Press Releases

Richmond, BC – In recognition of Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day, Richmond Public Library is offering several different ways for the public to remember and acknowledge the contributions of Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans.

Once again the library is pleased to offer Postcards for Peace. Library visitors are encouraged to take a moment to write a message of appreciation, or describe how they will remember the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian veterans or Canadian Armed Forces members. Postcards will be available at all four library locations from November 5 – 10 and completed postcards will be delivered to Canadian Forces personnel.

Richmond Public Library’s Peace Quilt will be on display throughout Veterans’ Week at the Brighouse (Main) Branch. The Peace Quilt was created in November 2013 as a collaborative project between the Richmond Public Library and students in Richmond schools to bring the community messages of peace and friendship.

Richmond Public Library has a collection of materials on war, conflict, and the significance of Remembrance Day. Browse through the library’s resources online.

Richmond, BC – To celebrate Canadian Library Month, Richmond Public Library is launching a new collection called Active Mind Sets. Members of the community can have a look at this new collection that can foster brain health and family conversations. The new collection will be introduced and available to explore on the following dates:

Date Wed Oct 11, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, Lobby, Minoru Place Activity Centre and 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, Lobby, Brighouse BranchWed Oct 18, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, Lobby, Brighouse Branch Wed Oct 25, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Lobby, Minoru Place Activity Centre

There are almost 40 different sets available to borrow and each Active Mind Set includes two different cognitive games (memory, spatial thinking, puzzles etc.) that can be played alone or with others. “The Active Mind Sets can be enjoyed by anyone from the ages of 8 to 98.” says Lee Anne Smith, Coordinator, Programming and Information Services. “It is important to keep both young and aging minds strong with a variety of activities and these interactive games will support brain health and family connections. The sets were made possible by a donation from the Friends of the Library and the library thanks the Friends for their support.”

Active Mind Sets will be available at all library branches and can be borrowed for up to 21 days by anyone with a current Richmond Public Library card.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to announce that it is holding its 10th annual Science Bash on Friday October 20th followed by the 2nd annual Mozilla Hive PopUp on Saturday October 21st. Both events are free to attend and take place from 11 am – 3 pm at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, located at 7700 Minoru Gate.

Science Bash is an annual event where the library partners with local science organizations to celebrate and promote science, technology and STEM-based learning. Building on the success of last year’s event, this year we will once again be partnering with the Hive Learning Community to celebrate digital literacy and collaborative making.

The goal of this two day event is to encourage the community to learn about the different branches of science and technology and speak with professionals about possible careers and areas of interest. All booths will incorporate activities for children such as illusions, experiments and other hands-on science demonstrations that create an enriched learning atmosphere.

Friday October 20th is a province-wide professional development day and families are encouraged to come to the library to enjoy the day’s events together.

"Richmond Public Library offers a huge variety of digital programming and services”, says Christine McCrea, Kids’ Place Librarian at Richmond Public Library. “This two day event provides the public with a great opportunity to learn about many of the new tools and technologies available, all under one roof!”

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library invites the public to celebrate the Jewish festival of Sukkot. We will be joined by Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman, the director of Chabad of Richmond, who will give a brief introduction to the holiday, followed by a Sukkot-themed storytime and activity at the Brighouse branch on Sunday, October 1st from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Sukkot is a harvest holiday, marked by the creation of temporary dwellings or tents called sukkahs. There will be a traditional sukkah on display at Brighouse branch where this program is being held.

“We are delighted to be hosting Sukkot for the second year in a row,” said Linda Loceff, Richmond Public Library librarian, “and excited for Rabbi Baitelman to help us celebrate this family-oriented holiday.”

The library gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Ben & Esther Dayson Charitable Foundation which support all Jewish programs and collections.

This event is drop-in, free to attend and all ages are welcome. We look forward to welcoming the community at this unique cultural event!

RICHMOND – Once again, Richmond Public Library has partnered Charity Brighouse to host the third annual Richmond Youth Volunteerism Fair. This event will be held on Thursday, September 28 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. No registration is required, interested participants are free to drop in at any time throughout the event.

Charity Brighouse is a youth-led organization that is highly involved in the Richmond community and members share a passion for volunteerism. The Richmond Youth Volunteerism Fair will include over 20 non-profit organizations from the community to help teens select a volunteer position that complements their personal interests. With so many volunteer opportunities to choose from, teens can rest assured that there is a volunteer position suitable for anyone looking for an opportunity.

Teens looking for work experience, to earn school credit, or meet new friends should not miss this event!

For more information about this event visit http://www.charitybrighouse.org/

RICHMOND – In recognition of BC Small Business Week, Richmond Public Library is hosting a series of programs to inspire Canadian entrepreneurs interested or involved with small and medium-size enterprises in Richmond. This free series runs from Monday, October 16 to Monday, October 23 and all programs will be held at Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate during the evenings.

The library has teamed up with several local community partners to share knowledge, information and resources specific to community members interested in starting up a small business. The library is pleased to welcome Canada Revenue Agency, Benchmark Business Law, and Nurse Next Door as presenting partners.

For participants looking for an alternative to learning in a classroom setting, we have programmed TED Talks to run three nights that week, each night will highlight a different topic including Leadership, Business, Technology and Small Business. To end the series we will host a Canadian Business Owner Talk in celebration of Canada 150 and a Small Business Job Fair in partnership with Avia Employment Services.

