Nelson folks could be forgiven for thinking spring is upon us. I’ve been wearing shoes — shoes! — these past two weeks, and I live in snowy Bonnington. Any day now I expect to see the first flowers blooming, and the hum of bees pollinating their little hearts out.
The library knows all about the birds and the bees and the joys of cross-pollination.
Our migration to our new Bibliocommons website comes courtesy of our partnership with the BC Libraries Cooperative. Just like our old website, Bibliocommons lets you check our catalogue, access our databases, order books and placeholds, and keep track of your account.
Bibliocommons also connects readers through the ability to rate and recommend books — your reading garden, so to speak, blooming and ready for you book bees to spread the word. As with anything new, it takes a little time to get the lay of the land. “Help” is your friend (as are your friendly librarians).
A quick look at our hot-off-the-press annual report (available online and at the library) reveals partnerships with the Nelson and District Youth Centre, West Kootenay EcoSociety, School District #8, Selkirk College, Heritage Credit Union, Nelson and District Credit Union, and more. The more we get together, we figure, the happier everyone will be. We’ll keep building those partnerships.
This year the Nelson Public Library turns 95, and we’re buzzing now more than we ever have — not bad for an old gal. Our annual report outlines increases in memberships and member visits, circulation, ebook and audiobook downloads, and programs for all ages.
We introduced cool new things like the STEAM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs for kids, and continued popular offerings like our one-on-one computer help through a partnership with Community Access Program, still available until the end of March.
Our new cookbook project is the epitome of cross-pollination. A celebration of the chefs of Nelson (the epitome of awesomeness), Pairings will be just what its sub-title suggests: a compendium of beloved recipes and books from the chefs of Nelson.
Pairings builds on the success of our 2010 collaboration with the Kootenay Country Store Cooperative — and cooks and writers — which resulted in the oh-so-sweet literary cookbook Seasonings. Besides being shortlisted for the Canadian Culinary Book Awards, gorgeous, and delicious (in both words and recipes), Seasonings raised $45,000 for library expansion and collections. That’s a lot of honey.
At press time, 18 of Nelson’s unique restaurants have come on board the Pairing project, with a few more pending. Restaurants who would like to be included can call 250-505-5684 or email adegrace[at]nelson.ca before Monday. Here, I have to give a nod to Al MacLeod of Nelson Brewing Company, who planted the seed for this a few years ago. Now, we’re blooming!
With book design by Steven Cretney of The Forest Design (Seasonings, Humans of Nelson) and images from celebrated photographer David Gluns (Whitewater Cooks, and so much more) it’s going to be a riot of colour and deliciousness. And book recommendations, an important ingredient in anyone’s life.
All this comes down to your library: still the best place to learn about the birds, the bees, the flowers, and anything else you want to know, all year ’round.
Anne DeGrace is the adult services coordinator at the Nelson Public Library. Check This Out runs every other week. For more information go to nelsonlibrary.ca