“There are lots of people out there who would give just about anything for a good night’s sleep,” said library communications officer Shelley Civkin. “Many of us have sleep disorders, but Dr. Dhiman can give us tips on how to improve our sleep,” added Civkin.

Participants at this seminar will learn: • What is considered disrupted sleep • What waking up in the morning should feel like • How mood can impact sleep cycles, and sleep cycles can impact mood • Learn about the major gland involved in proper sleep • Learn how imbalanced hormones impact sleep disorders – for males and females • How and why daily food choices play such a major role in proper sleep hygiene • Which natural sleep supplements are beneficial • Learn what lifestyle changes you can make to sleep better today.

As well as being a naturopathic doctor, Neetu Dhiman is a certified advanced Bowen Therapist and co-owner of the Brio Integrative Health Centre Inc. in Richmond. She completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nutrition at the University of British Columbia. Upon graduating, she enrolled in the four-year medical program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. She has been practicing since 2003. “I have seen what is possible when you take your health into your own hands, and become responsible for your own personal change,” said Dr. Dhiman. She is a regular writer for a monthly column in the Richmond Review, called “Healthy Habit.”

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

“Our course is designed to teach seniors proven principles on how to manage money, understand the different sources of savings, and reduce taxes,” said Alphil Guilaran, executive director and co-founder of the Financial Literacy Counsel. “Participants will learn how to accumulate, preserve and transfer wealth from generation to generation,” added Guilaran. “We provide a safe, non-sales environment in which seniors can learn valuable financial life skills.”

Topics to be covered include: living within your means, reducing debt and taxes, housing and healthcare options, and understanding pensions, RRSP, TFSA, RRIF and education savings programs for grandchildren. The speakers will also explore how to effectively set up a will, power of attorney, and plan your estate. “There is strictly NO promotion of financial institutions in this course,” stressed Guilaran.

The speakers will be Alphil Guilaran and Jason Nakano. Guilaran, in addition to being the executive director and co-founder of the Financial Literacy Counsel, has a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in Political Science and Economics. He completed the Insurance Council of BC Course in 1998 and is a certified Elder Planning Counselor. Nakano has been a Chartered Accountant for over 12 years and completed the CICA Advanced Tax Course. He is a senior manager at a Chartered Accountancy firm and manages a team of tax specialists who help professionals and corporations develop effective tax planning strategies to preserve and grow wealth.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

The seminar will give participants the tools and resources they need to get started on the home buying process. From making the offer to house inspection to closing the deal, this seminar will help first time home buyers understand the entire process better. The speakers encourage participants to bring their questions.

The guest speakers will be Alma Pasic, a mortgage broker; Glenn Duxburry, a certified home inspector; and Richard Bell, from Bell Alliance real estate law. This seminar will give people the information they need so that they can make the best purchase when the time is right.

Contact:

• Lee Anne Smith, Head of Cambie Branch, 604-273-2223

Employers will be on hand to share employment facts and information about individual job opportunities, provide information on career choices and the qualifications needed, and to guide interested candidates in the application process. “It’s a terrific opportunity for job seekers to meet prospective employers,” said coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang.

Some employers will also do on-site interviews, so job seekers are encouraged to bring their resume and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews. Computers are available in the library for job seekers to make last minute changes to their resumes.

Some of the companies and employers attending this job fair include: City of Richmond – Fire & Rescue; City of Richmond; Sears; Adecco; Starbucks; Aerotek; Nurse Next Door; JW Research; Pizza Hut Restaurants; Professional Warehouse Demonstration; Safeway; HMS Host; Kin’s Farm Market; Concord Security; UPS Canada; We Care Home Health; Labour Unlimited; EV Logistics, and more.

Also, from now until the end of December, the library is offering free Employment Counseling for Immigrants and Employment Counseling for Youth sessions on alternate Wednesday mornings starting at 10 a.m. These counseling sessions are offered in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. There is a limit of 30 minutes per session and one session per person. Please pre-register at the 2nd floor information desk or call 604-231-6413.

Employment Counseling for Immigrants in English, Cantonese or Mandarin will take: Sept. 8 and 22 Oct. 6 and 20 Nov. 3 and 17 Dec. 1 and 15.

Employment Counseling for Youth ages 15-30 will take: Sept. 1 (English, Cantonese or Mandarin) Sept. 15 (English) Sept. 29 (English) Oct. 13 (English, Cantonese or Mandarin) Oct. 27 (English) Nov. 10 (English, Cantonese or Mandarin) Nov. 24 (English) Dec. 8 (English, Cantonese or Mandarin) Dec. 22 (English).

