The Reading Room, February 2010
By Trish McCormick, Manager of Systems and Technical Services

May I be the first to wish you Happy Valentine’s Day. It is early yet, but it’s not too early to think about how you will celebrate this day. We often think chocolates, red roses, and intimate dinners on Valentine’s Day, but it’s also a great opportunity to let your children, parents and friends know that you love and appreciate them.

February is Heart and Stroke Month. It’s a good time to think about what you are doing for your heart. At Eastern Counties Regional Library, some of the staff take a three km walk around Mulgrave during lunch. Not only is it good physical exercise, but the fresh air and chatting are great stress reducers. The library has a variety of resources for keeping your heart healthy including medical information, heart-healthy cookbooks, and exercise DVDs. For more information about how you can protect your heart, visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation website at heartandstroke.ca.

Freedom to Read Week is February 21-27. This week is a reminder that even though we live in a country where we enjoy many freedoms, we should never take for granted the freedom to read what we choose. Libraries are constantly being challenged by individuals or groups who want to remove materials from our collections. For more information about Freedom to Read Week, I encourage you to visit the Freedom to Read website at freedomtoread.ca.

Our region is again involved as a participant in Recreation Nova Scotia’s Take the Roof Off Winter campaign. Drop by a library to check out some books on your favorite winter activities! The Port Hawkesbury branch has also put together a winter display. Check it out!

February is a month that tends to be busy at our branches. A few events are listed below, but we encourage you to drop by your local branch library or call ahead to see what’s happening!

The Cyril Ward Memorial Library in Guysborough is planning a Valentine story hour for Saturday, Feb 13th from 10:30 – 11:30. Call 533-3586 for more information.

The Port Hawkesbury Library is planning to host a Valentine’s Day craft and snacks on Saturday, February 13. Time TBA. They’re also in the midst of planning a Storytime/Pajama Party in mid-February. Call the library at 625-2729 for details.


The Reading Room is a monthly column provided by Eastern Counties Regional Library and sponsored by your newspaper. For further information, call 747-2597, email info@nsme.library.ns.ca or check out ecrl.library.ns.ca