Public libraries are for everyone. Every person should feel represented and included in library programs and collections, and we’re always working to expand our offerings to achieve this.

We conducted a diversity audit of the library collection a few years ago and set a goal to diversify our collection and author talks to better represent our community (on a local and national scale).

Recently we received exciting news that we have received a grant from the Huff Family Fund through the County Foundation for a new authors series in recognition of Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Pride Month in June. This funding will allow us to make this series available no charge, so that everyone can participate. We’ll be getting started planning in the new year, so watch this column and our website for more information as it becomes available.

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Another recent project funded by the Huff Family Fund enhanced the Community Pantry at the Picton Branch Library through the addition of a dishwasher and refrigerator.

The library’s Community Pantry makes food and personal care items available to everyone, with a “leave what you can – take what you need” philosophy.

It’s available any time the Picton Branch is open, and donations of nonperishable food items and unopened personal care items are accepted at the desk.

A small selection is also available at the Wellington Branch Library. The most common use of the pantry is for after school snacks – much needed when hungry students arrive to spend time, use computers and WIFI and meet others at the public library.

We’re appreciative of all the support the pantry has received – donations have been received from a wide range of community groups and organizations, helping to ensure the shelves are never bare.

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Interlibrary Loan Update: Borrowing books from outside of Prince Edward County is always a popular service that helps us fill in gaps in our collection by allowing us to share with other libraries.

The books arrive from other libraries across the province by mail, which means that due to the Canada Post strike, the service is temporarily unavailable. Please keep a note of any books you would like and request them when things are back in operation.

This is happening just as the service is transitioning to a new platform which promises to make it easier to request titles from home. If you need assistance getting registered for the new platform or have questions, please call the Picton Branch: (613) 476-5962.

COMING UP:
On Friday Nov. 29, thanks to the Friends of the Library, visit the Bloomfield Branch library as children are invited to write letters to Santa, select a book courtesy of County Kids Read and pick up a craft to make at home or at the library.

Learn all about owls Saturday, Nov. 30 during a special storytime with the South Shore Joint Initiative. Meet at the Picton Branch Library Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The village of Ameliasburgh will hold its annual Christmas in the Village event Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon to pick up a craft kit and borrow some festive books.

On Saturday, Dec. 17 you are invited to drop by the Wellington Branch Library at 2 p.m. to participate in “DiscARTed” – repurposing old books into seasonal trees.

Have you ever noticed the sky is lighter at night? As the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASE) – Belleville explains, “Light pollution is increasing at a tremendous rate.” On Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. RASE members will give a talk about the impact of light pollution and strategies to combat it at the Picton Branch Library.

For more upcoming events – view the library calendar at peclibrary.org or pick up a copy of our Literally News Newsletter, at any branch, to see the whole schedule of events.

Six branches with programs and services for everyone. Visit peclibrary.org to find upcoming events, the latest new books, and more.