The sessions will take place in the large seminar room in the silent study room at the Brighouse library. The employment counselors are from the Richmond Career Centre and the Connections Youth Resource Centre. “This employment counseling will provide job seekers, especially those who have had trouble finding a job, with job search knowledge and skills. Employment counselors will meet one-on-one with job seekers to assess their job search techniques and advise them on what they need to do to look for a job. Job seekers who need extra help will be referred back to either the Richmond Career Centre or the Connections Youth Resource Centre for further assistance,” added Jang.

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2010

Richmond Library Launches Filipiniana Collection

RICHMOND, B.C. – Thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Scotiabankers and Scotiabank, Richmond Public Library will hold an official launch of the new Filipiniana collection at the Brighouse (Main) Branch on Saturday, August 14th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The formal ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and light refreshments will be served.

“The Filipino Scotiabankers of Metro Vancouver approached the library and proposed a campaign to establish a Filipiniana collection. Their idea was to solicit donations to Richmond Public Library directly from the community, and whatever funds they raised would be matched by the Scotiabank ,” said the coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “They have raised $12,200 so far and the proceeds have gone towards the purchase of 645 Filipino books, DVDs and music CDs in Tagalog, as well as books in English about Filipino culture and history, and books in English by Filipino authors. There are books for adults as well as children and the collection now has 1,171 items for borrowing. The gift was comprised of a $6,100 donation from the Filipino Scotiabankers, and matched by a $6,100 donation from Scotiabank. Richmond Public Library also purchased 526 items for this collection. -more- Page 2

David Poole, Senior Vice President of Scotiabank for the British Columbia and Yukon Region; the Filipino Scotiabankers; Library Trustees and a representative from the Philippine Consulate General will be in attendance. Following the ceremony there will be fun and educational activities to promote the understanding of Filipino history and culture, including: • Philippine History 101 • Tinikling Dance (bamboo dance) • Tagalog storytelling for children • comics exhibit tracing the progress of Philippine comics • Sungka tournament (a traditional Filipino game using shells or rocks and a piece of wood with carved out bowls that promotes analytical thinking) • Filipiniana costume exhibit • prints from the War and Dissent Exhibit from the Presidio of San Francisco; • Village of the Balangay Exhibit.

“We’re just thrilled with the response to this campaign and it’s great to have the new Filipiniana collection. There’s definitely a heightened awareness of the library by the local Filipino community, and we hope that people will learn more about Filipino culture and history as a result of this collection,” added Jang. For more information please call Wendy Jang at 604-231-6419. -30-

Contact: Wendy Jang Coordinator of Multilingual Services Phone: 604-231-6419 Email: wendy.jang@yourlibrary.ca

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

“We want to encourage teens to be creative and show off their artistic talents by filming a video trailer for their favourite book,” said teen librarian Kate Adams. The winning video will be posted on the Richmond Public Library website and will compete against 1st place videos from other Lower Mainland libraries in the “Battle of the Best Book Trailer.” Contest rules: • The trailer must be three minutes or less • The trailer must be posted on YouTube (see online entry form for instructions) • Trailer will be evaluated on creativity and content. For more information contact Kate Adams at kate.adams@yourlibrary.ca or 604-278-9811 ext. 634.

Contact:

• Kate Adams, Kids' Place Librarian, 604-278-9811 ext. 634

According to the BC Cancer Agency, regular screening mammograms are one of the best ways to monitor breast health. Early cancer detection allows for more treatment options and a better chance for recovery. The Screening Mammography Program of BC (SMP) offers free regular screening mammograms to women ages 40-79 without a doctor’s referral. Outside this age group, women are accepted with a doctor’s referral.

The screening mammogram only takes about 15 minutes. It’s a known fact that age is the highest risk factor for breast cancer, which is why it’s so important for women 40 and older to get a regular screening mammogram.

There are many benefits to the Screening Mammography Program. You receive reminders in the mail when it’s time to screen again, and the results are sent to both you and your doctor. You can go to any SMP facility and your previous SMP mammograms are available for comparison. And most importantly, regular screening mammograms can find most types of breast cancer, usually before it has spread. Visit www.smpbc.ca for more information and to see a short presentation on how a mammogram is given.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

According to the BC Cancer Agency, regular screening mammograms are one of the best ways to monitor breast health. Early cancer detection allows for more treatment options and a better chance for recovery. The Screening Mammography Program of BC (SMP) offers free regular screening mammograms to women ages 40-79 without a doctor’s referral. Outside this age group, women are accepted with a doctor’s referral.