Program participants will gain a better understanding of all the resources that are available to help them launch their business. There will be something for everyone interested in entrepreneurship or small business owners.

The Small Business Week program line up is as follows:

• Oct 16 – 7:00-8:30pm – Government Grants
• Oct 16 – 6:00-7:30pm – TED Talk (Leadership)
• Oct 17 – 6:30-8pm – Passion & Culture
• Oct 17 – 6:00-7:30pm – TED Talk (Business & Tech)
• Oct 18 – 7:00-8:00pm – Non-Profit Start Ups
• Oct 18 – 7:00-8:00pm – Non-Profit Start Ups
• Oct 19 – 6:30-8pm – Small Business Law
• Oct 20 – 6:00-7:30pm – TED Talk (Small Business)
• Oct 23 – 1-2pm – Canada 150 – Canadian Business Owners Stories
• Oct 23 – 2-4pm – Small Business Job Fair

To register, call 604.231.6413 or visit http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar

Richmond, BC – Are you looking for a new way to meet others that is fun, stimulating and free? Join one of the many Richmond Public Library Book Clubs for adults and children.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is excited to announce that our popular “Learning Together” family literacy program will return to both the Ironwood and Cambie Libraries in the fall of 2017. This eight-week program for preschoolers and caregivers will run at Ironwood on Wednesdays from September 20 to November 8 and at Cambie on Thursdays from September 21 to November 9 (from 10 AM to 12 PM at both locations). Registration is required.

Discover new ways to connect with your child and make learning fun. Parents and children ages 3-5 will learn how to develop early literacy skills and a love of stories and reading within everyday life. Skills include the alphabet, numbers, exposure to digital media and physical activity.

"Being an elementary school teacher for 15 years, I was very impressed with this Program," says Dr. Simmee Chung, parent of two children who attended the winter session. "What a great way to build a sense of community, and share with our children – a love for all literacies and learning."

Activities, storytime and snacks are included in each weekly session.

For more details about the program, including dates, times and how to register, interested participants should check out our onlineevent calendar, or call the library at 604-231-6412.

Richmond, BC – Summer reading at RPL is still going strong. So far, over 3,700 kids, 125 teens and 100 adults have signed up for summer reading clubs at Richmond Public Library. Reading clubs offer book-based challenges, book recommendations from library staff, unique reading events and achievement awards, all aimed at encouraging a life-long love of literacy and reading. A fabulous summer of reading will be finished off with the Summer Reading Finale on Saturday September 9 from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. Mayor Malcolm Brodie and Library Board member Chaslynn Gillanders will team up with local dignitaries and community members to welcome guests and award medals to children and prizes to teens and adults. Following the ceremony, there will be family-friendly games and activities. All are welcome, so make sure you’re there for all the fun. This free event will take place on the plaza outside the Brighouse branch. Interested in reading or participating in library programs but not a member yet? Stop by any branch and sign up today! It’s free, it’s easy and there are so many benefits to being a member.

Richmond, BC – September is just around the corner and with the arrival of fall comes the excitement of new things starting at your local library. Richmond Public Library is pleased to announce that the monthly Senior Moments Book Club will begin on Thursday September 14. This Book Club is open to library members ages 55 and older. Interested participants should love to read and share their feedback about books with others. The first book to be discussed is The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. To sign up for the Book Club, register online or in person at any Richmond Public Library branch. In order to keep discussion lively and ensure that all participants have the chance to contribute, this Book Club is limited to 10 participants. Registered participants can pick up a copy of the book from the Brighouse branch and should read the book in its entirety before the September 14 discussion.Interested but not a Richmond Public Library member yet? Stop by any branch and sign up today! It’s free, it’s easy and there are so many benefits to being a member.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library has partnered with the Physics Department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University to offer a public viewing of the solar eclipse using telescopes and other instruments that will safely project an image of the eclipse onto a screen. The viewing party takes place on the plaza outside the Brighouse branch on Monday August 21st from 9:30 – 11:30 AM. In addition to the solar eclipse viewing, there will be activities for children including an outdoor Pop Up library with astronomy-themed books and materials available for reading and borrowing. The outdoor portion of this event is weather-permitting. If the weather conditions are poor or cloudy, then the viewing party will be moved inside the Brighouse branch where the eclipse will be streamed live from NASA. This event is free and all ages are welcome to attend. Come as a family and witness this exciting natural phenomenon as it occurs!

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is excited to be part of Library Day at the Fair at the PNE, which takes place on Wednesday August 23. This year, the Fair has partnered with InterLINK to promote the many services available at public libraries, including a special entry perk. On August 23 only, fair-goers will receive gate admission for only $5 upon showing a BC public library card. RPL staff will be located at the Library Zone near Toon City and Gate 4 from 11 AM until 9 PM, hosting a variety of activities alongside our colleagues from other Lower Mainland libraries. Come and try fun literacy-based games and stories, maker activities, or simply join us under the InterLINK tent to relax and take a breather. For hockey fans, members of the Vancouver Canucks will be holding scheduled storytimes. Check with a library staff member at the Fair for times, locations and for more information. Each library card grants one person access to the Fair at the $5 rate; every person must show their own card to gain admission at the discounted rate. The Fair is free to enter for children under the age of 13.Don’t have a Richmond Public Library card yet? Stop by any branch and sign up today! It’s free, it’s easy and there are so many benefits to being a member.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library would like to remind the community to remain vigilant about managing their health during the heat wave and smoke pollution that is currently impacting the Lower Mainland. The current weather conditions are of particular concern to the very young, the elderly and people with varying disabilities or breathing difficulties.

