How Zayn Malik Broke The Internet

Even if you have zero interest in One Direction, you probably have heard that a certain Zayn Malik has left the incredibly popular boyband. 

Mass hysteria has ensued as throngs of people - mostly young female fans - have been grieving Zayn's exit. Even grown adults have been requesting compassionate leave from their employers to mourn the departure. (As far as I know, no librarians have requested such a thing - we might just cry quietly in the stacks instead.) We've seen quite a few wistful faces in the Teen Zone and Children's Department at Cedarbrae lately too.

 

Image courtesy of Gracie Hagen on a CC license.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Zayn withdrawal, remember the happier times by checking out some of the library's collection on One Direction.

   

Don't forget the goodies on eBook:

   

More on Hoopla, one of our digital providers of music, movies and more:

   

The good news is that Zayn probably will be starting up a solo career, so fans of the heartthrob will still have much more in the future to swoon over. If he can make it on his own, he'll have joined the ranks of some other contemporary artists that stepped away from their bands to find success as solo acts. Good luck, Zayn!

   
From left to right: Justin Timberlake from N*SYNC; Beyonce from Destiny's Child; Fergie from Black Eyed Peas

Puppetry Club at the Cedarbrae Branch

Beginning in April, the Cedarbrae branch will be hosting its first ever Puppetry Club! During this six-week program series, participants will learn about the different types and styles of puppetry, how to write a puppet show, and about puppetry around the world! They will also get to make different kinds of puppets and put on a final performance!

While puppetry is a fun activity, it also has its merit, proving to be a beneficial literacy, early-literacy, and communication tool as well.  

Puppets provide an enjoyable opportunity to explore language. They promote the use of symbolism, imagination, and creativity, while encouraging users (of puppets that is) to talk - an essential pre-reading skill. Puppets are also an effective storytelling platform. Being able to understand and interpret, as well as tell a story are essential skills that take time and effort to develop.

If you're not able to join Cedarbrae's Puppetry Club, check out these books to create your own puppet fun at home!

    

A Global Feast in Scarborough

Recently, a prominent economist and foodie released a quickie blog post praising Scarborough as the "best ethnic food suburb ever." People from all over Toronto were quick to jump on this, with most agreeing that the east-end is the place to hit up if you're looking for delicious - and often, inexpensive! - eats from all over the globe. 

 

Image courtesy of SteFou! on a CC license.

Toronto in general offers a great selection, but Scarborough is so often overlooked, I'm happy to bask in the glow. When I first moved to Canada as a kid, Scarborough is where my family first settled and we were quick to realize the huge diversity of food available. That was over fifteen years ago, so you can imagine all the possibilities now.

Scarborough has seen growth from more generic 'Indian' or 'Chinese' food restaurants into spots serving from specific countries (ie. Bangladesh, Pakistan) and even distinct regions (Shanghai fare vs. Taiwanese treats). You can now easily satisfy your cravings as you choose from a selection of delicious gyros, moist injera and wat, or a tray of steaming mantu.

A traditional Afghan dinner at my in-laws, with a plate of mantu behind the rice topped with shredded carrots. Yum!

CityTV news anchor, Adrian Ghobrial, recently explored a few choice spots in Scarborough, including Saleem Caravan, just a quick two-minute walk from the Cedarbrae Branch! Journalist Sarah Efron, who is also featured, shared her thoughts when she visited the same shop back in 2011.

Hidden away in strip malls and non-descript plazas are some of the tastiest, most authentic dishes you'll find anywhere. You may not always find the ambiance of a downtown restaurant (although that's changing in many places too), but you're sure to discover some delicious new meal.

Image courtesy of MookieLuv on a CC license.

Tried a great place to dine in Scarborough and can't get it out of your head? Share with us in the comments or tweet it at us!