The screening mammogram only takes about 15 minutes. It’s a known fact that age is the highest risk factor for breast cancer, which is why it’s so important for women 40 and older to get a regular screening mammogram.

There are many benefits to the Screening Mammography Program. You receive reminders in the mail when it’s time to screen again, and the results are sent to both you and your doctor. You can go to any SMP facility and your previous SMP mammograms are available for comparison. And most importantly, regular screening mammograms can find most types of breast cancer, usually before it has spread. Visit www.smpbc.ca for more information and to see a short presentation on how a mammogram is given.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

“Participants will get a better understanding of the GST/HST system, learn about the transitional rules from PST to HST, learn about the Housing Rebate, and get some valuable HST savings tips,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multilingual services. For more information phone 604-231-6413 (English) or 604-231-6462 (Chinese).

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

“Participants will get a better understanding of the new housing rebate, transitional rules for residential real property, and Grandfathering rules,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multilingual services. For more information call 604-231-6413 (English) or 604-231-6462 (Chinese).

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

“Our course is designed to teach women of all ages proven principles on how to manage money, grow savings and reduce taxes. Participants will also learn how to accumulate, preserve and transfer wealth from generation to generation,” said Alphil Guilaran, executive director and co-founder of the Financial Literacy Counsel. “We provide a safe, non-sales environment in which women can learn valuable financial life skills.”

Topics to be covered include: living within your means, reducing debt and taxes, and understanding pensions, RRSP, TFSA, RRIF and education savings programs. The speakers will also explore how to effectively set up a will, power of attorney, the role of an executor, and financial care of aging parents. For women who are self-employed or own their own business, the speakers will cover key topics such as: Should you incorporate? Which expenses can you write off? How to read financial statements, reduce taxes, and assess the value of your business. “There is strictly NO promotion of financial institutions in this course,” stressed Guilaran.

The speakers will be Alphil Guilaran and Jason Nakano. Guilaran, in addition to being the executive director and co-founder of the Financial Literacy Counsel, has a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in Political Science and Economics. He completed the Insurance Council of BC Course in 1998 and is a certified Elder Planning Counselor. Nakano has been a Chartered Accountant for over 12 years and completed the CICA Advanced Tax Course. He is a senior manager at a Chartered Accountancy firm and manages a team of tax specialists who help professionals and corporations develop effective tax planning strategies to preserve and grow wealth.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

“The Celebrate Canada Fair is a fun, family event where people can learn about Canadian culture, history, art, science and more,” said coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. The theme of this year’s event is multiculturalism and the event celebrates Canadian Multiculturalism Day.

A wide variety of activities will take place inside the library and lecture hall from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will include: • 11:00 a.m. – Opening Ceremony followed by cake cutting and refreshments. First come, first served. Quantities limited. • 1:00-1:45- Canadian Songs Workshop (Dayson Room) led by local musician Matthew Dyck • 1:30 - 3:30 - Online Citizenship Competition (Computer Centre) • 2:00-3:30 – Canadian Cooking Demonstration (outside the main entrance in the courtyard)

“There will also be a Friends of the Library book sale, and an orchid sale, plus fun games and crafts including face painting, fishing, hockey, basketball and more. There’s even a photo board where you can take a picture of yourself with Ralphy the Rhino,” added Jang. Check the schedule of events inside the library for times and locations of all activities.

Test your knowledge of Canada and practice for the Canadian Citizenship Test at the Online Citizenship Competition, which starts off with preliminary rounds at 1:30, 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. The final competition is at 3 p.m. with prizes for the top winners. Please arrive a 2:45 for the finals. You can preregister online for the preliminaries.

Interactive booths and displays will feature a variety of contests, games, quizzes, crafts and prizes. Learn about Canada’s national parks and historic sites; discover Chinese Canadian history; learn about recycling and ways to protect the environment, meet war veterans, learn about astronomy, our forests, and find out about other cultures. And don’t forget to pick up a free blue spruce tree seedling from the Richmond Chinese Parents’ Association Booth before you leave the library.

Booths include representatives from: Parks Canada, Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, CUPE 3966, Chinese Canadian Historical Society, Chinese Canadian Military Museum (veterans), Filipinos in Richmond Support Team Society, Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society’s South Asian Services, Association of BC Forest Professionals; Richmond Civic Engagement Network, Environmental Sustainability (City of Richmond), Richmond Orchid Culture Club, Friends of Richmond Public Library, Richmond Chinese Parents Association, SUCCESS Richmond Youth Group, and more.

