Halloween in Richmond

There are so many ways to celebrate Halloween in Richmond this year! The library is pleased to offer a number of events and there will also be events taking place across the city including Wild Things at Richmond Nature Park and a Fireworks Festival at Minoru Park.

Check out the full listing of the City’s events at www.richmond.ca/halloween

Richmond Canada 150 Harvest Fest

Agriculture is an important part of Richmond’s cultural and economic past, present and future. Home to over 200 active farmers and a unique blend of urban and rural, active farming and vibrant restaurants, Richmond’s reputation as a hub for urban agriculture and unique culinary experiences is well established and ready to grow.

Throughout 2017 the City of Richmond will be marking Canada’s 150th birthday with a year-long series of programs and events that celebrate one nation, hundreds of cultures, thousands of communities, millions of people, and limitless stores – inspiring Richmond to welcome our future. Given Richmond’s reputation for great food and farming, one of the key events to celebrate the nation’s birthday will be the first annual Richmond Harvest Fest.

This free festival will be held Saturday September 30, 2017 from 11:00am to 7:00pm at Garden City Lands, an amazing 136.5 acre park in the heart of Richmond. This remarkable open space is currently being developed as one of Richmond’s signature parks and will be home to active farming and agricultural programs, a dedicated natural area and extensive opportunities for public recreation.

Visit http://www.richmondharvestfest.com/ for full event details.

[UPDATE] Community PSA - Virtual Kidnapping Scheme in Lower Mainland

[UPDATE] Community PSA: RCMP warns of “virtual kidnapping” scheme.  

A joint task force has been created to address and coordinate information about an ongoing fraudulent scheme targeting Chinese foreign nationals in the Lower Mainland. 

In July 2017, a telecommunication fraud trend targeting Chinese foreign nationals emerged in the Lower Mainland. Numerous incidents were reported to police where intended victims reported being contacted by suspects claiming to be Chinese government officials. Victims were informed that they were implicated in crimes in China. 

The suspects then coerced the victims into a series of actions, warning if they didn't cooperate, their families in China would be harmed. Simultaneously, their families in China were contacted by the suspects who convinced them that their family members were being held against their will, which led to a demand for money.

In each case, the suspects falsely claimed to be Chinese government officials.

In response to these incidents, the Lower Mainland District RCMP and E Division Major Crime have created a task force to examine the issue of virtual kidnap that appear to be targeting Chinese foreign nationals in the Lower Mainland. 

The task force's mandate is to coordinate investigative information from various police agencies to further all investigations into the ongoing series of offences. 

While the methods used to target the victims may change over time, the way to protect yourself remains the same says S/Sgt. Annie Linteau, Senior Media Relations Officer. Anyone who receives such a message or phone call should not comply with any demands, end the conversation and report the incident to police immediately.

Senior leaders of the RCMP recently met representatives of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China to share concerns over recent incidents, inform them of investigative actions to date and discuss outreach strategies.

The Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver reminds the Chinese nationals in Canada, should anyone be involved in criminal investigation in China, the legal documents will be sent by formal written notice through Chinese Embassy in Ottawa or Consulates General in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Calgary. The above mentioned diplomatic or consular agencies will not contact criminal suspect by phone, nor will they ask for personal banking information. Those having received such fraud phone calls are encouraged to report to police at 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

We urge anyone who receives similar calls or messages to report the incident to their local police immediately. Anyone who has any information in relation to this ongoing series of offences is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For the full press release, click here: http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=2087&languageId=1&contentId=52051

Chinese version - http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=2087&languageId=1&contentId=52388

Richmond Pride Week July 31 - August 6

CELEBRATE PRIDE WEEK 2017

July 31-Aug 6, 2017

Richmond Public Library (RPL) provides diverse materials for all community members to encourage inclusivity and tolerance in our community. This year during Pride Week, RPL is joining different facilities throughout the City of Richmond to show support for the LGBTQ community. Check out the RPL book display at Brighouse branch from July 31- Aug 6 or come into any branch and staff will help you find what you are looking for.

Can’t make it to the library? You can browse for material from the convenience of home, vacation or work through RPL staff selected PRIDE 2017 book lists. Whether you are looking for family oriented books, teen books or materials for adults, RPL book lists will help you choose the right book to help you celebrate diversity. 

Richmond’s Canada 150, a multi-faceted, year-long celebration, ignites the passions of the citizens of Richmond, honours Richmond’s distinct and vibrant cultural diversity, and leaves lasting legacies that foster civic pride and carry the spirit of 150 into the future.”

Visit http://www.richmondcanada150.com/ for all event listings.

Walking Tour Vignettes

See history come to life this summer! The Steveston Historical Society, together with the Steveston Museum, are pleased to present Walking Tour Vignettes – a play in five parts during a walking tour of Steveston.

Costumed interpreters (who also happen to be very talented high school drama students from Hugh McRoberts Secondary School) will accompany our summer walking program.

Tours will leave from Steveston Museum on Fridays at 4:30pm, and Saturdays at 1pm in June and July, 2017.

Tickets are $7. Children under 12 are free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. To book, contact the Steveston Museum & Visitor Centre at 604-271-8280 or in person at 3811 Moncton Street. Ask for the “Walking Tour Vignettes” tour. 

Freedom to Read Week 2017

Freedom to Read Week will be celebrated across Canada from February 26 to March 4, 2017 and will mark the continued support for intellectual freedom for all individuals. Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadian to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Library will be celebrating Freedom to Read Week with displays at all branches of books that have been banned or challenged in Canada and around the world.

To find out more about Freedom to Read Week go here http://www.freedomtoread.ca