Your library is here to help! There are three branches of the library open weekdays until 9 PM and the Brighouse branch is open until 9:30 PM. Residents are encouraged to come in to escape the heat, to rest and to read or partake in programs held in our air conditioned spaces.

There are many indoor programs available at the library on a daily basis. If you are looking for something to do indoors this summer, check out our daily events calendar at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar. Also, the Summer Reading Clubs are in full swing but it’s not too late to come in and sign up. Ask a library staff member for more information about summer reading clubs for kids, teens and adults. Start reading today!

Richmond, BC – If you’ve been to Richmond Public Library’s Brighouse branch recently, you’ve probably noticed that the Launchpad on the main floor is bigger, brighter, and offers more exciting digital technology opportunities than ever before.

The new Launchpad, which soft-launched on April 4, is an open access space where members of all ages can learn, create, collaborate, and discover while using the most up-to-date technology and equipment. In addition to offering specialized digital workstations, the Launchpad also provides collaborative learning, flexible classroom, and presentation theatre space.

To celebrate the new space, the community is invited to attend a grand opening and ribbon cutting event in the new Launchpad on Wednesday, June 28 at 2:30 PM. His Worship Mayor Malcolm Brodie will be on hand to welcome community members and officially open the space to the public.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support the new and improved Launchpad at the Richmond Public Library’s Brighouse branch,” said Joe Peschisolido, Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East. “In light of the recent launch of the CanCode program, this creative learning space will help our community explore and practice the digital skills necessary for the jobs of tomorrow.”

“The re-designed Launchpad significantly increases the library’s ability to provide the public with interactive hands-on experiences with a wide variety of digital tools and services,” said Susan Walters, Chief Librarian at Richmond Public Library. “The new space also supports the new BC school curriculum with exciting programs that promote education, career, and economic success.”

The library gratefully acknowledges the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and the City of Richmond for their financial support for the new Launchpad. The library partnered with the architectural firm RATIO to design and build the new space.

Richmond, BC – If you’ve been to Richmond Public Library’s Brighouse branch recently, you’ve probably noticed that the Launchpad on the main floor is bigger, brighter and offers more exciting digital technology opportunities than ever before.

The new Launchpad, which soft-launched on April 4, is an open access space where members of all ages can learn, create, collaborate and discover while using the most up-to-date technology and equipment. In addition to offering specialized digital workstations, the Launchpad also provides collaborative learning, flexible classroom and presentation theatre space.

To celebrate the new space, the community is invited to attend a grand opening and ribbon cutting event in the new Launchpad on Wednesday, June 28 at 2:30 PM. His Worship Mayor Malcolm Brodie and Richmond’s Member of Parliament for Steveston – Richmond East, Joe Peschisolido will be on hand to welcome community members and officially open the space to the public.

“The re-designed Launchpad significantly increases the library’s ability to provide the public with interactive hands-on experiences with a wide variety of digital tools and services,” says Susan Walters, Chief Librarian at Richmond Public Library. “The new space also supports the new BC school curriculum with exciting programs that promote education, career and economic success.”

The library gratefully acknowledges the Canada 150 Infrastructure Grant Program and the City of Richmond for their financial support for the new Launchpad. The library partnered with the architectural firm RATIO to design and build the new space.

Richmond, BC – Kids of all ages are invited to Walk on the Wild Side with Richmond Public Library this summer! The annual Summer Reading Club starts on Wednesday June 28 and there will be a host of exciting kids programs happening at the library all summer long.

Summer Reading Club (SRC) is a great way for kids and families to keep building reading skills while having fun together. Children will be motivated to read as they get to choose books based on their own interests and will be better prepared to go back to school in the fall.

Kids can pick up their reading booklet starting on June 28 and then collect stickers starting on July 19 as they complete weekly age-appropriate reading challenges. The Summer Reading Club kick-off party is on July 8 and the fun lasts right until the wrap-up party and Medal Ceremony which is on September 9.

In addition to the Reading Club, kids can enjoy literacy, science and digital technology programs plus author visits, book clubs and contests. Featured programs this year include a Mo Willems book party, Nature Buddies where kids partner with a high school mentor for literacy and nature-themed activities, and Lego Digital Designer, a software program that teaches kids how to build their own virtual Lego objects.

All library programs are free to join. Note that some programs are registered and some are drop-in. Registration opens on Monday June 19 at 10 AM. Find out more on the library’s event calendar.