Sponsors for the event include: Canadian Heritage, CUPE 3966, Safeway (Blundell Store), Richmond Orchid Culture Club, BC Hydro, Tree Canada, Irene Ho, Chocolate Lover Cakes, and Dan-D-Pak.

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

“Reading Rocks!” is the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Club. The official Summer Reading Club Kick-Off on Saturday, June 26th will feature FREE 45-minute magic shows by Norden the Magician at the following times and locations: Brighouse (Main) Branch lecture hall at 10:30 a.m.; Steveston Branch at 12:00 noon; Ironwood Branch at 2:00 p.m. and Cambie Branch at 3:30 p.m. The magic show is a free, drop-in event. Fun weekly activities, puppet shows, sing-a-longs and storytimes will also be offered at the library during Summer Reading Club.

“It’s good for parents to know that there’s a place where their kids can participate in all sorts of free summer activities,” said head of kids’ place, Virginia McCreedy. To get the official Summer Reading Club booklet, kids are asked to bring their own library card. This is an ideal time for kids to get a free, round Ralphy library card.

“This province-wide Summer Reading Club is in its 20th year and going strong. Kids love to discover new books and get fun stickers just for reading,” added McCreedy. “Writing book reviews for a chance to be published in the Richmond News and on the library’s website is another popular part of Summer Reading Club. Each week, three book reviews will be selected for publication.

“There’s also a bookmark contest for 6-8-year-olds and 9-12-year-olds and the winners will receive a Chapter’s gift certificate. Twenty-five bookmarks will be printed up for each winner to keep.

“Our hope is to inspire kids to have a lifelong love of reading and an appreciation for libraries,” said McCreedy. Last year Richmond Public Library had over 5,273 kids join the summer reading club.

Summer Reading Club is sponsored by the British Columbia Library Association and Richmond Public Library, with the assistance of the Public Library Services Branch, Ministry of Education. Other sponsors include the White Spot, Royal Bank of Canada and the Richmond News.

Contact:

• Virginia McCreedy, Coordinator of Children's Services, 604-231-6431

Program #416 – June 22nd at Brighouse (Main) Branch at 4:30 p.m. Program #417 – July 5th at Ironwood Branch at 3:00 p.m. Program #418 – July 13th at Brighouse (Main) Branch at 4:00 p.m. Program #419 – July 20th at Brighouse (Main) Branch at 4:00 p.m.

The workshops will be held in the 2nd floor program room at the Brighouse Branch and in the living room at the Ironwood Branch. Register by visiting any branch of Richmond Public Library, by calling 604-231-6413, or online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm. Service Canada Centres for Youth are sponsoring these workshops in partnership with the Library.

Contact:

• Theresa de Sousa ext. 635

• Virginia McCreedy, Coordinator of Children's Services, 604-231-6431

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

Managing Your Child’s Internet Use: A Program for Parents of 8-to-12-Year-Olds takes place from 7 to 8 pm, Wednesday, June 16th at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. Managing Your Child’s Internet Use: A Program for Parents of 8-to-12-Year-Olds is free, but registration is required. To sign up, drop by any branch of Richmond Public Library, phone (604) 231-6413, or register online for Program # 335 at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm. The library will provide a free activity for children ages 8 to12 while their parents attend the class.

“The Internet has become a central part of most kids’ lives,” says Virginia McCreedy, head of Kids’ Place. “It can be beneficial, but parents need to be involve. As well as safety guidelines, parents will get tools to help children become good ‘digital citizens’ and tap into fun, educational Web resources, “ adds McCreedy. “Parents who struggle with screen time limits, feel overwhelmed with all the safety messages out there, or who want to know about websites that will enhance learning, will benefit from this practical class.” Program topics will include social media use (e.g. Facebook, MySpace), cyberbullying, what type of parental supervision is critical, and filters. Guides to web resources, including interactive safety websites, downloadable Internet rules, and top kids’ sites, will be provided.

Contact:

• Virginia McCreedy, Coordinator of Children's Services, 604-231-6431

“Participants will get a better understanding of the GST/HST system, learn about the transitional rules from PST to HST, and learn how businesses should prepare for the upcoming changes to their accounting systems,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multilingual services. For more information phone 604-231-6413 (English) or 604-231-6462 (Chinese).

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

“Participants will get a better understanding of the GST/HST system, learn about the transitional rules from PST to HST, and learn how businesses should prepare for the upcoming changes to their accounting systems,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multilingual services. For more information phone 604-231-6413 (English) or 604-231-6462 (Chinese).

