Canada Reads 2008

CBC Radio is hosting the annual Canada Reads competition once again! Five celebrity panelists select their favorite piece of Canadian fiction and debate the merits of each book until only one book is left...the book that Canada Reads!

Here are this year's selections:

• Brown Girl in the Ring: written by Mary Hopkinson, defended by Jemeni
  
• From the Fifteenth District: written by Mavis Gallant, defended by Lisa Moore
  
• Icefields: written by Thomas Wharton, defended by Steve Maclean
  
• King Leary: written by Paul Quarrington, defended by Dave Bidini
  
• Not Wanted on the Voyage: written by Timothy Findley, defended by Zaib Shaikh
  

The debates will run on CBC Radio One, Country Canada TV, and will also be available via podcast. It all starts next week, from Monday, February 25th through Friday, February 29th. Learn more by clicking over to the CBC's Canada Reads website: http://www.cbc.ca/canadareads/

We have a great Canada Reads display up at the front of the library. You'll find this year's Canada Reads selections there, as well as the selections from previous years. And, you'll also find our own Brooks Reads Selections, including the winner for 2008: Sahara by Clive Cussler!

Travelling Outside of Canada

Sarah Heather Miyauchi will be in the library on Thursday, February 21st from 12:00 NOON to 1:00PM to answer your questions on travelling internationally!

Do you need to know:

• How to get a passport?
  
• How to get a visa?
  
• Travel regulations if you are not a Canadian citizen?
  

If you are thinking of travelling and have any concerns, this is the session for you!

ADMISSION IS FREE and DROP INS ARE WELCOME!

Sources of Inspiration

Brooks Public Library has a new travelling art exhibit from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts!

Sources of Inspiration is a compilation of landscapes that celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Alberta Parks. This beautiful collection features a diverse array of artists as well as a diverse range of mediums that include watercolours, oils, and photographs.

Nature's beauty is truly at its finest when seen through the eyes of these talented artists.

Come in and see it today - it's only here for the month of February!

Around Canada in 29 Days

Our February Lunch Box Talks are back! For the past three years, we have celebrated "Around the World in 28 Days" by inviting guest speakers who have lived in different countries to tell us about their homelands.

This year, we are switching things up and inviting everyone along as we tour Canada! Our guest speakers have each lived in a different part of Canada and will give us a special inside look at their home province or territory!

• Wednesday, February 6
  Beautiful British Columbia: Tamara Van Horne brings us special vignettes of Victoria and the coast!
  
• Friday, February 8
  Amazing Alberta: Joe Chomistek will speak about Alberta with emphasis on our fascinating history.
  
• Wednesday, February 13
  Stunning Saskatchewan: Bob Watson will bring Saskatchewan to life!
  
• Friday, February 15
  Marvellous Manitoba: Katie Van Ryckeghem tells us about the prairie province she grew up in.
  
• Wednesday, February 20
  Outstanding Ontario: Pat Auger is a recent arrival from Ontario. Learn about our nation's capital and more!
  
• Friday, February 22
  Newfoundland, Naturally: Doris Denty is a true blue Newfoundlander. Find out why her heart will always call it home.
  
• Wednesday, February 27
  Nova Scotia - Not-to-be-Missed!: Winnie Eckert tells you everything you always wanted to know about Nova Scotia!
  

Talks are all from 12:05pm to 12:55pm and are free of charge! Please feel welcome to bring along your lunch; we supply the tea and coffee!