Though we’re far from experts, we are in the business of getting information, especially from reliable sources, out to our communities, so I’m hoping to have a brief, well-sourced discussion about SARS-CoV-2, a virus that causes COVID-19, a respiratory disease. Unless the distinction between the two is important, I’ll be using coronavirus as a shorthand throughout this post. During the last few days, it was revealed that Italy has instituted nationwide quarantine measures designed to enforce social distance, an effective measure to prevent the spread of viruses, and the
When J.K. Rowling published Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone she agreed to publish her book under her initials because publishers feared that young male readers, who were the intended target audience for the book, would be deterred by a female name. (Spencer, 2016)
Books and babies… not something everyone puts together, but at the library we strongly believe in reading to babies.
Developing early literacy skills from a young age has multiple benefits for young children. Many books for babies include shapes, colors, and numbers which can boost your baby’s IQ. You can also find books that go over concepts like days of the week, months, and time to help with this. Reading rhyming books, repetition books, and books with animal noises help babies learn different sounds, words, and language. Lift the flap and textured books help invoke curiosity and fun. When you read high…
Behavioural Effects from Excessive Screen Time
One moment you’re watching a video online, then you’re distracted by a notification on your cell phone, then you get a text message, and then the video you were watching recommends another video. It’s overwhelming, right? To constantly have interruptions throughout our day that divide our attention?Last week Carla Thorogood, who is a behavioral specialist working at a local high school, came to speak at the Medicine Hat Public Library about how the effects of constant and distracting screen use affects both adults and the behaviour…
What Is Freedom to Read Week?
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that has been organized by the Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council for the past 36 years to encourage Canadians to recognize the importance of intellectual freedom, a right we are promised under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (
February 19th is the inaugural I Read Canadian Day! It celebrates the richness and diversity of Canadian literature.
Children's author, Eric Walters brought this day to life by collaborating with a few different organizations. These included the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers, and the Ontario Library Association.
Walters was inspired to create this day when he heard some troubling news - sales of Canadian…
We don’t stick a 14-year-old in the car and let them drive off when their birthday arrives – so why do we do the equivalent when it comes to dating and relationships?
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society has partnered with the Medicine Hat Public Library to visit local middle schools, high schools, and other local youth support programming to make buttons that promote healthy relationships and share info on healthy relationships.
Why? Teenage romance is often portrayed as…