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

The library is offering this program in partnership with the Fraser Basin Council and the Georgia Strait Alliance. Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are toxic and harmful to our health. These toxins are also drained into our sewer system and eventually enter the ocean through the Georgia Strait, polluting the water and harming marine life. This program will include a demonstration on how to make natural and economical cleaning solutions, and will offer facts about household toxins and our health, salmon farming, and our water cycle.

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

Tuesdays May 11 – July 20 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays May 12 – July 21 from 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursdays May 13 – July 22 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Closed on July 1 for Canada Day) Fridays May 14 – July 23 from 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

“These are self study programs, but a trained peer tutor will be present to answer questions about English language and help people develop their language skills. The peer tutor will also help people to find information related to their previous or desired employment goals,” said the library’s coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “Anyone who has an extended question can make an appointment in person with the tutor during the program times,” she added. There will be informational materials from Kwantlen available for ESL learners and job seekers.

For more information about this program please call the library at 604-231-6413.

The program is modeled on the method currently used in the Learning Centre at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Young adults with English as a second language, and immigrants looking for work will find this program useful.

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

“You must know the English alphabet to be able to participate, and your must bring your Permanent Resident Card to the first class to prove recent immigrant status,” said the library’s coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “Because we are offering this as a series, participants need to attend all four classes. 24 hours cancellation notice is required or you will be charged $5 per session. The classes are for Chinese speaking immigrant seniors who have not used a computer before.” S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will provide the instructor and class assistants. These 2 hour classes will be held at different locations on the following dates:

Brighouse (Main) Branch (2nd floor computer lab), located at 7700 Minoru Gate #330 May 6, 13, 20, 27 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Ironwood Branch (computer lab), located in the Ironwood Plaza, No. 5 Road and Steveston Highway #331 May 1, 8, 15, 22 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The four classes will cover: Introduction to Computers, which covers basic computer components, powering up and shutting down, using the mouse and keyboard, changing time and date, and what to look for when buying a computer. Introduction to Microsoft Windows will teach you how to use the calculator, play games, use different programs, change the wallpaper, save, print and delete files, maximize and minimize the screen, and close programs. Getting Started on the Internet will cover web browsers, basic search techniques, and how to watch movies and listen to the radio on the computer. Email Basics will teach you how to set up an email account, send, open and delete emails, and use and open attachments.

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

Speakers include Dr. Monique Wong, an Infant and Child Psychiatrist at Richmond Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Richmond Mental Health Services; Stephen Krzyzanowski, Mental Health Clinician, Integrated Youth Outreach Team, Richmond Mental Health Services; and Arto Tienho, Executive Director of the Anxiety Disorders Association of BC. This program is sponsored by the Ministry for Children and Family Development; Vancouver Coastal Health; Richmond Community Table for Supporting Families with Parental Mental Illness; and Richmond Public Library. For more information please contact Barbara Fee, Public Education Program Manager at the Canadian Mental Health Association (Richmond) at 604-276-8834.

Contact:

• Barbara Fee, Public Education Program Manager at the Canadian Mental Health Association 604-276-8834.

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

“Richmond Public Library and employment counselors from Connections Youth Resource Centre are working together to offer these valuable sessions to young adults in our community,” said the library’s coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “The one-on-one sessions are free, but each person is limited to one session only,” added Jang. The sessions will be offered in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, on different days.

The sessions take place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the large seminar room at the Brighouse Branch, located at 7700 Minoru Gate:

April 14 Cantonese, Mandarin and English April 28 English May 12 Cantonese, Mandarin and English May 26 English June 9 Cantonese, Mandarin and English June 23 English

“The sessions are aimed at providing young adult job seekers, especially those who have had trouble finding a job, with job search knowledge and skills,” added Jang. Employment counselors will meet one-on-one with job seekers to assess their job search techniques and advise them on how and what they need to do to look for a job. People who need extra help will be referred back to Connections Youth Resource Centre for further assistance. Students who are looking for a summer job or part-time work are welcome to register for a session. For more information please call 604-231-6413 (English) or 604-231-6462 (Chinese).

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

Vaisakhi celebrates the beginning of the New Year for the Sikh community and is also a time to celebrate the harvest season. The library wants share this special occasion with the Punjabi community and everyone is welcome to attend and join in the fun. The program is sponsored by Richmond Public Library in partnership with SUCCESS. For more information please call Mary Grewal, multilingual reference clerk at 604-231-6468 or Poojanjot Kochhar, settlement program officer with SUCCESS at 604-279-7157.

Vaisakhi is celebrated all over the world, including the Lower Mainland, where there are two Nagar Kirtan parades that attract thousands of people. Surrey is known to have the largest parade in Canada.