In the meanwhile, if you're craving some tasty dishes from around the world (but can't make it out to Scarborough!), try something new from some of these international cookbooks: 

1. The Take-out Menu Cookbook By Carla Snyder
2. The Best Recipes in the World By Mark Bittman
3. The Dumpling: A Seasonal Guide By Wai Hon Chu
4. The Food and Cooking of Vietnam and Cambodia By Ghillie Başan
5. Street Food from Around the World By Troth Wells
6. The Nepal Cookbook Compiled by the Association of Nepalis in the Americas
7. Morocco: A Culinary Journey By Jeff Koehler
8. New Persian Cooking by Jila Dana-Haeri

 

Music Festival Season in Toronto

Thinking of checking out one of Toronto's upcoming music festivals? With our current and impending weather forecast, it feels almost futile to start planning summer activities. But if summer doesn't seem as elusive as some may think, you might already be browsing what Toronto's music festival scene has in store this summer.

Photo courtesy of D.A. Cooper on a CC license

Toronto is home to an increasing amount of music festivals every summer, and plays host to a large variety of musical acts. The Toronto Public Library (TPL) has lots of resources to help you get ready for this year's events!

Canadian Music Week - May 1-10

Now in its 33rd year, Canadian Music Week (CMW) combines music, film, and comedy. With an impressive and growing list of featured artists, attendees have the option to buy individual event tickets or wristbands. This year we can look forward to performances by Canadian musicians Alvvays, Kiesza, and Billy Talent. Check out their official website for more information.

Field Trip - June 6&7

For its sophomore event Field Trip has announced a great and varied line-up, with tickets and wristbands available now. With Alabama Shakes and My Morning Jacket headlining, attendees can also look forward to a weekend of great food, art, fashion, and family fun! Check out some of these other artists joining the lineup!

NXNE (North by Northeast Music & Film Festival) - June 17-21

This anual festival has traditionally focused on music, but over the years NXNE's focus has grown to include film, art, and comedy. In recent years, NXNE screened films such as Boyhood, and My Father and the Man in Black. Music alums include The National, Yamantaka//Sonic Titan, and Sufjan Stevens. Keep an eye out for details on this year's festival, it's sure to be grand!

TD Toronto Jazz Festival - June 18-27

This monster festival humbly began in 1987. Today it is internationally recognized and at the forefront of Canada's Jazz scene. With no schedule details released as of yet, check out some of these albums to get your groove on!

Digital Dreams Festival - June 27&28

Digital Dreams is one of Canada's largest electronic music festivals and annually draws crowds upwards of 50,000. Headlining this year is Trance giant Armin Van Buuren, and legends Carl Cox, and Pete Tong. Taking place at The Flats at Ontario Place, revelers can also enjoy Toronto's scenic backdrop.

 

OVO Fest - Date TBA

Toronto rapper/actor/producer Drake's annual OVO Fest, so called after his own brand October's Very Own, is one of Toronto's biggest festivals. Unique to this festival is the format. Rather than announcing a formal lineup, concert-goers can anticipate a surprise programme chock-full of big names in the music industry. Since its inception in 2010, the festival has featured local artist The Weeknd, as well as Frank Ocean, Kanye West, and TLC to name a few. Keep an eye out for tickets, this festival never disappoints!

Veld Music Festival - August 1&2

The Veld Music Festival is another big weekend in Toronto for electronic music. Attendees can look forward to two stages with equally big sound and names. This year Dutch DJ Hardwell is headlining along with Toronto's own Deadmau5.

TURF (Toronto Urban Roots Fest) - September 18-20

The Toronto Urban Roots Fest, held at Fort York Commons, is not one to miss. Past performers include Neutral Milk Hotel, Belle and Sebastian, Neko Case, and Born Ruffians. The festival, usually held in July, will take place in September so as not to conflict with the Pan AM/Parapan Am Games.

If you're thinking of checking out one or more of these festivals, the TPL can help with your listening preparation. Not just with our in-branch collections, but with our online resources as well! Hoopla is a great online resource for accessing music and videos. Borrow content to stream at home or enjoy offline on your mobile device!