Richmond, BC – Together in partnership with the Textile Arts Guild of Richmond (TAGOR) and the Richmond Media Lab, Richmond Public Library is preparing to unveil a very special commemorative hanging quilt next month. TAGOR received a City of Richmond Canada 150 grant for a one-of-a-kind project called “Our Canadian Bookcase”. This grant funded quilting supplies and a series of community quilting workshops where expert TAGOR quilters worked side-by-side with community members to create a hanging quilt featuring 150 Canadian authors. The finished hanging quilt is a truly unique work of art, recognizing great Canadian writers and representing our community’s favourite storytellers. This hanging quilt will be unveiled to the public at a special event on Thursday, June 15th at 4 PM the Brighouse branch. All are welcome to attend! The Richmond Media Lab has been documenting the creation of the hanging quilt at the community workshops and will be filming the unveiling event. In the months to follow, the quilt and the film depicting its creation will travel to facilities throughout the community.During the month of March, the public was invited to nominate their favourite Canadian Kids, Teen or Adult author to be featured on the quilt. The first 150 valid entries received were included in the hanging quilt’s design and all submissions received by March 31st are eligible for a prize draw. One randomly drawn winner from each category (Kids, Teens and Adults) will receive a handmade, limited edition gift courtesy of TAGOR and a specially chosen age-appropriate book from RPL. The winners of the prize draw will be contacted in early June and announced to the public on June 15th at the unveiling.

Richmond, BC – Calling adult volunteers looking to make a difference by volunteering in your community! Do you know your way around a keyboard or a mobile device? Become a Tech Buddy where you’ll team up with library staff to offer peer-to-peer digital learning to senior residents at Gilmore Gardens and Kiwanis Towers.

The goal of the Tech Buddies program is to provide seniors ages 50 and up with learning sessions on their tablets and mobile devices to enable them to better use ebooks, email, download, stream video, change settings, retrieve messages and more.

As a Tech Buddy volunteer, you will mentor seniors about the latest technology tools, further connecting them to their friends, families and local community resources. In return, Tech Buddy volunteers will make new friends and gain new skills themselves.

To volunteer, email volunteer@yourlibrary.ca. Applicants need not be technical experts but must enjoy working with technology tools such as tablets, Apple or Android devices. In addition, volunteers must be friendly, patient and interested in sharing their knowledge with seniors. 2017 Tech Buddies sessions start this summer.

Richmond, BC – Are you interested in video games? Teens, adults and game developers are in for a real treat as Richmond Public Library teams up with Hand Eye Society and Full Indie to bring an exciting gaming series to Richmond that connects local game developers with gaming enthusiasts.

The fun kicks off on May 27 with a five week series of PLAY sessions whereby local game developers will be on hand to demo fun new video games. Gamers of all experience levels can come meet local game developers and enjoy the weekly hands-on, drop-in arcade. Each week there will be a different theme:

• May 27: Comedy Games• June 3: Political Games• June 10: Experimental Art Games• June 17: Autobiographical Games• June 24: Multiplayer Games

Because some of the games will have a mature theme, the PLAY sessions are open to players ages14 and up unless accompanied by an adult.

Immediately following this five week series, the library will begin running the MAKE sessions; a six week registered, inclusive game-making program. Participants will learn how to create their own video game project. No previous programming experience is required. This series is suitable for young adults ages 18 – 25. Find out more at http://gamecuriousrichmond.info/ and keep checking the library’s events calendar as registration for the MAKE series will open in the coming weeks.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is offering free series computer classes in Cantonese for seniors on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 30 – June 15 from 10 am – 12 noon in the Special Collection Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Participants must register for and attend all six sessions.  Due to high demand, this program is for local residents who have not attended this course before.

“This course will cover the basics of computer hardware, what to look for when buying a computer, Internet safety and how to use the mouse and keyboard, MS Windows, browsers, search engines, email, WIFI, Android tablets and smartphones.  Participants should bring their laptops, Android tablets and smartphones to class,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Chinese community services.  “We are grateful to Mr. Jim Ng for volunteering his time to teach this course,” Jang added.  Jim Ng is a full time instructor of computer courses at Douglas College. 

To register or for more information, phone 604-231-6462, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.
About Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go.

Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.

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Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a workshop called “Ask a Scientist”, suitable for adults and teens interested in learning about how scientists, Health Canada, and the pharmaceutical industry work together to discover, develop, and approve new medications. This workshop takes place on Wednesday May 31st from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate.

This workshop will be presented by the Executive Team at Biopep Solutions Inc., Dr. Ahmed Merzouk Director, President and Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Gary Yalloway, Director, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Drug Development; and Dr. Yalcin Ilsever, Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

“The library is very pleased to host this educational program that supports knowledge and understanding about the pharmaceutical industry and promotes health literacy in our public programming.” says Lee Anne Smith, Coordinator of Programming, Digital and Information Services. “Members have told us that innovations in science and medicine are of particular interest to the community.” To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar.

Richmond, BC – Come and celebrate Asian Heritage Month by learning about the many different Asian Cultures. The library is offering a wide variety of activities throughout May in partnership with community organizations and volunteers. Everyone is welcome to attend however some programs require registration in advance. There are many events scheduled; here is a sample of some of the featured events:

• Taiko Drumming: At this event on May 6, attendees will enjoy an intergenerational performance performed by a youth & senior group who have been practicing together for about three years. • Cantonese Opera – A look behind the scenes: This is a rare opportunity for the public to get a behind the scenes look at everything it takes to put on a Cantonese opera performance. There will also be a short performance. This event is on May 6. • Uncover the mystery of Tai Chi: On May 13, participants will enjoy a demonstration of Tai Chi as well as learn insights into this 700 year old practice. • Indian Classical Vocal Concert: Asian Heritage Month events wrap up on May 30 at this finale vocal performance by the students of Pandit Jasraj School of Music Foundation under the guidance of principal Asha Lohia, a disciple of the Maestro and Living legend Pandit Jasraj.

