The word of the day is Flipster.
What might that be?
No, it’s not a new roller coaster at Shining Waters. Flipster is a new service for library patrons. It allows them to borrow and read magazines on their device or phone from the comfort of home (or on the bus, the office, the car or anywhere).
Download the Flipster app to a device and search for the P.E.I. Public Library Service. Put in your card number and voila! Read MacLean’s, Chatelaine (in English or French), the Hockey News, Chirp, Canadian Geographic and more. There are current issues and back issues and best of all – no waiting.
Don’t forget, those who don’t have a library card yet can apply online.
Those who prefer magazines in paper format can drop in to the library and browse what it is on the shelves. If you don’t see the issue or magazine you want, we can place a hold for you.
Open for browsing and borrowing, the library also has have bookable workspaces, including a shared space for members of the same household.
February is Black History Month, and thanks to a grant from TD bank the library has programs and Crafts to Go kits for all ages in the works. Starting Feb. 22, a bean mosaic Craft to Go kit will be available for adults. For teens, a paper beads kit is available while supplies last.
On Feb. 28, 2 p.m., the library is thrilled to be hosting Energy, a live Facebook event with Oshun Dance Studio. Oshun is bringing an infused blend of creative movement with a Carib twist. A recording will be available after the performance for those not able to watch live.
March will bring CALM – the Canadian Agricultural Literacy Month. To celebrate, the Crafts to Go kits will change to Seeds to Go kits in partnership with the Cooper Institute. These will come out by mid-March so drop by then or stay tuned to the P.E.I. Public Library Service’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.
While the seeds won’t include tulip bulbs, people may learn to Tiptoe Through the Tulips with the Ukulele for Absolute Beginners Zoom class (wow, just dated myself with that Tiny Tim reference). Classes start March 3 and will be held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. for six weeks. Email [email protected] by 4p.m. on March 2 to register to rock out with a ukulele (or borrow a ukulele from the library).
March also includes March break, and the library has a full slate of (virtual) programs. Here are the programs that require registration by emailing [email protected] by 4 p.m. the day before: March 16: 10 a.m. – French storytime; 1 p.m. – Dalhousie University’s SuperNOVA virtual STEM for ages 8-12; March 18 - Family storytime in its usual slot at 10:30 a.m. and Dalhousie will be back with SuperNova STEM for ages 13-15 at 1 p.m.; 4 p.m. – Hackmatack Book Club for ages 9-12.
On top of these programs there will be a scavenger hunt for families and virtual escape room for teens. No need to register for these as they will be posted on the library’s social media channels. There will also be some Craft to Go kits available, including slingshot rockets and mini catapults.
Exciting things are always happening, so follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on programs, services and other library fun stuff.
Beth Clinton is the regional librarian with the P.E.I. Provincial Library Service. Her column appears in The Guardian once a month. Anyone who would like more information on programs should call the library at 902-368-4642.
