Alexander explained that one of the grants that the libraries received was the International Dyslexia Association Ontario’s Library mini grant, which supplies $500 for decodable books for the library.

“These funds have been used to purchase a starter collection of decodable books at both branches. I am very pleased to have received this grant. Response has been positive,” she says.

What are decodable books? Alexander explains that they are books that include text that has been carefully written using evidence-based strategies to support reading development. She says that these books are wonderful for all new readers but access to this type of book is vital to children with dyslexia. To ensure that children across Ontario have access to these decodable books, Alexander says that IDA Ontario’s mini grants will help Ontario’s public libraries buy these resources for their collections. Funds for the grant can also be used to buy books about dyslexia and the science of reading from an IDA Ontario recommended list of books as sources of reliable information.

“Science shows that the most efficient way to learn a word so it can instantly be recognized in the future is by ‘decoding’ it. Decoding means using knowledge of letter sounds and English spelling patterns to ‘sound out’ a word. Decodable books are purposely written to help beginning and emerging readers master decoding,” she says.

With regard to the other grant, the Ontario Trillium Resilient Communities Fund, Alexander says that she is still sourcing equipment and will have more details at a later date. This grant was for $13,000 and was procured with the help of CAO/clerk-treasurer Byran Martin. It will be used to buy equipment for loaning and programs, and they intend to purchase 20 tablets, two charging/storage boxes, four CPen readers (an assistive device that scans and reads out the words) and two Blue Yeti Bluetooth micros.

In addition to these grants, Alexander reveals a couple of other exciting initiatives now and in the near future. The libraries are currently hosting drop boxes for a food drive in support of the Madawaska Food Bank from Oct. 6 to 27. The food bank serves South Algonquin, Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan, Madawaska Valley and North Algona-Wilberforce. Non-perishable food items can be dropped of at both library locations. At the Madawaska branch (26 A Major Lake Road, Madawaska), the drop off times are; Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the Whitney branch (33 Medical Centre Road, Whitney), the drop off times are; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

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A comfortable seating area and book shelves in the Whitney Library, Township of South Algonquin

A shelf full of books in the Whitney Library, Township of South Algonquin

A shelf full of books in the Whitney Library, Township of South Algonquin

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Book shelves in the Madawaska Library, Township of South Algonquin

Front entrance to the Whitney Library in the Township of South Algonquin

Front entrance to the Whitney Library in the Township of South Algonquin

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Historical artifacts on display at the Madawaska Library, Township of South Algonquin

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Gnomes outside welcoming you to the Whitney Library, Township of South Algonquin

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The book check-out desk in the Madawaska Library, Township of South Algonquin

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The sign outside of the Madawaska Complex, listing the Madawaska Library, Township of South Algonquin

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Newspaper article, Eganville Leader, May 31, 1978, about the Whitney Library, Township of South Algonquin. The Whitney medical centre/library complex is due for completion in mid-July [1978] with some outside work still to be done. All that remains to finish off the inside is some plumbing, wiring and interior decorating.

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The front entrance to the Madawaska Library, Township of South Algonquin

 

 

 

 

 

Digital Resources

These resources and services are included with your library membership, we offer the following:

Overdrive E-Books 

As members of the Library you have free access to the Overdrive collection via the Libby app. Overdrive offers ebooks, audiobooks & magazines.

  • Download the free Libby app from your device’s app store
  • Select add Library
  • Then search For Ontario Library Service Consortium
  • Next select Sign in with my card
  • Scroll down and select Township of South Algonquin Whitney branch or Township of South Algonquin – Madawaska branch
  • Enter your 5-digit library barcode
  • Browse the various book carousels or tap the magnifying glass icon to search for a title.
  • When prompted to check out a title or place a hold. Borrowed titles appear on your Shelf and download to the app automatically so you can read them when you’re offline.

Virtual Author Talks

This service offers 2-3 online bestselling-author virtual events per month. These are live events with interactive Q&A sessions where participants can ask questions directly to the author. Past events are archived and are available on demand. To view upcoming & archived author talks and to register for an event, please visit our speaker’s website at https://libraryc.org/southalgonquinlibrary

CBC Corner

CBC Corner, a free digital platform exclusive to libraries that brings CBC’s audio, video, news, and resources together in one place for a more streamlined experience. Have a few minutes? Check out CBC Corner! With trusted news, entertaining radio and TV shows, educational kids’ content, award-winning podcasts, a free language learning app to refine your English or French and much more, you will find something for everyone and every taste!

English link: http://cbccorner.ca/southalgonquin  

French link: http://lespaceradiocanada.ca/southalgonquin

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownshipofSouthAlgonquinPublicLibrary

Instagram: SOUTH_ALGONQUIN_PUBLIC_LIBRARY

Website: www.southalgonquin.ca/library/

Technology Available for Loan

( Patrons must be over eighteen with library account in good standing. User agreement must be signed.)

