Library volunteers are top shelf; and more author events

Every spring, Volunteer Canada recognizes National Volunteer Week – this year from April 27 to May 3. Many dedicated individuals help enhance the offerings at the County’s libraries, and we’re so grateful for their assistance.

A longstanding group of library volunteers includes the many individuals who provide home delivery of library materials to people who cannot get into the library. Thanks to a partnership with Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors, this service is available free of charge as needed. Library staff select books that meet the needs of the individual reader, and volunteers deliver the materials. The people who receive delivery regularly describe how this service can be a lifeline. We are so grateful to both the volunteers and Community Care for making it possible.

Additionally, there are individuals who deliver to their neighbours – often combining the drop-off with a social visit – which helps reduce isolation.

If you have used any branch of the library, you have likely benefitted from the efforts of the Friends of the Library. For example, the Friends of the Wellington Branch has contributed to the circulation desk, plants and gardens, as well as making significant donations to the book collection.

Members of the Friends of the Library groups at every branch of the Library are volunteers who contribute tremendously to their local library. Their advocacy, support and enthusiasm cannot be overstated. They work hard to bring innovative ideas for programs, fundraising, and spreading the word about the library and help enrich services at every branch. If you are interested in becoming a Friend, drop into your local branch and ask, or visit peclibrary.org/friends

Many of the individuals who join us as guest speakers are volunteers. The Newcomers group, which met weekly at the Picton Branch Library this spring and winter, welcomed many such speakers from a wide range of organizations and businesses in the County. Thanks to Judy Silverberg, volunteer group leader, the group formed connections and met others new to the area and discovered ways to become part of the fabric of the County.

The library board is also a volunteer group. Appointed by the municipality and responsible for governing the library as outlined in the Public Libraries Act, members of the Library Board generously lend their skills and experience to the community through their participation on the board.

These are just a few of the volunteers who help make the library such a responsive, innovative organization in the County, and we are so grateful to everyone who contributes.

The County Library Authors Festival is an annual series of author talks that welcomes both established and up-and-coming writers. This year, authors Peggy Collins, Phoebe Wang, Bonny Reichert, Andrew Forbes, Dr. Samra Zafar, Shane Peacock, Nita Prose and Marissa Stapley will join us to discuss their works. Tickets are available at peclibrary.org/festival and at the door if space permits. Find the complete schedule online or at any branch of the library.

The excitement doesn’t end this weekend, though. Through the spring we will have a number of interesting authors join us at the library.
Lucille Joseph is an accomplished business person and leader. She worked with the Boston Consulting Group for more than a decade, an executive with BMO Bank of Montreal and CEO of Career Edge Organization. Throughout her career she was also connected with the arts, as one of the founders of the Luminato Festival in Toronto, and a former chair of the board of the National Ballet of Canada.

She has now asked the question, “What will constitute the search for meaning in this post-religious and yet post-secular age?” in her new book, Releasement: Learning to Dance with Life.

As she explains, she pursued her intensive career in business and the arts “while immersed in an equally intense quest for meaning. The book traces how, in a life seemingly divided, Lucille finds a point of resolution enabling her to learn to “dance with life”.

She is set to join us Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Picton Branch Library to discuss her book and her experiences in what is sure to be a thought-provoking conversation. All are welcome.

Patrice Dutil is to join us on Thursday, May 22 to discuss his book Sir John A. MacDonald and the Apocalyptic Year 1885. The book reexamines the accomplishments of Canada’s first prime minister. The presentation is to focus on the most important challenges he faced and discuss how he managed them. Councillor Bill Roberts donated a book club set of this title and they have continued to be in demand, read and discussed. Tickets are $15 at peclibrary.org or at any branch of the library.

Author events will continue at the Picton Branch throughout June with our inaugural series in recognition of Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Pride month. Details are yet to be announced, but authors already booked include Ashley-Elizabeth Best, Martha Bátiz and Saad Omar Khan. Thanks to the Huff Family Fund through the County Foundation for enabling us to make this series available to everyone.