“Asian Heritage Month provides an opportunity for the public to celebrate the diverse contributions made by Asian Canadians to our community,” says Wendy Jang, Coordinator, Multicultural and Chinese Community Services. “The library is pleased to work with so many different community volunteers throughout the year to offer programs that enhance people’s understanding of the various Asian cultures. Asian History Month provides the perfect opportunity to showcase those cultures.”

To register or get information about the full list of Asian Heritage Month programs, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/AsianHeritageMonth.pdf, visit any branch of Richmond Public or call 604-231-6413.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a “Financial Foundations Series” on basic finance-related topics, suitable for adults who are looking for beginner-level information on one or more investment-related topics. The program runs Tuesdays from May 16 – June 6 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Interested participants can register for one or all of the topics. Sessions include:

• May 16: “Foundations of Investing”
• May 23: “Protecting What Matters Most: An Overview of Insurance”
• May 30: “Preparing Your Estate Plan”
• June 6: “Making Your Money Last: 10 Principles for Living in Retirement”

This series is provided in partnership with Edward Jones. The sessions will be presented by Neil Collins, a Richmond resident who has been an Edward Jones Financial Advisor for 6 years.

To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar.

RICHMOND – If you want to know more about Chinese people’s sense of humour, join this book talk on The Age of Irreverence on Thursday, April 6 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. This program, which will be conducted in Mandarin, will take place in the Community Place Room on the 2nd floor of the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Space is limited, so registration is required. To register, phone 604-231-6462, go to http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.

The speaker, Associate Professor Christopher Rea from UBC’s Asian Studies Department, is a literary and cultural historian. His latest book, The Age of Irreverence, was based on his PhD research and dissertation at Columbia University. This book is the winner of the 2017 Joseph Levenson Post-1900 Book Prize awarded by the Association of Asian Studies in the United States. He has recently completed the translation of a 17th-century Chinese book called, The Book of Swindlers with his colleague, Associate Professor Bruce Rusk.

“In this book talk, Professor Rea will explain why China’s entry into the modern age was not only traumatic, but uproarious as well. He will discuss how the age of laughter from 1890s to 1930s has transformed how Chinese people thought and talked about what is funny as well as its lasting legacy in the Chinese language of the comic and its implications for our understanding of humour as a part of human culture,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multicultural and Chinese community services.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is hosting a workshop on meditation called “Transform Life by Breath”, suitable for adults and teens interested in learning about the transformative benefits of deep breathing and meditation. This workshop takes place on Monday May 8th from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Community Place Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate.

This workshop will be presented by Acharya Aman, M.A. in Sanskrit language with Indian Philosophy, author of "How to become the Master of Destiny". Aman has 10 years of experience teaching Yoga instructor training courses in Japan and is a regular guest speaker on JOY TV. Aman’s book will be available for purchase for $10.00 at the workshop.

“The library is pleased to offer a mindfulness program like this to members looking to learn ways to manage and promote healthy living behaviours.” says Rebecca Ferrie, Information Specialist Librarian at Richmond Public Library.

To register, come in to any Richmond Public Library Branch, call the library at 604-231-6413 or register online using the library’s Event Calendar.

Richmond, BC – Do you want to find out how effective E-cigarettes are at helping people to quit smoking? If your answer is “yes”, join us for “E-Cigarettes: Does it Help to Quit Smoking” at Richmond Public Library on Friday, April 7 from 7 – 9 pm. This seminar, which is presented in English and Mandarin, will be held in the main floor Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Registration is required.

The speaker, Dr. Renelle Myers, is a lung specialist from Vancouver Coast Hospital. She was the director of Interventional Pulmonology at the University of Manitoba’s Department of Medicine. In this seminar, she will share some truths about E-cigarettes and quitting smoking.

“This program is the first in a series of seminars on Lung Health which the library presents in partnership with BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Coastal Health and the BC Lung Screen Trial on the first Friday of each month from April to June. Each presenter is a medical specialist who will discuss a topics related to lung health based on their research and clinical experience,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Multicultural and Chinese Community Services.

For more information on this or other programs, phone 604-231-6462, go towww.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is excited to announce that our popular “Learning Together” family literacy program will return to both the Ironwood and Cambie Libraries in the spring of 2017. This eight-week program for preschoolers and caregivers will run at Ironwood on Wednesdays from April 5 to May 24 from 10 AM to 12PM and at Cambie on Thursdays from April 6 to May 25 from10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Registration is required.

Discover new ways to connect with your child and make learning fun. Parents and children ages 3-5 will use the alphabet, numbers, stories and play to learn literacy skills and help develop a love of reading.

“Being an elementary school teacher for 15 years, I was very impressed with this Program,” says Dr. Simmee Chung, parent of two children who attended the winter session. “What a great way to build a sense of community, and share with our children – a love for all literacies and learning.”

Activities, storytime and snacks are included in each weekly session.

