Libraries Reopen! - theHumm August 2020

By Amanda Robinson is the CEO at Lanark Highlands Public Library

At long last, public libraries are reopening their doors to the public! Here at the Lanark Highlands Public Library we are offering computer usage, book browsing/checkout, TD Summer Reading Club and our Interlibrary Loan service. Over the next several months we will slowly reintroduce additional services and extend our hours of operation. Please always check online at lanarklibrary.ca for our current hours of operation.

The health and safety of our patrons and staff continues to be our priority and measures including physical distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols, hand sanitizer and Plexiglas barriers will be in place. As mandated by the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit, facial coverings/masks must be worn inside enclosed public spaces that are openly accessible to the public. All library materials continue to be quarantined for 72 hours upon return.

While we were closed to the public we took the opportunity to reorganize the library. We moved our fiction to the main area, relabeled several of our collections to make it easier for you to find your favourite books, and also took the opportunity to do a deep cleaning.

While programming is limited at the moment, we are still offering our TD Summer Reading Program. We have weekly draws at the Lanark Pizzeria, Fitz Chip Truck and Pretty Goods. The more books the kids read, the more chances they have to win one of the weekly prizes. We also have great prizes lined up for the end of the summer. It isn’t mandatory to participate in the online portion of the program, but kids can join the online TD Summer Reading club as well. They can read whatever they’d like throughout the summer and earn virtual badges, vote in the Battle of the Books, post reviews, write stories, read and write jokes, participate in weekly trivia, watch author/illustrator readings and workshops, and more. Please visit our website or contact us to register.

To help mitigate revenue loss during COVID we have an ongoing fundraising initiative that might be of interest. We are selling hand-sewn masks for $10 in adult, youth and children’s sizes. The masks are double layered and made of 100% cotton with latex-free elastic. All proceeds go to the Library.

Despite being closed we have continued to add new titles to our collection geared towards all ages. Interested in the Canada Reads competition currently underway? The library has a copy of each of the books being defended. The five chosen books include memoirs, realistic fiction, sci-fi and fantasy, and tell a diverse range of Canadian stories.

We look forward to seeing everyone in this next stage of service. Take care and keep healthy.

Follow our Facebook page at Lanark Highlands Public Library for up-to-date news or visit us at 75 George Street, 2nd floor in Lanark. You can also contact us at 259–3068 or general@lanarklibrary.ca .

Other Area Libraries:

The Arnprior Public Library will re-open for browsing, computer usage and printing by appointment beginning Tuesday, August 4. All visitors will be asked to schedule an appointment online arnpriorlibrary.ca or by calling 623–2279. Curbside service will be continuing and families who have registered for the TD Summer Reading Club Book / Activity Bundles will continue to follow the same schedule as set up in July. Further details are available on our website.

The Carleton Place Library is open Monday and Tuesday from 10:30am to 8pm, and Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30am to 5:30pm. Patrons can browse materials and use public computers and Wifi. Curbside pickup will continue, and patrons of all ages are encouraged to take part in our Summer Reading programs. Find out more at carletonplacelibrary.ca .

The Mississippi Mills Public Libraries’ open hours have been adjusted to accommodate new service levels. To start, they will be hosting Seniors Time in Almonte and Pakenham — a time when only seniors and vulnerable residents will have access to the library. Contact-free pick-up service will also continue. For Almonte hours and information call 256–1037 or visit almontelib@missmillslibrary.com ; for Pakenham call 624–5306 or visit pakenhamlib@missmillslibrary.com .

The Perth & District Library will be bringing back limited services for patrons including accessing computers, borrowing materials, and picking up reserves; programming and room booking remain unavailable at this time. Bring your library card and a bag for your new materials and return any items in the outdoor book drop prior to entering the building. Contact 267–1224 or perthunionlibrary.ca .

The Smiths Falls Public Library will reopen for public access using regular scheduled hours of Monday to Thursday from 1–8pm, Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm. In-library programming will not resume at this time, however virtual programming will continue to be made available to library users. Call 283–2911 or visit smithsfallslibrary.ca .

Colleen Gray — Indigenous Artist, Strong Woman, Good Human - theHumm August 2020

By Sally Hansen

In June of 2019, Colleen Gray received the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteers “for her role in supporting art exploration through access to art supplies and creative art programs in Canadian remote Indigenous schools through the Art for Aid Project”. Gray is the founder and indefatigable driving force of the project that: “…works to support Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Métis art education programs through......

Libraries Reopen! - theHumm August 2020