FAMI LY
LIBRARY Connect with your local
The PEI Public Library Service boasts 26 libraries across the province. They may vary in size, but they all have one thing in common: they are community spaces that encourage you to soak in literature for as long as you wish. But, did you know you can connect with your library online and access so much more?
Words by ALANA LAUREN
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teen volunteers and the Paws to Read program, which gives young readers non-judgmental audiences as they practice their reading skills. The library is free to join for residents of the Island and your membership is valid and interchangeable at all 26 locations in any of the three regions. “You can check out an item in Charlottetown and return it to Souris,” says Clinton, “or use our online checkout service, Overdrive, 24 hours a day to download e-books, audio- books or Freegal to download music.” "Our volunteers are a valuable asset of our library system,” Clinton says. "They enable us to offer programs like the EAL Volunteer Tutoring Program, a partnership with the Newcomers Association, to help adult newcomers
learn English. Through this program, learners may receive one-on-one tutoring or have the opportunity to join a conversation circle." There are a number of online services and programs offered that ensure everyone can take advantage of their local library. The Centre for Equitable Library Access offers a collection of alternative format materials for people with print disabilities. TumbleBooks help to teach kids the joy of reading by using animation, music, and narration to bring picture books to life. Read along online, or have TumbleBooks read to you. TumbleBookCloud Junior is a collection of e-books, read-along books, and graphic novels. Meanwhile, there are also National Geographic videos and audiobooks suitable for elementary
our local library is one of the last free spaces where you are welcome
to spend the entire day if you'd like to; there's no such thing as loitering at the library," says Beth Clinton, librarian for Confederation Centre Public Library in Charlottetown. "The library is a true community space,” says Clinton. “It’s a perfect venue to host community events, meetings or public forums. We encourage partnerships and offer information sessions, cultural programs and other events." The library offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including those that bring generations and even species together. Examples are the computer lessons for seniors by local
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www.pei-living.ca SPRING 2020
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