Express Checkout is Coming to Albert Campbell Branch!

That's right folks, the future is near: Albert Campbell will soon join the ranks of the growing number of Toronto Public Library branches with Express Checkout. And, as an added bonus, we'll be getting a little bit of a facelift too!

In order for this to happen we will be closed for about two weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience. We are looking forward to the enhancements to our library space and services and we hope you'll agree that it's worth the wait. You cooperation during this minor renovation is very much appreciated!

Image of minor renovation "auf der baustelle" by "dierk schaefer" via Flickr. Used under Creative Commons license.

If you have questions about this upcoming closure here is some information that you may find useful:

When will Albert Campbell branch be closed and when will it open again?

We will be closed from Monday August 26 to Monday September 9, 2013. We will open again on Tuesday September 10, 2013, at 9:00 a.m.

Where is the closest library branch?

There are two branches close by:

• Taylor Memorial - 1440 Kingston Rd. (Warden Ave. and Kingston Rd.), 416-396-8939
• Eglinton Square - 1 Eglinton Square, Unit 126 (Victoria Park Ave. and Eglinton Ave. East), 416-396-8920

I have library items (books, DVDs, magazines, etc.) that are due when the branch is closed. What should I do?

Library items that would normally be due during the closure will have their due dates extended to the date we re-open: Tuesday September 10, 2013. Please note that while we are closed our Book Drop will also be closed so you will not be able to return items to our branch. As always, however, most library items may be returned to any of the 98 Toronto Public Library branches in the city. 

I have placed a hold on a library item to be picked up at Albert Campbell branch. What should I do?

A hold that is sent for pick up at Albert Campbell branch while we are closed will be processed when we re-open on Tuesday September 10, 2013. To get your hold as quickly as possible you may therefore want to change your pick up location so that the item will be sent to another branch and held for you there. Or, if you prefer, you may suspend your hold during our closure and re-activate it when we re-open. If you would like to manage your holds yourself online, please click here for instructions. If you would rather have us do it for you please just speak to library staff for assistance.

If you have a question that is not addressed here, or would like clarification of the above information, please let us know. You may visit the branch or call us at 416-396-8900, or leave your question in the Comments section below. 

Remembering Randy Starkman

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.

It's Romance Time at Kennedy/Eglinton (well, sort of)

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!

 

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!

Drawing and Writing on the Wall - Subversive Act or Community Strength?

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 [email protected] (416-396-8924) or Jen Fabico [email protected] (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!

Dedicated Volunteer receives TPL Years of Service Award at Albert Campbell branch

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! 

A "MAP" Quest - culture, history and fun at Kennedy/Eglinton Branch

Did you know? Toronto Public Library offers free family passes to local museums!  It’s the SunLife Museum and Arts Pass Program.  A limited number of passes to many venues are available weekly at our branches.  You must be an adult 18 or over, and you must show your valid Toronto Public Library Card when you select your pass. Your family can visit Ontario Science Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, Gardiner Museum and many City of Toronto Historic Museums – and more!  This community partnership program provides you and your family with an introduction to Toronto’s many cultural and historical venues.    

Kennedy/Eglinton Branch is really happy to welcome our friends from the Museum of Inuit Art on Saturday October 15 at 2pm.  At this family program you’ll learn about Inuit culture and prepare a craft which reflects Inuit heritage and traditions.  Attendance is limited to 30, and we distribute free tickets at 1:30 pm.

If you want to learn more about the MIA before your visit, tour their wonderful interactive website: www.miamuseum.ca.  You can have an audio tour right from the home page!  I love the online booklet, myself -you can flip through at anytime. It's an excellent resource for adults, kids in school and anyone interested in Inuit Art, history and culture.

  

And, I found out why they designed the museum in all white. The museum is located at lovely Harbourfront with a beautiful lake vista. Keep track of their latest exhibits, activities and Arctic treks on Twitter (@miamuseum) or Facebook (Museum of Inuit Art).  If you really like the MIA, membership is $20 per year for individuals, and $35 for families.  There are benefits to membership!  

You know, many MAP pass users go for the obvious first choices: the ROM, Science Centre, Zoo.  Don’t be shy -discover the MIA and the other wonderful participating venues of the MAP partnership. They are truly Toronto gems.  Hope to see you at Kennedy/Eglinton on October 15.  Have you taken advantage of this great opportunity? Let the Toronto Public Library connect you to local, Canadian and world history and culture. Look to www.torontopubliclibrary.ca for more information, links to venues - and more! What new thing did YOU learn from our MAP partnership?

Albert Campbell’s 40th Anniversary!

Albert Campbell branch is celebrating its 40^th Anniversary this month!  The library officially opened on September 29, 1971 and was named after Metropolitan Chairman Albert Campbell.  An array of historic photos of the branch’s grand opening, as well as a birthday card with messages from library customers is now being displayed at the branch. 

We welcome you to come in and leave your comments about why the Albert Campbell branch is important to you!