Feeling SAD? Attend a Living Well Program!

Now that we're heading into colder weather, most of us are starting to feel the winter blues kick in. The shortened days and decrease in daylight actually trigger the onset of a disorder called SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Feeling unmotivated or moody? The library can help you take steps to keep your mood steady!

The Barbara Frum Library is hosting programs as a part of the Living Well series, geared around fitness, health & wellness, clinical counselling, and much more:

Memory & Aging
November 10^th, 2015
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

   Nutrition Workshop:
Better Bones, Better You
November 12^th, 2015
10:00 am – 11:00 am

Boost Your Willpower, Change your life
December 2^nd, 2015
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Stress Management through Restorative Meditation
December 10^th, 2015
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Have a Good Night's Sleep
January 12^th, 2016
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

How to Live Happily to the Very End
February 9^th, 2016
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Spoken Word Workshops for Teens
Every Tuesday
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

For more information on programs, please visit the library or call 416-395-5440.

Also, don't forget to check out the Living Well displays on both the first and second floors of Barbara Frum Library, featuring library picks on healthy living.

Living Well Book Display at Barbara Frum Library

 

 

Extra, Extra: News for Muggles and the Wizarding World

This post is brought to you by Barbara Frum Library's children's librarian Amena, a huge Harry Potter fan!

It has been eight years since the last Harry Potter book was published and four years since the last film, but “the Boy Who Lived” continues to make headlines.

Here’s the latest in Harry Potter (HP) news:

An HP spin-off film, possibly the first of a trilogy, is scheduled for release in the fall of 2016. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an adaptation of a Hogwarts textbook penned by the fictional magizoologist Newt Scamander. The film, set in New York, follows Newt on his adventures as he attempts to document magical creatures. Eddie Redmayne has signed on for the leading role and Colin Farrell is the latest addition to the cast.

In other film news, a fan-made short film titled Severus Snape and the Marauders will be released on YouTube this December. It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Alan Rickman playing Snape but since the movie is set in 1978 (and is an independent, non-profit venture) I’m willing to refresh my mental image of Severus.  Set in a bar, we meet James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew (the Marauders) as they celebrate their graduation from Hogwarts – until Snape shows up.  Dun-dun-duuun!

And the latest theory that is currently blowing the minds of Muggles everywhere involves our beloved Dumbledore. To understand this we need to revisit the The Tale of the Three Brothers. Fans have posited that the three brothers are Voldemort (Elder Wand), Snape (Resurrection Stone), and Harry (Invisibility Cloak). But who represents Death in this tale?  Well, according to a Tumblr post that has resurfaced Dumbledore is Death. 

If you’re new to the Wizarding World or just want to revisit Hogwarts visit your local library to check out the ever popular series.

PS. If you happen to be a Harry Potter AND Taylor Swift fan you may find this trending video entertaining!

Capoeira at Barbara Frum Branch

Are you between 12-18 years old? Are you interested in music, dance, or martial arts? Join us at Barbara Frum on Monday July 13^th, 2015 at 2:00 PM for an amazing introductory workshop to Capoeira run by Axe Capoeira Toronto. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines music, dance and martial arts. Complex and beautiful, Capoeira is fun and a great workout!

Come out and try this rhythmic, intense and powerful art! Register in person or by calling 416-395-5440.

Also check out some of these great resources on Capoeira:

     

          

 

Are you Keeping up with the Kardashians?

Even if you're not, I’m sure you’ve heard about Bruce Jenner and the transformation into Caitlyn Jenner. After years of battling a gender identity crisis, Jenner finally got the courage and announced the decision to undergo gender transformation surgeries. You can see the beginning of her cosmetic transformation on the cover of July's Vanity Fair. Can't wait that long? Check out other magazines like People, Us Weekly, Cosmopolitan, and GQ. We have copies in branch or use Zinio and browse hundreds of magazines from the comfort of your home, free with your library card. Interested in other transgender celebrities? Check out our LGBTQ collection. The Toronto Public Library values diversity and equity and is proud to once again be participating in this year's Pride Parade taking place on Sunday, June 28th, 2015.  For more info click here.

 

Computer Basics at Barbara Frum Library

Ever wanted to learn how to search the Internet to find accurate and reliable information? Need help with computers but were too afraid to ask? We've got you covered! Barbara Frum Library now offers free computer classes in its brand new Le@rning Centre.

Barbara Frum Library's Le@rning Centre

We offer a variety of hands-on computer classes to help newcomers, seniors, adults, teens & children (grades 2-6) learn more about the Internet, online resources, and research databases:

• Computer Basics for Seniors
• Web Basics
• E-mail Made Easy
• Microsoft Word Basics
• Microsoft Excel Basics
• Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
• Social Networking
• eBooks & OverDrive
• Homework & Research Help

For the monthly class schedule, please visit or call the branch at (416) 395-5441. Tickets are distributed on a first-come first-served basis, 30 minutes before each class at the second floor reference desk. Space is limited. See you there!

Blind Date...with a Book?

If you're looking for a great teen read this Valentine's Day, why not pick up a book from this display in the Teen area:

 

Blind Date with a Book display in the Teen Zone

There's one catch! All the recommended books are wrapped so you won't be able to see the book you've chosen. Read the book, then rate it by filling out a ballot at the 2nd floor reference desk. You'll be entered for a chance to win great prizes!

Who says blind dates have to be awkward, right? The Blind Date with a Book program will be running the entire month of February and is brought to you by Barbara Frum Library's very own Youth Advisory Group.