For more details about the program, including dates, times and how to register, interested participants should check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is launching a new book in Chinese, entitled “Adventures Shared on the Maple Leaf Road” 楓雨同路” on Friday, March 24 from 7 – 9 pm. This book launch, conducted in both English and Mandarin, will be held in the main floor Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“This book launch is presented in partnership with the Chinese Canadian Writers Association,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of Multicultural and Chinese Community Services. “This collection of Chinese short stories by 15 local authors was compiled and edited by William Chan. All the stories are about life in Canada. It is also the first Chinese Canadian publication to be translated into Korean. The Korean edition, entitled, “He Is My Brother, He Isn’t: Selected Fiction by Canadian Chinese” is translated by scholars from Pusan National University and Literature and published by AMANZ in South Korea.” Both the Chinese and Korean editions will be launched at this event. The editor and some of the authors will be present to discuss their works and writing experienced.

For more information, phone 604-231-6462, go to or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.

Richmond, BC – Together in partnership with the Textile Arts Guild of Richmond (TAGOR) and the Richmond Media Lab, Richmond Public Library is pleased to announce a unique commemorative project that you can contribute to!

TAGOR received a City of Richmond Canada 150 grant for a one-of-a-kind project called “Our Canadian Bookcase” in which, together with the community, expert TAGOR quilters will create a hanging quilt featuring 150 Canadian authors. All 150 authors represented in the hanging quilt will be nominated by the public. The finished hanging quilt will be a work of art, recognizing great Canadian writers and representing our community’s favourite storytellers.

This hanging quilt will be unveiled to the public at a special event on Thursday, June 15th at the Brighouse branch, and in the months to follow, it will travel throughout the community at a series of viewing events. Starting on March 1st, the public can nominate their favourite Canadian Kids, Teen or Adult author. The first 150 valid entries received will be included in the hanging quilt’s design. All submissions received by March 31st will be eligible for a prize draw. One randomly drawn winner from each category (Kids, Teens and Adults) will receive a handmade, limited edition gift courtesy of TAGOR and a specially chosen age-appropriate book from RPL.

To inspire interested quilters in the community to learn more about this fun and satisfying craft and to enable the community to contribute to the making of this hanging quilt, TAGOR and the library will offer a series of community quilting workshops. These workshops will be held on March 25th and April 29th.

The Richmond Media Lab will be documenting the creation of the hanging quilt, the community workshops and the unveiling event.

Full contest details and the entry form can be found here: bit.ly/FavAuthorCanada

Hurry! Your favourite Canadian author needs YOU to be represented on this piece of Canadian history. One vote per person per category.

RICHMOND – If you are Mandarin speaker and want to learn to speak Cantonese like a native speaker, sign up for the Cantonese for Mandarin Speakers program.  This 10-session program will take place at Richmond Public Library on Tuesdays, March 7 – May 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Special Collection Room on the 2nd floor of the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Space is limited, so registration is required.  To register, phone 604-231-6462, go to http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.

The teacher, Ronald Zhang, is a local writer and an expert in Chinese poetic prosody.  He has published books on classical Chinese poetry, couplets and Chinese culture, served as a judge in Chinese couplets competitions and given talks on Chinese language and literature at universities and community organizations. 

“This program will cover the Cantonese Pinyin system of Romanization, the 9 tones, pronunciation, and common vocabulary for everyday use. Fun activities will be used to help boost the participants’ confidence in speaking Cantonese.  A test will be administered at the last session to strengthen the participants’ knowledge of the language,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multicultural and Chinese community services.

About Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. 
Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.  
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RICHMOND, B.C. – Freedom to Read Week will be celebrated across Canada from February 26 – March 4, 2017 in support of intellectual freedom for all individuals. This annual event emphasizes the importance of freedom of information and the rights of individuals to choose what they want to read, view and listen to. Richmond Public Library is committed to raising public awareness of the issues surrounding censorship and how it affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie has issued an official proclamation endorsing Freedom to Read Week. The library will mark this important event with displays of banned and challenged books at each of the branches. As always, the library provides community members with free access to a wide range of materials in a variety of formats, and librarians are always available to offer advice on age-appropriate books and other resources.

“In Canada, we must not forget that our freedom to read can never be taken for granted,” says Lee Anne Smith, Coordinator of Programming, Digital and Information Services. “Freedom to Read Week is an opportunity for Richmond Public Library to raise public awareness of the issues surrounding censorship and how it affects everyone.”

To find out more about Freedom to Read Week, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.

Richmond, BC – On February 22, will YOU wear pink in support of creating kindness in your community? If you’re looking for inspiration about how you can help inspire and promote acts of kindness in your community, look no farther than RPL.
Starting February 19th, come into the Brighouse branch where you’ll see our walls sprinkled with information about the origins of Pink Shirt Day, also known as Erase Bullying Day.  You’ll find inspiring stories of teens that have shown extraordinary courage in the face of bullying and places to write your own messages about your own acts of kindness. Nearby, we’ll have a number of book displays on the topic of bullying if you’d like to learn more. There will also be customized booklists for kids, teens and adults.
Pink shirt day is being celebrated on February 22nd by community organizations, the Richmond School District and local businesses across the community. Will you share the message of kindness with your families and help us to put an end to bullying?
Many library staff will be wearing pink on February 22nd to share the message of kindness with all who visit our branches. Join us and create a wave of pink kindness!
About Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. 
Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.  

