Remembrance Day Ceremonies at Richmond City Hall 

This important annual event honours and remembers Canadian service personnel who gave their lives in the service of our country. 

The parade begins at 10:20 a.m., official ceremonies at the City Hall cenotaph begin at 10:40 a.m. and a two minute silence is observed at 11:00 a.m., which is then followed by wreath-laying.

Henning Mankell, author of acclaimed Kurt Wallander crime series, dies at 67

We are sad to report that Swedish author Henning Mankell, known for his best-selling crime novel series about Kurt Wallander, has passed away this past weekend at the age of 67.

Mankell`s crime series featuring policeman Kurt Wallander sold more than 40 million books and was turned into a TV drama starring Sir Kenneth Branagh. He also wrote dozens of plays, novels, children`s books and screenplays. Mankell died of cancer. More here: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34442252

Jackie Collins, bestselling romance novelist, dies at 77

We are sad to report the passing of well-known romance novelist Jackie Collins, who passed away this past weekend at the age of 77.

Jackie Collins wrote over 30 New York Times bestsellers, and her novels enjoyed worldwide popularity. Her books sold more than 500 million copies in 40 countries. Many of her stories were about Hollywood personalities although she always took care to disguise the personalities. Collins passed away on Saturday September 19 in Los Angeles of breast cancer. More here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/jackie-collins-dies-1.3235648

A Sad Weekend for Literary and Artistic Pillars

We are sad to report that this weekend, three societal pillars and well-known literary figures passed away.

Dr. Wayne Dyer, a frequent motivational speaker and best-selling self-help author of dozens of books, passed away on Saturday, August 29 at the age of 75. He had been battling leukemia in recent years. More here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/wayne-dyer-self-help-author-dead-at-75-1.3209369

Wes Craven , who directed “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Scream”, passed away on Sunday, August 30 at the age of 76 following a lengthy battle with brain cancer. More here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/wes-craven-classic-horror-film-director-dead-at-76-1.3209339. 

Oliver Sacks, an esteemed neurologist who wrote books about his findings including “Awakenings” and “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”, also passed away on Sunday, August 30 at the age of 82 after a battle with liver cancer. More here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/oliver-sacks-neurologist-and-author-dead-at-82-1.3209000

Esteemed true-crime author Ann Rule passes away at age 83

We are sorry to report that Ann Rule, a true-crime author who has written over 30 books and more than 1,400 articles for the crime magazine “True Detective”, has passed away at the age of 83. Ann’s literary contributions include her book “The Stranger Beside Me”, which profiled her former colleague Ted Bundy, as well as a book about her work with the Green River Task force. Ann died on Sunday night, July 26, 2015 after struggling with many health issues, including congestive heart failure.

Read more: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/true-crime-author-ann-rule-wrote-former-co-212207003.html

Harper Lee - Go Set a Watchman

The wait is over! Fifty-five years have passed since Harper Lee published To Kill A Mockingbird and finally, her next novel has arrived!  Written before her beloved classic, Watchman takes place twenty years after To Kill A Mockingbird.  Scout returns to Maycomb and “struggles with issues both personal and political, involving Atticus, society, and the small Alabama town that shaped her.” (HarperCollins Canada).

Harper Lee was born on April 28, 1926, in Monroeville, Alabama. The much-anticipated release of her new novel has already sparked debate among fans, broken pre-sale records for publishing house HarperCollins and, only days after its release, is on target to become one of the fastest-selling literary works in history (Harper Lee, 2015. The Biography.com website. Retrieved 10:01, Jul 20, 2015, from http://www.biography.com/people/harper-lee-9377021). 

Update: Truth and Reconciliation

Final Report - December 15, 2015

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has a mandate to learn the truth about what happened in the residential schools and to inform all Canadians about what happened in the schools. The TRC published its final report on December 15, 2015 in order to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.

Please read the final report here: http://bit.ly/1JcnG8J




The Commission has documented the truth of what happened by relying on records held by those who operated and funded the schools, testimony from officials of the institutions that operated the schools, and experiences reported by survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience and its subsequent impacts

Executive Summary:

http://bit.ly/1Yl8LQG

Principles:

http://bit.ly/1TQr0w2

The Survivors Speak:

English: http://bit.ly/1T7OFtf

French: http://bit.ly/1cH7Use

Calls to Action (English): http://bit.ly/1QG7YpF

Calls to Action (FR): http://bit.ly/1JDYk6l

It is due to the courage and determination of former students—the Survivors of Canada’s residential school system—that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established. They worked for decades to place the issue of the abusive treatment that students were subjected to at residential schools on the national agenda. Their perseverance led to the reaching of the historic Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. All Canadians must now demonstrate the same level of courage and determination, as we commit to an ongoing process of reconciliation. By establishing a new and respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, we will restore what must be restored, repair what must be repaired, and return what must be returned.

Additional resources for further consideration -

Richmond Public Library Resources:

Canada’s Residential Schools: http://bit.ly/1KRhBju

First Nations Treaties: http://bit.ly/1dYmm0y

CBC Digital Archives - http://bit.ly/1KRh019

TRC Media Room - http://bit.ly/1F4M2xt

Legacy of Hope Foundation Website - http://wherearethechildren.ca/en

SIT (Science Innovation and Technology) Speaker Series - June 9, 2015

Be sure to check out this year's exciting SIT (Science Innovation and Technology) Speaker Series that directly connects students and interested citizens with B.C. scientists, engineers and technology innovators leading cutting edge research and innovation! Tuesday, June 9th at 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Brighouse Branch

Ruth Rendell, Crime Writer, Passes Away at Age 85

It is with our heaviest hearts to announce that Ruth Rendell, one of Britain’s best-loved authors, who delighted fans for decades with her dark, intricately plotted crime novels, has died at the age of 85. Baroness Rendell of Babergh, the creator of Inspector Wexford and author of more than 60 novels, had been admitted to hospital after a serious stroke in January and died in London on Saturday morning. Read more: http://bit.ly/ruthrendell1

Stories On Our Plates

RPL is sending out a special invitation to our members.
We want to hear your stories and showcase your best cooking recipes via RPL's new digital publishing tool Create & Learn.
Share your love of food and cooking with the community!

FOL Book Sale

It's time for the Whale of a Book Sale again!
***April 11 and 12
Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 9:00am to 5:00 pm
at Thompson Community Centre 5151 Granville Avenue (Lynas Lane at Granville Avenue -
between No. 2 Road & Railway Avenue)

FREE PROGRAM
Budgeting 101: 6 Easy Steps to Manage Your Money
Thursday, April 9, 2015, 7 – 8:30pm - Brighouse
Participants will learn the 6 steps to budgeting which will help them take control of their finances and give them peace of mind.
*Register here - http://bit.ly/1EhmPFp

Joe Siqueira

1928-2015

Joe Siqueira, Richmond Public Library’s Chief Librarian from 1976-1989, leaves a lasting legacy for the residents of Richmond. He will be sadly missed by all.

Memorial Celebration details 

http://bit.ly/1JyOnF4

A soft-spoken but strong-willed man, Joe Siqueira saw opportunities all around him, and had the guts to seize them, despite what other public libraries were doing at the time.  A trailblazer in the field of library automation, Joe challenged himself to make Richmond Public Library the best it could be, and he did it with single-minded determination. Despite the obstacles he faced, Joe was steadfast in his goal to turn RPL into a top-notch, technologically advanced library, and do the utmost with the resources available to him.

Joe was a courageous visionary in the library world at a time when technology was just beginning to rear its head, and the concept of customer service was taking on new meaning. To say that he was instrumental in shaping the course of Richmond Public Library’s trajectory to becoming a world leader in public library service and automation, would be an understatement. Joe’s resolute “can do” attitude and his focus on giving library customers access to the best services and collections possible, were trademarks of his style.

Even after retirement, Joe was a regular Richmond Public Library user, taking full advantage of the collections and automation he helped to build. Always friendly, curious and purposeful, Joe was a force to be reckoned with throughout his career and afterwards. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues in the library world, who will remember him with fondness.

Click here to read Richmond Review's full tribute on Joe Siqueira

http://www.richmondreview.com/news/301160171.html

 

Come and join us for the next exciting instalment of the Science Innovation & Technology (SIT) Speaker Series on Friday April 17th at 7pm at Community Place (2nd Floor). Join our Facebook Event Page - https://www.facebook.com/events/1432625000369673/

Terry Pratchett, Author and Satirist, Passes Away at Age 66

It is with heavy sadness that we announce that Terry Pratchett, brilliant author and satirist, has passed away on March 12th, 2015 at the age of 66. In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet like few before him. As all who read him know, Discworld was his vehicle to satirize this world: he did so brilliantly, with great skill, enormous humour and constant invention. Read more: http://bit.ly/rippratchett

Work Smart: Your Rights & Responsibilities in the BC Workforce
Thursday March 19, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Brighouse - Community Place Room

This workshop will focus on explaining your rights and responsibilities as an employee in BC, as stipulated in the BC Employment Standards Act. This Act sets out the minimum standards that apply in most workplaces in British Columbia and applies to all non-union employees who fall under Provincial Law, including temporary foreign workers. Presented by Wanda Kusumajuda, an Employment Counsellor with the Skills Connect for Immigrants program at Back in Motion Rehab.

 

Come Celebrate Vaisakhi!
On Sunday Mar. 29, 2015 the Richmond Public Library and S.U.C.C.E.S.S B.C are proud to present a Vaisakhi Celebration. From 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Cambie branch, located at Unit 150 – 11590 Cambie Road, Richmond. There will be dance performances, speeches, children’s activities and more. Refreshments will be provided. This is an all ages, free event. Come and enjoy the festivities with the whole family.

New connector road improves traffic flow in north Richmond

Drivers in Richmond’s bustling Bridgeport business district now have improved access to Jacombs Road via Mannini Way, a newly opened off-ramp accessed from southbound Knight Street.
The access to Mannini Way is marked as Jacombs Road Exit on the new signage located southbound on Knight Street.

On Sunday Mar. 29, 2015 the Richmond Public Library and S.U.C.C.E.S.S B.C are proud to present a Vaisakhi Celebration. From 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Cambie branch, located at Unit 150 – 11590 Cambie Road, Richmond. There will be dance performances, speeches, children’s activities and more. Refreshments will be provided. This is an all ages, free event. Come and enjoy the festivities with the whole family.

The SIT Speaker Series will directly connect students and interested citizens with B.C. scientists, engineers and technology innovators leading cutting edge research and innovation. Q & A sessions will follow each talk. Brighouse Branch / Kwok-Chu Lee Living Room Admission is FREE
SIT Speaker - Nick Zacchia Monday March 9th 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Antimatter on the Brain

Join our Facebook Event page! http://on.fb.me/1AipTwQ

Come and meet award-winning author and humanitarian Deborah Ellis.

Come and meet award-winning author and humanitarian Deborah Ellis. She is known internationally for her Breadwinner series and has also written many fiction and non-fiction works about the lives of children all over the world. Find out what inspires her writing, the research she's done and listen to her read from her books!

Happy Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year!

Gong Hay Fat Choy and Son Nin Fai Lok! Gong Xi Fa Cai and Xin Nian Kuai Le! Happy Chinese New Year & Lunar New Year!

恭喜發財，新年快樂！ 恭喜发财，新年快乐！

Richmond launches dialogue about language on signs

Richmond, BC – The City of Richmond has launched a multi-pronged campaign to explore the issue of language on signs in the context of community harmony. As part of the process, a moderated, multi-stakeholder forum will be held in March to facilitate community dialogue on the issue.

The SFU Centre of Dialogue will moderate the community workshop on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. at the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, 7277 River Road. The workshop is free, but space is limited. Interested participants must pre-register by Friday, March 6 by email at signsconsult@richmond.ca.

Chinese New Year Lantern Riddle Contest - Thursday Feb. 19th - Thursday March 5th

Come and Celebrate Chinese New Year with us. Just one of the many exciting things happening this year during the year of the Sheep is our Lantern Riddle contest!

Thursday Feb. 19 - Thursday March 5
Brighouse Main Floor (Adults) & Kids' Place Program Room (Kids)

Practice Your English at Richmond Public Library

Richmond Public library is offering a free program for adults called English Corner on Fridays from March 6th – May 1st and on Sundays from March 8th – May 3rd at the Brighouse. Register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events or call 604-231-6413. 

Celebrate Freedom to Read Week with the Richmond Public Library the week of February 22-28, 2015!

“Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too.” These famous words by the writer Voltaire, sum up the essence of Freedom to Read Week, which will be celebrated across Canada from February 22 - 28, 2015. Richmond Public Library will mark this important event with displays of banned and challenged books.

Health Matters

Do you know how to find health care services when you need them?

Join us for "Accessing Health Services"

To register, please contact: Kristina Podlegaeva at
Kristina.podlegaeva@vch or 604.244.5222

Richmond’s Green Cart recycling program to expand via City of Richmond

27 January 2015

Richmond Council has approved an expanded Green Cart program to serve multi-family complexes to ensure they have convenient access to food scraps recycling. With the expanded program in place, all Richmond residents will have the Green Cart program for recycling food scraps, food soiled paper and yard trimmings. Businesses can find out more about their recycling options at:
http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/food-scraps-recycling/Pages/default.aspx

FREE PROGRAM - Help Wanted: The Power of Networking

FREE PROGRAM - Help Wanted: The Power of Networking
Thursday, February 19, 2015, 1:30–3pm at Brighouse Branch.
Learn simple yet highly effective ways to network your way to career and life success. Presented by Employment Counsellors at Avia Employment Services under the Back in Motion program.
Register here: bit.ly/18LuzCp
#Employment #Jobs #Networking

What's Happening at RPL

Welcome to the RPL Announcements Blog! Here you'll find information on library services, City of Richmond announcements, events, and programs, Community events, and other news items.

Also visit our staff picks blogs, for Adults, Teens, and Kids!