Youth Volunteers Needed at Amesbury Park Branch

Do you need to earn community service hours? Are you looking for fun and rewarding opportunities to volunteer your time? Why not volunteer for Amesbury Park's Youth Advisory Group! We are recruiting volunteers to be involved in the creation and development of teen services, programs, collections and more. You don't need to be an avid reader to volunteer with us, you just need to care about your community and helping the library.

If you are...

• between 13-19 years old
• available on Thursday evenings
• can commit 1.5 hours a month to attend meetings

...then this group is for YOU!

The group meets on a monthly basis to plan and work on teen programs and services and provide valuable feedback on our collections and space. Here are some of the awesome benefits of membership:

• develop leadership and civic engagement skills
• influence and advise the library 
• make a difference in your comnunity
• meet new and interesting people....just like you!
• gain experience to list on college, university, scholarship and employment applications 
• earn community hours

If you are interested in joining, pick up an application form in the branch. Not sure if this is for you? Why not attend a meeting to find out more about the group! Contact the branch at 416-395-5420 for upcoming meeting dates. 

Make & Wonder at #MMFTO

The Maker Movement is all the rage lately. Find out all about it at the third ever Toronto Mini Maker Faire, coming up soon on November 22-23 at its largest venue yet, the Toronto Reference Library.

According to the folks at Toronto Mini Maker Faire #MMFTO:

"Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers; they are of all ages and backgrounds. The aim of Maker Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and grow this community."

"Toronto Mini Maker Faire is local celebration of makers and the things they make.  It's a two day festival held each year where makers gather to show off their creations to the public - with an emphasis on hands-on experiences for all.  Show & Tell happens at each exhibitor table, plus there are talks, workshops, lots of opportunities to get involved!"

Last week, I attended the launch party for #MMFTO and it was mind-blowing! We screen printed t-shirts, ate Vodka Sushi creations, went on the illuminated teeter-totter, and checked out the 3-D Maker Bots.

#MMFTO Launch Party

Absolut's interactive installation. By tweeting @AbsolutCanada with the colour of your choice (I picked green), the installation automatically changes to that colour.

The illuminated teeter-totter from the Pop-Up Playground which changes colour with speed.

Laser-cut lanterns.

Read more about the launch party. And that was just the launch party. Seriously, get your free tickets now to the main event.

Also, check out Toronto Public Library's very own digital innovation hubs at the Toronto Reference Library and Fort York Branch, and the Digital Design & Technology blog for info on more maker programs offered by the library.

A Whole Lot of Music

Robert Plant and his Sensational Space Shifters' new album Lullaby and -- the Ceaseless Roar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The soundtrack from Frozen. 

 

The new J J Cale tribute album, Eric Clapton & friends - the Breeze  

with Clapton and Mark Knopfler.

                                                                                             

       

 

What on earth could they have in common? 

 

All are available for your listening pleasure on HOOPLA - TPL's on-demand Internet streaming media service. In fact, all were available at practically the same time as they were released. 

 

Get started here. Need some guidance? Book A Librarian at Barbara Frum Branch. We will be thrilled to get you listening on the device of your choice. 

And - did I mention HOOPLA's content includes film and TV shows? Winter is certainly looking a lot less daunting...

 

Rediscovering Toronto: Things to Do in the City

This past week I've been racking my brain for things to do with my relatives visiting from overseas. Mind you, they aren't rookies when it comes to being a tourist in Toronto. Heck, they've been coming annually to our beloved city for the past 20 years - they're practically Torontonians. Plus, they've been to all the hot spots: Niagara Falls, CN Tower, every inch of Downtown Toronto & most of the GTA/Markham. You can see why it's been a tough gig playing tour guide!

For me, what defines Toronto is the hustle and bustle of Downtown Toronto. And dining. (We Torontonians love to eat!) Forgetting that my relatives are from a high-tech, overpopulated city where hustle-and-bustle is the norm, my suggestion for spending the day downtown was met with moans & groans. Back to the drawing board. 

Here's a list of things that I came up with, for you to share with your friends & family who want a relaxing time in Toronto:

Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG)- A favourite among families with small children, wedding photographers, and joggers & cyclists, TBG is perfect for a lazy mid-day stroll. I'd suggest going on a weekday to avoid a packed parking lot. Check out their Teaching Garden and my all-time favourite, the Organic Farmers' Market (year-round, Thursdays 2-7 p.m.). My relatives loved the fresh air and the mini nature walk. Pack some sandwiches and you're ready to go! See more info on walking trails in the city by visiting Kate’s post. 

 

Museums & Art Galleries - Did you know that you can borrow a Museum + Arts Pass (MAP) from the library with your library card? A MAP pass lets you and your family (2 adults & up to 5 children) explore venues such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Art Gallery of Ontario, and more, for free. At the Barbara Frum Branch, MAP passes are given out on a first come, first served basis on Thursdays at 9 a.m. 

Toronto's Neighbourhoods - There are a ton of hidden gems in Toronto: locally-owned cafes, pubs, restaurants, and markets. Here's a guide from BlogTO that takes you through the 55 pockets in the GTA - what to do, where to eat, and it includes a map of where these neighbourhoods are. My (touristy) go-tos for an afternoon on the patio for food & drinks are the Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market, Annex, Financial District, and the Beaches. 

For more info on tourist attractions for your relatives who've never been to Toronto, here are some books to help you plan their visit & for you to brush up on your knowledge of Toronto's history:

            

 

Also, see the City of Toronto website for Festivals & Events happening in the city.

See? Being a tour guide does have its perks. Not only do you view the city through the eyes of a tourist but you rediscover all that our wonderful city has to offer. Not to mention, the favour is reciprocated when you visit your relatives overseas. Happy Touring!