Renovated North Gower Branch open today

New seating area and racks for DVDs and magazines at North Gower –Photo Friends of the North Gower Library

After what felt like two very long weeks (we LOVE our Library!!) the North Gower Branch of the Ottawa Public Library reopened today.

Dozens of people had dropped by in the first hour, including Councillor Scott Moffatt, to see the new space, and new features for library patrons.

The space feels fresher and brighter said some visiting, including retired North Gower librarian Karen Craig, who couldn’t wait to see what the new space looked like.

Staffer Louise Drouin-Backs was kept busy showing how easy it is to use the new self checkout feature — everyone can still go to the service desk and ask staff to process books, though, if they wish!

Coral’s Corner used books is also back in operation, with a small supply of gently used books for sale. Once “back of the house” operations are straightened away, the renovations will be truly complete.

Staff member Louise Drouin-Backs and Councillor Scott Moffatt. “The staff here are amazing,” says Moffatt.

 

 

Full slate of summer events at North Gower

The Library reopens Monday, July 25th at 5 PM, and resumes summer activities.

Don’t forget to to tell Library staff the number of books kids have read for the Summer Reading program — and it’s not too late to register, just check with staff!

Events — registration is required. Call 613-580-2940 or go here

July 27: Underwater Adventures 10:30 a.m.

August 3: Creepy Crawlers 10:30 a.m.

August 3: Ray’s Reptiles “Endangered Ontario” 2 p.m.

August 10: Rumble in the Jungle 10:30 a.m.

Closing event for Summer Reading Club August 17 at 10:30 a.m.

Attention Downton Abbey fans!

Author Julian Fellowes has a new book coming out. Belgravia will be released by the popular author of Downton Abbey on July 5th, but you can put a hold on the book now at the Ottawa Public Library.

Order online, and pick up conveniently at the North Gower Branch!

 

 

Here is a review from Good Reads.

Belgravia

by Julian Fellowes

3.54  ·  Rating Details  ·  26 Ratings  ·  8 Reviews

Julian Fellowes’s Belgravia is the story of a secret. A secret that unravels behind the porticoed doors of London’s grandest postcode. Set in the 1840s when the upper echelons of society began to rub shoulders with the emerging industrial nouveau riche, Belgravia is peopled by a rich cast of characters. But the story begins on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. At…more

A preview of the book is available by sample chapter here

Days left to participate in Central Library survey

Midnight, June 9 is the deadline to fill in the online survey on a new Central Library for Ottawa.

It’s easy and takes a few minutes — it’s important to have your views!

To take the survey, go to: http://ottawacentrallibrary.ca/updates/participate-online-questionnaire-about-new-ottawa-central-library-location

If you’d rather not do the survey, or have more detailed comments, leave them at the desk at the North Gower (or any) Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Or call, 613-580-2940

Special Library Blend Coffee to be available soon!

Great news! Karin Rabuka of NoGo Coffee will be preparing some more of the special North Gower Library Blend coffee, roasted and prepared locally … and we’ll have it available, fresh, in sample bags at our Sidewalk Sale, June 11th.

We first offered this coffee at Christmas in 2015 after asking Karin to make us a unique blend of her coffee beans … and we sold out THREE TIMES, it is so good!

NoGo coffee is sold at specialty markets around the city, and at the North Gower Farmers Market — it is the ONLY coffee provided at Strathmere’s Retreat spa and cafe.

So mark that date: special book sale AND Library Blend coffee, June 11, at the Library.

Proceeds go to Friends of the Ottawa Public Library for reinvestment in our community library.

North Gower: now celebrating our 125th year of continuous library service to the community

Gordon Weber: artist of the month

This is the last week to view work by Gordon J. Weber, North Gower’s artist of the month for May.

“Diffused Light, Appleton Side Road” (C) Gordon J Weber

The artwork display area is behind the service desk at the North Gower branch of the Ottawa Public Library.

Storyteller Megan returns this Wednesday

We are happy to announce that library staffer Megan Ladelpha, whose storytelling style many of us enjoyed last summer and fall, will be coming back this coming Wednesday, March 30, for Family Storytime.

Drop in at 10:30 for songs and rhymes and stories —no registration required!

For more information, call the OPL at 613-580-2940

Karen Craig celebrated at retirement event

Local author Pam Collacott (L) congratulates Karen on her retirement. Councillor Scott Moffatt (L) and library patron Read Collacott are in the background. [Photo: Friends of the North Gower Library]

Despite a start time of 4 PM for the community thank-you drop-in event at the North Gower Library for retiring librarian Karen Craig, residents began lining up to extend best wishes to the popular North Gower resident at 1 PM.

People from Kars, North Gower, and as far as Burritts Rapids area dropped by to see Karen and wish her well on her new life.

Karen Craig operated the library in North Gower prior to amalgamation with the City of Ottawa, and after 2001 supervised the North Gower Branch for the Ottawa Public Library system. The OPL added supervising the Richmond Branch to her tasks a few years ago.

Among her many achievements in serving the community was her establishment of the North Gower Artist of the Month, which featured local artists, designers, and crafters. She also featured local authors whenever possible, organizing readings and book displays.

Rideau-Goulbourn councillor Scott Moffatt was among the many who attended the event, and remarked that he has known Karen since he was 10.

A “memory book” is still available at the service desk in the library for anyone wishing to leave a note for Karen.

 

 

Artist of the Month for January: charming signs

Karen Edwards of North Gower’s Barn Cat Antiques ‘n’ Stuff continues as Artist of the Month with her display of charming reproduction signs.

 

Interesting books of 2015 you might not have heard of:Wall Street Journal lists them

Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal has thoughtfully combined a selection of best books of 2015 lists, and presented the titles under Fiction, non-fiction, crime/mystery, and more.

The list is predominately American but has some interesting titles you might not have seen before. Like, A Manual for Cleaning Women, a collection of short stories by writer Lucia Berlin, rated 4.5 stars out of 5. (Does the Ottawa Public Library have it? YES.)

In the Young Adult category are some interesting titles, including Dumplin’ the story of a young woman who is a “self-proclaimed fat girl” who, despite self-doubt, enters a beauty contest. “With starry Texas nights, red candy suckers, Dolly Parton songs, and a wildly unforgettable heroine—Dumplin’ is guaranteed to steal your heart.” 

(Does the Ottawa Public Library have this title? YES!)