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Canadian library month being celebrated

Events include superhero dress-up, musical storytime, harvest sampling

October is Canadian Library Month and this year the Greater Victoria Public Library is celebrating the many ways our libraries inspire us.

The library has plenty of reason to celebrate; according to the latest Canadian Urban Libraries Council statistics, its circulation ranks as the highest per capita in Canada.  GVPL also had program attendance of more than 70,000 people last year.

“Our goal is to have something to inspire everyone,” said Maureen Sawa, GVPL CEO.

“Whether you visit us in person or online – to borrow books, read the newspaper, download music, attend a family storytime or get computer help – our libraries provide our community with a sense of belonging and encourage the joy of learning and discovery.”

GVPL is celebrating with events throughout the month and by shining the spotlight on their staff, which Sawa describes as, “the heart and soul of the library.”

Library regulars will likely recognize a face or two on the GVPL blog this month, gvplblog.tumblr.com, where many team members are being featured.

Join in the celebrations by attending one of GVPL’s special programs, including:

• Superheros at the Library: Listen to stories and have your superhero questions answered by one or more of your favourite superhero characters. Various branches, dates and times at gvpl.ca

• Harvest Celebration: Join in the celebration of the Victoria Seed Library’s first year with music, seeds, apple cider and fun. Oct. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Central Branch’s courtyard at 735 Broughton St.

• Traditional Japanese music and instruments: International guest musicians from Vancouver’s Chrysanthemums and Maple Leaves festival and composers from Vancouver will be performing and speaking. Oct. 24 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Central Branch at 735 Broughton St.

• Musical Storytime for school-aged kids: Join Brenda from the Victoria Conservatory of Music to explore the fun of music-making and storytelling in an action-packed session designed to introduce music concepts. Register at gvpl.ca or call the library for more information. Registration begins September 2. At the Juan de Fuca branch, 1759 Island  Highway, Oct. 24, 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.

•  Getting started with computers and ereaders. Free one-on-one sessions are available most days. Register online at gvpl.ca/programs-events/computer-classes/.

You can also share your story of how the library has inspired you online at librarymonth.ca/stories/share-my-story.

For more information and a calendar of events, visit gvpl.ca.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com