Contact:

• Susan Walters, Head of Branches, 604-231-6466

“This is a really practical program for people who want to eat healthy, homegrown food and want to learn how to do it themselves,” said library communications officer Shelley Civkin. “There will be time after the program for the audience to ask questions,” added Civkin. For more information please call Arzeena Hamir at (604) 727-9728.

Contact:

• Arzeena Hamir at (604) 727-9728

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

“Richmond Public Library and employment counselors from the Richmond Career Centre of Immigrant Services Society (ISS) are working together to offer these valuable sessions to immigrants in our community,” said the library’s coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “The one-on-one sessions are free, but each person is limited to one session only,” added Jang. “It doesn’t matter when you came to Canada; you don’t need to be a recent immigrant to attend these sessions.” The sessions are for people who speak English, Cantonese or Mandarin.

The sessions take place from 10 a.m. – 12 noon in the large seminar room at the Brighouse Branch on April 7 and 21; May 5 and 19; and June 2, 16 and 30.

“Employment counselors will meet one-on-one with immigrant job seekers to assess their job search techniques and advise them on how and what they need to do to look for a job. People who need extra help will be referred back to the Richmond Career Centre of ISS for further assistance. For more information please call 604-231-6413 (English) or 604-231-6462 (Chinese).

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

“You must know the English alphabet to be able to participate, and your must bring your Permanent Resident Card to the first class to prove recent immigrant status,” said the library’s coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. “Because we are offering this as a series, participants need to attend all four classes. 24 hours cancellation notice is required or you will be charged $5 per session. The classes are for Chinese speaking immigrant seniors who have not used a computer before.” S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will provide the instructor and class assistants. These 2 hour classes will be held at different locations on the following dates:

Brighouse (Main) Branch (2nd floor computer lab), located at 7700 Minoru Gate #217 April 8, 15, 22, 29 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Ironwood Branch (computer lab), located in the Ironwood Plaza, No. 5 Road and Steveston Highway #218 April 3, 10, 17, 24 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The four classes will cover: Introduction to Computers, which covers basic computer components, powering up and shutting down, using the mouse and keyboard, changing time and date, and what to look for when buying a computer. Introduction to MS Windows will teach you how to use the calculator, play games, use different programs, change the wallpaper, save, print and delete files, maximize and minimize the screen, and close programs. Getting Started on the Internet will cover web browsers, basic search techniques, and how to watch movies and listen to the radio on the computer. Email Basics will teach you how to set up an email account, send, open and delete emails, and use and open attachments.

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

“This is a great way for teens to meet new friends and gain some experience while helping younger kids in grades one to three with their reading, once a week after school,” said teen librarian Kate Adams. “You can make a big difference in a child’s life by working with them one-on-one to improve their reading skills,” added Adams.

Teens are paired with elementary school age children, and an initial basic orientation for teens is provided by the library. Ongoing training may be given at each Reading Buddies session. “So if you have patience, enthusiasm and an encouraging attitude, then we’d love your help,” added Adams. For more information please call Kate Adams at 604-278-9811 ext. 634 or email kate.adams@yourlibrary.ca.

Contact:

• Kate Adams, Kids' Place Librarian, 604-278-9811 ext. 634

The Coach Exhibition is created by LiveWires Design, and their animation team will be conducting the hands-on workshop to show kids how to draw athletes, make flip books, and create their own computer animation. For more information call 604-231-6412.

Contact:

• Kate Adams, Kids' Place Librarian, 604-278-9811 ext. 634

The topic is: “Future Human Evolution: Bare Necessity or Dreams?” The guest speaker is Will Tesler. This is a free, drop-in program for Russian speaking adults. For information on other library events, visit www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

Lai’s upcoming appearance at Brighouse Branch follows on the heels of the award-winning library campaign featuring Ralphy the Rhino on the world’s first round library card. The campaign, which helped boost children’s library membership by nearly 30%, was based on the slogan Go Anywhere, Learn Anything, Read Every Day© and encouraged kids of all ages to read.

Now, for the 2010 Winter Games, RPL is enlisting Ralphy to attract kids to the library to learn about Olympic sports and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. Innovative life-size cut-outs of Ralphy performing his favourite winter sports are located at each Richmond library branch. They’re interactive and designed to let kids become part of the action. Kids can have their picture taken with Ralphy then email it to kids@yourlibrary.ca so the Library can add it to their online Ralphy photo album.