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is proud to contribute to Education Week, an annual celebration hosted by the Richmond School District. The library supports Education Week as part of its commitment to helping students, parents and their families to excel and grow within the new BC School Curriculum. This celebration provides the library with a great opportunity to showcase our ongoing collaboration with the School District. This year, the library is hosting three special events:
From February 26th through March 4th, stop by the Brighouse branch to view aboriginal art displays, featuring unique works created by local students.
On February 26th, all are welcome to attend an informal meet and greet with the Richmond School Board Trustees. Bring your questions and come say “hello”!
On March 2nd, bring your school-aged children to the library to enjoy a special edition of Reading Buddies. Participants will be matched up with a School Board Trustee to hear captivating and exciting stories meant to stimulate your child’s love of reading.
All events are drop-in and take place at the Brighouse branch. No registration required. For more information about these and other events, please check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.
About Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. 
Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.  

Richmond, BC – It’s never too early to start planning for Spring Break, and RPL has got you covered with a host of activities for children of all ages that focus on literacy, science, tech, games and of course, lots of fun! Kids will learn something fresh, build new skills, make new friends and try activities that support exploratory learning.

This year RPL is pleased to welcome children’s author Dana Salim. The library is also offering a variety of fun science and tech programs. Come enjoy a special Mad Science show, learn how to make digital flip books, create super hero movies and much, much more! “We know that parents and their children are always looking for inspiring, educational, fun and interesting activities during Spring Break,” says Cindy Ho, Digital Services Librarian at Richmond Public Library. “There is truly something for everyone this March break at RPL and we look forward to welcoming the community to these exciting events.”

For a full listing of all program information, including recommended ages, branch locations and program times, please check out our program guide at http://bit.ly/RPLspring. Some activities are drop-in but many are registered and are first-come, first-serve. Registration opens on Monday February 20. Don’t miss out!

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to offer a Spanish Café, which provides an opportunity for Spanish-speaking members to get together and discuss topics of particular interest to the Spanish community. This café will run the last Wednesday of each month from 10:00 pm to 12:30 pm at Brighouse Branch. Registration is required.  
Each month, a different topic will be discussed in Spanish. In February, the topic being discussed is The Legal System in Canada and Resources Available for the Community.
“This program is a great opportunity for Spanish speakers in the community to meet, share ideas and learn about interesting topics and community services,” said Ariana Galeano, Librarian I.
For more information about this or other programs offered, phone 604-231-6413, go online to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.
About Richmond Public Library
Richmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. 
Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.  

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library, together with the Richmond Public Library Chinese Couplets Study Club is pleased to announce the winners of the Chinese New Year Couplets Contest that ran from October 27, 2016 – January 27, 2017. The awards ceremony will be held on Friday, February 10 at 6:30-7:00 p.m. in the Performance Hall of Richmond Public Library and Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond. This event is part of the library’s Chinese New Year celebrations. The first line is: 各族樂花城，五德新春迎五福1st Prize / 冠軍：Annie Feng 木蘭投虎帳，千金壯志載千秋。2nd Prize / 亞軍：王時杰 洪雷驚玉宇，三聲禮炮賀三元。3rd Prize /季軍：程宗慧 Zonghui Cheng 明時多德政，千樁盛事利千家。In addition, the following contestants received an Honorable Mention: Eric Lau、Dan Wong黃得、Ada Tam胡秀珍、梁廷槐、王同衛、Chan Wah YIng陳華英、曾寶璇、黃玉梅、Echo Chan陳愛雯、Eric Lew廖志偉The following contestants received an Outstanding Award: Lulu Liu、楊清樹、李京媛、吳潤珍、Tom Chung、Otto Chu、Joannie Wong、黎麗萍、甄銓沾Contestant Glenda Ho received an Encouragement Award.Congratulations to all our contest winners! The top three prize winners will receive a copy of their couplet written by a local calligrapher and a certificate. The other winners will receive a certificate and a gift.The organizers would like to thank the judges, Ronald Zhang, A Nong, Li Tianxing, and Shen Jiazhuang; the calligraphers, Lau Wai Yin, Zhenpeng Huang and William Chan; and the prize donors, Frame Craft Industry Corp. and Ada Tam.For information about other upcoming multicultural events at the library, phone 604-231-6413, go to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.

Richmond, BC – To celebrate Black History Month in February, Richmond Public Library is working with the City of Richmond, Mary Wilson from Richmond Black History Month and Chimo Community Services to present a series of free events.

On Friday, February 3 from 5:30-7:00 p.m., the Opening Ceremony will take place in Richmond’s City Hall Council Chamber. The Opening Ceremony will include a tribute to the Canadian veterans of African/Black descent and to Jean Augustine, the MP who introduce a motion in Parliament to recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. There will be music and light refreshments will be served.

On Sunday, February 5 from 2:00-4:00 p.m., there will be a seminar entitled Hogan’s Alley: a Look at an Early Black Community in Vancouver’s Strathcona Neighourhood Then and Now. Yasin Misago from African Descent Society will talk about some of the well-known residents, including Jimi Hendrix’s grandmother, of this early Black community.

On Thursday, February 16 from 6:30-9:00 p.m., a film entitled Selma, will be shown. Selma is an award-winning film about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to secure voting rights for Black citizens in U.S.A. There will be a discussion following the film show.

