This program was actually rescheduled. Originally it was scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2012, however due to illness, the program will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 in the Concourse.

                     
                          

And this is what's on in December:

  Why Privacy Makes Good Business Sense        

Any business owner who collects, uses or keeps personal information about clients has a responsibility to protect this information according to guidelines set out in the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Lonny Kates from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada will teach you how to keep your business in compliance with the law.

 

 From Renos to Riches

Ian Szabo, is an expert house flipper and author of the only Canadian title in the field of investing in renovations From Renos to Riches: The Canadian Real Estate Investor's Guide to Practical and Profitable Renovations.  Learn about house flipping, the Canadian way.

 

You can check out the book too:

 

Please call 416-395-5613 to register, hope to see you!

 

 

Youth Volunteer Fair Monday November 5th 2012

Please join us in the North York Central Library at 5120 Yonge St. for a volunteer fair for youth. This fair features over 30 agencies from across the city who accept and work with youth volunteers.

Do you need to get your 40 hours? Do you want to help build skills, get referee's for University or other job opportunities? Want to help make Toronto an even better city to live in? Want to meet new people? Face challenges? Most importantly make a difference.

Then you should check out the youth volunteer fair:

When- Monday November 5th

Where - North York Central Library in the Auditorium

What time - 3:30-6:30

And best of all it is free!!!

Young Voices Conference 2012

The North York Central Library will host an annual youth event that focuses on the artistic and creative talents of the youth within the city of Toronto. The Young Voices Conference is organized by the Toronto Public Library with a focus on creating space for youth to get a chance to develop their creative skills and interests in a setting outside of the classroom with professionals from those fields.

This year the Young Voices Conference is attempting to think outside the box and the keynote speaker will be filmmaker Peter Stebbings. Peter is the writer and director of the film "Defendor" starring Woody Harrelson. Peter will be kicking off the conference with an address and will also be giving two seminars on creative writing with a focus on film making.

Other workshops include: graphic novels, spoken word poetry, urban fiction, photo-journalism(bring a camera), song writing, illustrations and spoken word with an open mic session. Also all involved participants will be leaving that day with an instant anthology of all the work that was created during the conference.

The conference is specifically for youth ages 12-19.

And it is FREE!

This is an all day event and space is limited so make sure that you pre-register by following this link:  www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/yvconference 

 The conference details are:

Saturday, October 13, 2012
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
North York Central Library
5120 Yonge Street
(North York Centre subway station)

Gap Years and Apprenticeships -- What's in YOUR Future?

Gap years and apprenticeships are a couple of things you may be considering when thinking about what to do after high school.

Why not join us at the North York Central Library for the start of our Generation Next Series? We will have speakers on such topics as The Gap Year Alternative and What You Need to Know and Apprenticeships: Earn as You Learn!

So, what is a gap year?  It is a break from normal routine, a time you can use to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life, or a time for adventure, exploration, travel, work abroad, volunteering, and personal growth.

Sometimes you need that break after high school or after college or university. Michelle Garbacz, from mygapyear.ca will talk about the benefits and pitfalls of taking a gap year and give suggestions on things to do and to consider in planning a gap year. 

What about apprenticeships? They provide a great opportunity to gain practical experience--and earn a salary at the same time as you earn your diploma! Professor Angelo Palantzas, from George Brown College, will discuss some of the apprenticeship training available for construction and the industrial trades.  You can also check out such websites as apprenticetrades.ca and red-seal.ca for current information about apprenticeship programs accross Canada and interprovincial standards.

The Gap Year Alternative: Thursday, April 19

Apprenticeships:               Tuesday, April 24

The third in our series, Juggling Student Loans, Credit Card Debt, & an Entry Level Salary, will be presented Tuesday, May 1, by financial advisor Anthony Romano.

All take place in the Auditorium at the North York Central Library, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and you can either register in person, on the 4th floor, or call 416-395-5613.

Some other books for you to check out:

                         


 

 

 

 

Teen English Conversation Circle at North York Central Library

It is with great pleasure that the Teen Zone department of the North York Central branch is offering a Teen English Conversation Circle. This program is set to begin on Wednesdays starting March 28th and continuing through all of April and May.

The program will be every Wednesday in the evening from 6:30-8:00 and it will feature topics that teens are interested in, such as Life Outside of the Classroom: volunteering, extra-curricular activities, sports
leagues, arts/dance classes, Fashion/Clothing- Comparisons between Canada and back home and any other topics that may personally interest those who attend.

Be aware that the Conversation Circle will be peer-to-peer (Toronto Teens will be those in charge and running the seminars) and it also has limited space so you will need to register.

To register please call the Teen Zone desk at 416 395 5674.

Income Tax Clinic at North York Central Library will resume on Tuesday, April 3

The Income Tax Clinic at North York Central Library will resume on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at 9:30 a.m.

We recommend you arrive early. The clinic operates on a "first come, first served" basis.

This is a FREE, community income tax program offered by volunteers who are trained by the Canada Revenue Agency. It is available to single persons with incomes under $25,000, families with an income of under $35,000, or one adult with child with incomes under $30,000.

Volunteers will help individuals to fill out their 2011 Income Tax Returns. Interest income must be under $1,000. Please note: the program runs from February 28 - April 27, Tuesdays to Fridays only, on a first come, first served basis. The Clinic will be closed on April 6. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Please call 416-395-5614 if you need additional information.