Nova Scotia Provincial Library

Nova Scotia Provincial Library staff have prepared the following booklist to accompany African Heritage Month 2015, featuring the theme of “Social Justice – Roots of Progress”.

Titles are available at libraries across Nova Scotia.

As African Heritage Month launches for 2015, libraries across Nova Scotia are pleased to be play a part in marking the significant contributions of African Nova Scotians with a variety of events and displays.

Everyone comes through the doors looking for something. Hopefully they leave and found what they are looking for. - Jeff Mercer, Librarian, South Shore Public Libraries

What kind of events are happening right now at the library?

We have an eight-week course in 3D modeling and design. We also have LEGO robotics competition, traditional readings, along with a film series that plays once a month!

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library hosts a monthly event called Girl Power for girls aged 10 to 15. At these events the group tells stories, makes crafts, journals, and plays games. 

I see grandparents sitting with children looking at books. A book is still special. - Marjory Cornelius

Storytelling takes us places. It’s part of our culture. - Ian White, Library Public Relations Manager, Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library, Digby, NS

Ian has been the Public Relations Manager at Western County Regional Library since 2007. 

Can you share a favourite memory at the library?

A library is a place where you can get thousands of perspectives under one roof. -  Kelly Foxton, Author, Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library, Digby, NS 

The library doesn’t judge you. It has what you need to become who you are. - Kate Oland, Librarian, Baddeck Public Library, Baddeck, NS

Can you tell us about the Wee Ones Program?

I realize more and more how important it is to everyone. - Tara MacNeil, Program Coordinator, James McConnell Memorial Library, Sydney, NS 

Nova Scotia Public Libraries’ Seniors Week highlights programs, events and services for seniors.  Seniors Week 2014 will take place from Oct. 19-25, and there are over 120 library programs and events planned across the province.

The transmission of information is very important and libraries facilitate that. - Nic Gareiss, Percussive Dancer & Maeve Gilchrist, Harpist, James McConnell Memorial Library, Sydney, NS

Maeve from Scotland and Nic from Michigan performed at the McConnell Memorial Library at "Harp Meets Dance"--a part of the Celtic Colours International Festival. 

What are your thoughts on having musical performances in the library?

It’s all about connections. - Chris Thomson, Programs, James McConnell Memorial Library, Sydney, NS

Chris has been with the library for eight years and the Celtic Colours partnership is one of the programs she organizes. This is the library's 17th year hosting Celtic Colours--an international music festival that brings in talent and visitors from around the world. 

We are nothing without stories. - Chris Benjamin

Chris Benjamin is a freelance journalist and an author of fiction and non-fiction. He is the current Writer in Residence at the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library.

What is the value of Canadian Library Month?

What it was then, is not how it is now, it’s always changing, and that’s the thing about libraries. - Trecia Schell, Community Services Librarian, Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library

A month dedicated to libraries? It’s dope. - Donovan Shirt

Donovan Shirt performed as part of Singing Storytellers at the James McConnell Memorial Library on October 9th, 2014.

What's your story?

We learn from each other when we tell stories. - Faye MacDougall, Regional Librarian, James McConnell Memorial Library, Sydney, Nova Scotia

What’s the role of the library in your community?

Singing is a communal activity in many cultures. - Anne Lederman

Art is my vehicle that allows me to share the stories of the Mi’kmaq culture. - Alan Syliboy

On a sunny day in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, a crowd of art fans and library patrons gathered at the People's Place Library for the launch of a unique exhibit.