On Wednesday, February 22 from 6:00-7:00 p.m., there will be a seminar on Early Black Pioneers in BC. Valin Mars from BC Black Society will talk about the early Black settlers to BC and the contributions made by some Black leaders to this province. The seminars and film will be held in the Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room at the Brighouse (Main) Branch, 7700 Minoru Gate. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“Black Canadians have made significant contributions to Canada. These programs will provide opportunities to gain a better understanding of the experiences of Black Canadian and honour the legacy of the Black community,” said Wendy Jang, coordinator of multicultural and Chinese community services.For more information, phone 604-231-6413, go online to www.yourlibrary.ca/events/ or visit any branch of Richmond Public Library.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to announce the start-up of a new adult book club. This club will run the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Brighouse Branch. Registration is required.

Each month a different book will be discussed. In February, the book being discussed is The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. Registered participants can pick up a copy at the front desk of the Brighouse Branch as early as four weeks before the meeting.

“This book club is a great way to encourage social interaction and participation among our community with fun and lively discussions,” said Ariana Galeano, Librarian I.

Did you know that the library also offers more than 150 book club sets and book recommendations to book clubs registered with the library? Find out more at http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/books_dvd/book-club-sets.

Richmond, BC – It’s almost time to celebrate Chinese New Year, which means that Richmond Public Library is getting set to invite the community to help welcome in the Year of the Rooster. Library visitors interested in learning more about Chinese culture and what kind of celebrations take place to mark the arrival of the New Year will enjoy a wide variety of literacy-based programs and events to suit all ages and interests.

The fun kicks off on Saturday, February 4 with a puppet show, arts and crafts and a chance to try Chinese painting or calligraphy. If Lantern Riddles are your passion, then you can also enter our Lantern Riddle contest. Pick up an entry form in-branch and drop it off between January 28 and February 12. Events wrap up on Friday, February 10 with a celebration of Spring organized by the RPL Chinese Classic Study Club and RPL Chinese Couplets Study Club, including poetry recitation, music, dancing and a prize ceremony for the winners of the Chinese Couplet contest that ran in December.

All events take place at the Brighouse branch.

“People that are born in the Year of the Rooster generally work hard and are resourceful, courageous and talented,” says Wendy Jang, Coordinator, Multicultural and Chinese Community Services. “The events we are offering this year to celebrate the Year of the Rooster will be fun and interesting for Roosters and for people born in other Zodiac years. Come and see for yourself!”

For more details about these and other programs, please check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is pleased to announce that as of February 17th, the hours of operation at the Cambie, Ironwood and Steveston branches will be restored to their original times.Beginning February 17th, the Cambie and Steveston branches will be open Monday – Friday from 10 AM to 9 PM, and the Ironwood branch will be open from 9 AM to 9 PM. Brighouse branch hours remain unaffected. Restoring the hours at the branches was identified as a priority for both the library and the City of Richmond in 2017. “In 2017, the library is poised to offer some very exciting collections, partnership programs, services and learning opportunities to the community. In order to improve our members’ access to these programs and services, it was essential to restore branch hours,” says Susan Walters, Deputy Chief Librarian at Richmond Public Library. For the latest information about these changes, please refer to the library’s website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. About Richmond Public LibraryRichmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go. Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference. 

Richmond, BC – Starting on January 21st, the library’s Saturday service at Hamilton Community Centre is changing, and we think you’re going to like it! We’re bringing exciting new collections and literacy-based activities to Hamilton. There will be something for everyone and whether you’re a regular member or new to the library and curious to find out more, come and experience all that RPL has to offer in 2017!
There are fresh new collections for readers of all ages to discover and borrow. Then, after you’ve checked out your books, spend your afternoon exploring a variety of themed book-based activities. Every Saturday, there will be hands-on activities scheduled from 2 – 4 PM related to one of four theme days.
Make Saturdays at Hamilton your favourite day of the week! You can come on your own, with your family or bring a friend. It’s up to you! Everyone is welcome and all events are drop-in.
For more details about these and other programs, please check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.

Richmond, BC – Richmond Public Library is excited to announce that our popular “Learning Together” family literacy program will return to both the Ironwood and Cambie Libraries in January 2017. This eight-week program for preschoolers and their caregivers will run at Ironwood on Wednesdays, Jan. 18 to March 8 from 10-12 PM and at Cambie on Thursdays, Jan. 19 to March 9 from 10:30-12:30 PM. Registration is required.

Participants will discover new ways to connect with their child and make learning fun. Parents and children ages 3-5 will use the alphabet, numbers, stories and play to learn literacy skills and help develop a love of reading. A previous program participant reports that “We have a lot of fun, reading and playing games together… things that we usually did before, but now with a better understanding and even better techniques to make it fun and interesting for them.” Activities, storytime and snacks are included in each weekly session.

For more details about this program, including dates, times and how to register, interested participants should check out our online event calendar at www.yourlibrary.ca/events, or call the library at 604-231-6412.

About Richmond Public Library

Richmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond, BC community since 1976. With four branches open 7 days a week to serve you plus a wealth of information available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca, we take you beyond the Google search to help you find the content you need wherever you are – in the library, on your mobile, at home or on the go.

Did you know? RPL is a registered charity and relies on public donations to enhance the services and materials we offer to the community. No donation is too small! Find out more about how you can make a difference.