Singing! Guitar Playing! Writing! and more writing! at Kennedy/Eglinton

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 [email protected]. 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!

Let’s Celebrate International Women’s Day!

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8^th 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. 

Emily Carr by Lewis DeSoto

Jane Austen: a life revealed by Catherine Reef

Joan of Arc: a Penguin life by Mary Gordon

Letters from Burma by Aung San Suu Kyi

Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton

Nellie McClung by Charlotte Gray

Oprah Winfrey Speaks: insights from the world’s most influential voice

by Oprah Winfrey/ Janet Lowe

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller