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

Get to Know the New BC Curriculum

B.C.'s New Curriculum

B.C. teachers and the Ministry of Education are working with experts in education design and delivery – both locally and internationally – to develop this new system. A key goal is to provide students with an education that is flexible and innovative. They’ll also gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to succeed in today’s world.

Visit this link for all the details on BC's New Curriculum - https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

City of Richmond Marketing Survey

Community Services is launching a Marketing survey on LetsTalkRichmond.ca which is available until Sunday November 20, 2016.

They would like to obtain feedback on how best to share information and connect with customers about parks, recreation, culture, and community social development, programs, facilities and services offered by the City and its partners. The results of the survey will be used in the development of an updated Marketing Plan to ensure we are effectively connecting and communicating with those who live, work or play in Richmond.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.  

They need your assistance. Here is how you can support and communicate the information about the survey.

• ·         Add the electronic promotional flyer to your TVs
• ·         Post the flyer on your community board
• ·         Share the survey with your friends, family and colleagues
• ·         Go online and complete the survey

Thank you for your time and input! 

Local BC author W.P. (Bill) Kinsella passes away at age 81

We are sad to report the passing of BC writer W. P. “Bill” Kinsella, who is best known for his novel Shoeless Joe, which was later adapted for the movie Field of Dreams.

Kinsella has authored a number of literary works, including novels, short fiction collections, poetry, baseball plays, and non-fiction books.

Kinsella fans can take comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue to grow. According to Kinsella’s website, a new collection of linked stories called Russian Dolls will be published by Coteau Books in fall 2017.

Source credit: http://www.wpkinsella.com/

Bestselling children's author and illustrator Anna Dewdney passes away at age 50

We are sad to report that bestselling children's author and illustrator, and the creator of Baby Llama, Anna Dewdney, has passed away at the age of 50 following a battle with brain cancer.

Anna's career began with illustrating a number of children's chapter books and led to publishing Llama, Llama Red Pajama, her first picture book that she both authored and illustrated in 2005. This book led her to write a series with over 10 titles that has sold more than 10 million copies.

RPL carries many of the Llama Llama books and invites you to come in and enjoy a heartwarming story and share in a piece of American children's literature history. https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/search?q=anna%20dewdney&t=keyword

Source credit: http://publishersweekly.tumblr.com/post/150056066571/childrens-author-illustrator-and-educator-anna

Environmental Assessment- George Massey Tunnel Replacement

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has put forth a proposal to replace the George Massey Tunnel with a new bridge, along with multiple highway improvements.

During the application process, there will have a 60 day public feedback period from August 3, 2016 to October 3, 2016.

An electronic copy of the application for improvement and information regarding the assessment process is available at www.eao.gov.bc.ca

Each branch will have a set of the large binders containing the full application and information regarding the assessment process available for in-library use. There will be a poster indicating where in the branch you can find these.

At Brighouse the binders will be kept on the second floor by the newspaper shelves. 

Richmond Affordable Housing Strategy Update

City of Richmond would like to hear about your experience with housing affordability in Richmond through a public open house and online survey.

Participate in the Open House -
Tuesday, June 28 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Richmond Cultural Centre
Performance Hall
7700 Minoru Gate

Free Book Launch Event at Gateway Theatre - May 12

Announcing a free book launch event! Join Gateway Theatre and Penguin Books Canada in celebrating the launch of the House of Wives, by Simon Choa-Johnston on Thursday May 12 at 7 PM in the Gateway Theatre lobby.

Ironwood Storytime Time Change

Saturday Storytime at Ironwood will be moving back to 11 a.m. beginning April 9th.

Bring your children down to Ironwood branch for stories and songs that will help your children learn early literacy skills while they meet new friends!

http://ow.ly/10kza6

Esteemed Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee passes at age 89- Celebrating Harper Lee's Legacy

We are sad to report that Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee has died at the age of 89. Lee's death was confirmed by the city clerk in her hometown of Monroeville, Ala. and by her publisher, HarperCollins.

The author's 1960 novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is one of the most beloved books in literary history, winning a Pulitzer Prize for fiction and becoming the most defining work of Lee's career. An earlier version of the book, Go Set a Watchman, was the biggest publishing event of 2015. Read more from cbcBooks here: http://www.cbc.ca/books/2016/02/celebrating-harper-lees-legacy.html

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