by Avi Silberstein
It’s not easy being a parent; that much is apparent. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself). But it’s the truth. One of the many difficulties we encounter when we’re trying to raise our children is that sometimes we need a little help teaching them about some of the things that matter most.
That’s where the library can help. Not just with the tens of thousands of items that we have to offer, but also with our carefully curated kits for families. Last year we launched an Anti-Racism Kit and an Anti-Bullying Kit. Each one contains a series of books for children ages two to 12, in addition to a game or activity, and some educational resources.
And now, we’re happy to announce that we’ve developed an Indigenous Stories Kit. The kit has a local focus, shining a spotlight on Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Syilx and Métis stories. We’ve also included some First Nations puppets and yoga cards.
But it’s not just children and families who can engage with Indigenous stories — on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. you can join us for a virtual author visit (on Zoom) with award-winning Métis poet and artist Gregory Scofield. To register, email kootenaylibrariesprogramming@gmail.com.
This event is sponsored by the Kootenay Library Federation, and by the From the Heart Kootenays Youth Project — which has just released a film on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz3c-DrGXtw) on Truth and Right Relations. It’s a project that aims to celebrate culture through the lens of Indigenous, two-spirit and LGBTQQIA ways of knowing and being.
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And now, if you’ll permit me a digression, I want to take this opportunity to announce that today is my last day at the Nelson Public Library. Starting next week I’ll be joining the climate and energy team at city hall as their energy programs co-ordinator (speaking of which: if you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient, go to www.nelson.ca/742/Energy-Retrofit-Program or send me an email me at asilberstein@nelson.ca).
It’s been a pleasure and an honour working at the library, a true joy to meet all the wonderful community members over the years, and to spend time with all the children and parents who came to my children’s programs. I’m going to miss you all, and I’m going to miss the library — but I’m looking forward to my new role at city hall, and to serving the Nelson community in a different capacity.
Avi Silberstein is, as of tomorrow, no longer the Children’s Librarian at the Nelson Public Library. Check This Out runs every other week. If you’re interested in learning more about library programs and services, sign up for our monthly newsletter on our website or by giving us a call.