“The spirit of the Games and Ralphy is about inspiration, and we want to inspire kids to be active in both body and mind,” said Lai.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

“Our Friends group is such a hardworking, dedicated bunch of people, and we’re so grateful for their generosity,” said chief librarian Greg Buss. “They’ve been contributing to the library for years and their annual book sales are one of the most popular community events in Richmond.”

At a recent library board meeting on Jan. 27th the Friends’ chairperson Betsy Blair handed over the large cheque to the library. Some of the items to be sponsored this year include: favourite picture books and kids’ fiction for all Richmond Library branches; information books for kids; children’s music CDs; classics of Western Civilization; a 2010 legacy collection of Canadian books; humour and non-fiction books for the library’s book club collection; and a donation towards setting up a Richmond Public Library endowment fund in the Richmond Community Foundation.

“These items will undoubtedly be in high demand, and we’re delighted to have this extra boost to our collections,” added Buss.

Buss said that each year the Library puts together a wish list of items they need, and then the Friends of the Library decides which items they’d like to support. “They’ve been incredibly generous over the years, and we really appreciate their ongoing commitment to literacy and to helping our community thrive."

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

Poised to welcome the world to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the Richmond O Zone celebration site will be a hub of activity from February 12th – 28th, with the Library smack in the middle of it all. Visitors wanting a break from the crowds can grab a coffee and cheer on their favorite athletes or teams while watching the Games in the Library’s large screen TV lounges. Out-of-town guests can catch up on news from home with electronic international newspapers or email family and friends at our free Internet Café.

“Kids and families will love our Canadian Cinema where we’ll be showing National Film Board movies and cartoons daily during the Olympics. And the Coach Exhibit, well you definitely don’t want to miss that!” says Chief Librarian, Greg Buss. Created locally by LiveWires Design, this hands-on game and interactive science exhibition about Olympic athletes and coaches encourages kids to shoot a hockey goal, check out body organs up close, see what it feels like to ride on a Skeleton sled, make a flip book, and play computer games based on sports and fitness. It’s a one-of-a-kind exhibit that makes learning fun.

Once the Olympics start, kids can have their photo taken with a life-size Ralphy the Rhino performing his favorite winter sports. That’s the famous Ralphy, from the round library card.

Visitors should check out Crossroads on the main floor, where they can sample BC and Canadian magazines, get a cool book bag and see the Canadian Showcase Collection that highlights the best books about Canada. “Go ahead, be a champion and create a legacy for future generations of readers by supporting the Canadian Showcase Collection online at www.yourlibrary.ca/legacy,” adds Buss. “It’s a fantastic way to participate in the Olympic excitement and show off your national pride.”

Book lovers will want to be part of BookCrossing, where they can read and release their books into the wild, then follow their travels through the world.

And for those who want to know how it all started, check out the Story of the Games, a display that chronicles the history of the Olympics as seen on the cover pages of the Vancouver Sun and Province. Canwest Global, publisher of the Sun and Province, will update the front page coverage of the 2010 Games daily so readers can keep up to speed.

As part of the O Zone, Brighouse Library hours will be changed to accommodate all the activities around them. The International Living Room will be open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Weekend hours are 12 noon – 9 p.m. These hours are in effect from February 12th – 28th.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show our international visitors all the unique things that make Canada the best place in the world to live. Join us in welcoming the world,” adds Buss.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

New to the Board are Sanjiv Khangura and Simon Tang, both appointed by Richmond City Council for a two year term. Mr. Khangura is a lifelong Richmond resident and comes to the Board with a solid range of experience as a pharmacist, and has a strong background in volunteering. He is currently a hospital pharmacist at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.

Mr. Tang brings strong and varied experience to the Board in the areas of information technology and software development, as well as project management. He is currently the Principal at Tangz Consulting, which specializes in contact center and wireless solutions. He also has strong volunteer experience in the community.

As the Library Board Chair, one of Yoshikawa’s main focuses is to promote and encourage literacy in our community. She says, "Offering a broad range of resources and programs, we can help people with the practical issues they face in their daily lives. Libraries are free sources of knowledge and entertainment, a benefit to our community especially in the current economic climate. We provide traditional books as well as new technologies, and invite everyone to explore our libraries and our website when they want recreational reading, reference material, or literacy resources. Providing for the basic needs of our growing and diverse community is a challenge, but our Board members and library staff are working hard to do just that."

Yoshikawa’s immediate focus though, is the upcoming 2010 Olympic Winter Games. She says that the library’s International Living Room will be a unique and fun destination for visitors and regular library users – a place to relax, socialize and explore different aspects of the Games from a truly Canadian perspective.

Richmond Public Library is an award-winning library system and the most heavily used community facility in Richmond. It is committed to the goals of education, lifelong learning and free access to information. The library had over 2 million visitors last year.

