By Trecia Schell
The summer is a great time to explore your backyard, local parks and trails – and we are so very fortunate to have a wealth of beautiful places here in Pictou County.
The library has a number of resources in print (books), and online that can assist you with finding your next discovery.
The ‘Hiking Guides of Nova Scotia,’ by Michael Haynes are a popular, pocket-sized and a well-written favourite amongst hiking enthusiasts. There have been several editions published over the years, and several regional guides as well. There are also books about our Waterfalls in Atlantic Canada, and other points of interest. If you are looking for tips about enjoying the outdoors, the library also has many nature guides about exploring the seashore and its wildlife, to the identifying the trees of Nova Scotia and the creatures that live within.
Eagles and other waterfowl are plentiful along our coasts, and bird guides are very helpful too. Drop on by, and we can help you search, or check out our library collection online through our website at www.parl.ns.ca. Another great local, searchable online resource is www.HighlandConnect.ca . The website has information, maps and details about local recreational programs, places and services, too. From trails, parks and beaches, arts and culture, sports and fitness, outdoor play, recreation facilities, all abilities, and volunteer opportunities.
The library also has many travel books (from Fodors Travel to the Lonely Planet series), and reference books of local maps, too that are great for finding those ‘out of the way’ places. Online, our www.NovaStory.ca collection features the digital images of many of our local stories, historical documents, maps and cemeteries. Each of our local libraries are also home to a small collection of documents about the local history of each of their communities, and we have a full subscription to Ancestry.ca, through the public computers at each of our libraries too.
In addition, the New Glasgow Library is home to the Pictou County Roots Society, and a very large heritage and genealogical collection. The Heritage Room is staffed by local volunteers with the Society and Maren, our reference and heritage clerk. For more information, and if you wish to make an appointment for research assistance, contact the New Glasgow library at 902-752-8233.
Some summer fun @library too! The library has many relaxed, drop-in as-you-wish fun programs for all ages, all summer long. Following is a list of those events:
Tuesdays
Wii Days at the Westville Library
Drop-ins at the New Glasgow Library
LEGO nights at the Stellarton and River John Libraries
Wednesdays
10:45 a.m. – Stay & Play Storytimes at the Stellarton library and Storytime SingAlongs in Carmichael Park with Rainbow Express at 6:30pm (indoor location, in case of weather is the New Glasgow library).
Thursdays
Family Storytimes at the New Glasgow Library at 10:15 a.m.
Drop-ins at Stellarton library
BookFUN Thursdays at Westville Library
Mad Science drop-ins at 2 p.m. at New Glasgow Library.
Saturdays
Drop-in programs at our libraries in River John, Stellarton, Trenton, Pictou and Westville.
For full details, and information, visit us online and check out our PARLevents calendar at www.parl.ns.ca. For more information on upcoming library programs, special events and services, please drop by your local library branch, follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook, or visit us online at www.parl.ns.ca .
Trecia Schell is community services librarian and branch librarian – Books-by-Mail, River John, Stellarton and Trenton Public Libraries.