Contact:

• Greg Buss, Chief Librarian, 604-231-6418

Over the last six months, the Coach exhibition designers have followed Olympic coaches from Canada, the United States and Europe as they trained twenty top athletes. Ten of the athletes – including skeleton slider Jeff Pain, speed skater Clara Hughes and hockey star Hailey Wickenheiser - have Olympic experience. The other ten are new faces.

Visitors can explore the exhibits that include clothing and sports gear contributed by the athletes. Then visitors can enter a contest to assess how each of the twenty athletes will place in the final standings. The winner of the contest will receive a framed photograph of their favourite World Cup speed skater. To help visitors prepare for the contest, the exhibition has a website, www.braincells.net which includes games and interviews with the athletes and their coaches. Contest closes Thursday, February 11th. The exhibition will run until February 28th.

“Coach is a must-see exhibit for kids and families,” says Dace Starr, senior librarian. “It’s a hands-on game and interactive science exhibition about Olympic athletes and coaches that makes learning about sports and fitness fun,” adds Starr. “With Coach you can try out your hockey skills, work on the Bone puzzles computer game, see body organs up close, and even build your own flip book!”

So what are you waiting for? Check out the Coach Exhibition and have yourself some Olympic fun.The Coach Exhibition is part of the International Living Room at the Richmond O Zone, a place where visitors and locals can relax, socialize and catch the Olympic spirit in the comfort of a home-away-from-home.

Contact:

• Dace Starr, Senior Librarian, 604-231-6439

These 2 hour classes will be held on the following dates:

107 Introduction to Computers February 4, 2010 10:00 am – 12:00 noon 108 Introduction to MS Windows February 11, 2010 10:00 am – 12:00 noon 109 Getting Started on the Internet February 18, 2010 10:00 am – 12:00 noon 110 Email Basics February 25, 2010 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Register by visiting any branch of Richmond Public Library, by calling 604-231-6468, or online at www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm. “These classes are for Chinese seniors who have never used a computer before,” said the library’s coordinator of multilingual services, Wendy Jang. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will provide the instructor and class assistants.

Introduction to Computers will teach you about basic computer components, powering up and shutting down, how to use the mouse and keyboard and what to look for when buying a computer. Introduction to MS Windows will teach you how to use the calculator, play games, use different programs, save, print and delete files, maximize and minimize the screen, and close programs. Getting Started on the Internet will cover web browsers, basic search techniques, and how to watch movies and listen to the radio on the computer. Email Basics will teach you how to set up an email account, send, open and delete emails, and use and open attachments. For more information please call the library at 604-231-6468 or call S.U.C.C.E.S.S. at 604-408-7260.

Contact:

• Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Multilingual Services, 604-231-6419

The topic is: “Philosophical Aspects of Aging.” The guest speaker is Dr. Adolf Zilberstein. This is a free, drop-in program for Russian speaking adults. For information on other library events, visit www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

“We’re really grateful for the generous donation and for the opportunity to work with the Richmond Food Security Society to develop this collection,” said communications officer Shelley Civkin. “There are so many aspects to food security and all of them impact our daily lives enormously, from where our food is grown, to how much it costs, to future food needs, and more,” added Civkin. For more information about the Richmond Food Security Society please call their coordinator Arzeena Hamir at 604-727-9728. Check out the World Health Organization’s website at http://www.who.int/trade/glossary/story028/en/ for additional information about food security.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416

The Centre offers Mango Languages, an online learning system that combines audio and written lessons. The language learning software is interactive and easy to use and it now includes 22 languages and 14 ESL courses. The Mango Languages database is available online and can be used from any RPL computer. You can also access it remotely from home or office 24x7 via the library’s website at http://www.yourlibrary.ca/content.cfm?lev1=190&lev2=398.

The 22 Mango Basic language courses include Mandarin Chinese, French, Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese. The 14 ESL courses are for native speakers of Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese Chinese, French, German, Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Greek, Japanese, Polish, Spanish, and Portuguese.

The Language Learning Centre also offers Greenwood ESL language learning software that teaches English pronunciation, conversation and grammar. Since it’s CD-based it is only available for use in the Language Learning Centre.

“The TD Canada Trust Language Learning Centre benefits students and new immigrants who are learning new languages, those who want to practice and improve their existing language skills and travelers who want to learn foreign languages. Being such a multicultural community and so integrated into the global economy, people find this language learning software really useful,” said Ping He, head of reference.

Contact:

• Shelley Civkin, Communications Officer, 604-231-6416