  • Chromebooks
  • Laptops
  • E-Readers
  • Daisy Readers
  • C-pen readers
  • Projector
  • Telescope
  • Binoculars
  • Small Portable Screen
  • Blue Yeti Microphone
  • Nintendo Switch Lite & Games
  • Radon Detectors
  • Aranet4 C02 Sensor
Over Drive Website

Lending Programs

INTERLIBRARY LOANS

Use Interlibrary Loan to request books, or other material that South Algonquin Public Library doesn’t have in its collections.

Types of materials you can request

  • You can request any type of item, depending on availability and the policies of the lending library, but in general, DVDs, CDs, and other audiovisual materials are not available for interlibrary loan.

Types of materials you can’t request

  • Items with circulating copies in Township of South Algonquin Public Library
  • Material published in the last 12 months
  • Rare and fragile material, original manuscripts
  • Reference material
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • eBooks, eAudiobooks, online resources

Making a request

A valid Township of South Algonquin Public Library card is required to make an interlibrary loan request.  Requests can be made in person, by phone or by email.

The Importance of Interlibrary

Excerpt from : https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/13771.html

Interlibrary loan is essential to the vitality of libraries of all types and sizes and is a means by which a wider range of materials can be made available to users. In the interests of providing quality service, libraries have an obligation to obtain materials to meet the informational needs of users when local resources do not meet those needs. Interlibrary loan is the process by which a library requests materials from or supplies materials to another library. The sole purpose of interlibrary loan is to obtain, upon request of a library patron, materials not available in the user’s local library. We live in an age of expanding information, growing technology for sharing that information, and ever-increasing demands for academic endeavor.
The interlibrary loan is an important service because individual libraries agree to share their collections and to supply materials on demand to another library for their patron use. The effectiveness of this resource sharing system depends largely upon the distribution of borrowing and lending. When a library is part of this loan-sharing program, those libraries should be willing to share their resource no matter what the size of their library is. This will make the impact of lending not so strenuous to each library if all libraries take on their part of loaning. This way there aren’t just a few libraries that are overwhelmed with requests. It should be a well-known fact that libraries must be willing to lend if they wish to borrow, that is what makes the whole success of interlibrary loans.

 

Ontario Parks Passes

The Township of South Algonquin Public Library has partnered with Ontario Parks to loan annual day-use permits to their patrons. Ontario Parks is committed to making our provincial parks more accessible. This program is one way we are helping more Ontarians to get outside and enjoy their local provincial park.

  • Loan Period: One week, no renewals. Each patron may borrow once per month.
  • Lost Passes: If a permit goes missing, Ontario Parks will not provide replacements.
  • Patrons will be responsible for replacement costs ($225 plus a $10 processing fee)
  • Patrons must be at least 18 years of age and have their library accounts in good standing.
  • Device and Special Item Lending Agreement must be read & signed.Corentium-Home-US-PCI-600x600_2

Airthings Radon Detectors & Handbook                                 Corentium Home Radon Detectors are now available to borrow at both branches.       

  • Loan Period: Three week, no renewals. Each patron may borrow once per heating season.
  • Patrons will be responsible for replacement costs ($160 plus a $10 processing fee)
  • Patrons must be at least 18 years of age and have their library accounts in good standing.
  • Device and Special Item Lending Agreement must be read & signed.
Quick Facts:
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Health Canada estimates that over 3000 (16%) of lung cancer deaths among Canadians are attributable to indoor radon exposure. Smokers exposed to radon are at significantly higher risk of lung cancer.
The higher the radon level and the longer people are exposed to radon, the higher the risk.
7% of Canadians are living in homes with radon levels above the current radon guideline of 200 Bq/m3.Further information on Radon can be found on various websites including those of Health Canada, our website and at www.takeactiononradon.ca
C-Pen ReaderPen (funded by a grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation )Home

  • Loan Period: Two week, no renewals. Each patron may borrow once per month)
  • Patrons will be responsible for replacement costs ($350 plus a $10
    processing fee)
  • Patrons must be at least 18 years of age and have their library accounts in good standing.
  • Device and Special Item Lending Agreement must be read & signed.

 

The ReaderPen, from C-Pen, is a major breakthrough for anyone learning English, Spanish, or French, and it’s a lifesaver for people with reading difficulties such as dyslexia.  The ReaderPen is a totally portable, text-to-speech scanner with a human-like digital voice. Read definitions from several different built-in dictionaries, including the Collins English Dictionary and Oxford Primary Dictionary.
As well as promoting independent reading, this pen features:
  • A text-to-speech scanner,
  • a Collins English Dictionary, Oxford French and Spanish Dictionaries,
  • a scanner that stores text to transfer to a PC or Mac,
  • a scan-to-file function to input scanned text directly to the cursor on a computer,
  • a voice recorder especially useful for people with limited working memory.

Blue Yeti Microphone(funded by a grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation )

Home

Blue Microphones Yeti USB Mic for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac, Blue VO!CE Effects, 4 Pickup Patterns, Headphone Out

  • Loan Period: Two week, no renewals. Each patron may borrow once per month.
  • Patrons will be responsible for replacement costs ($350 plus a $10 processing fee)
  • Patrons must be at least 18 years of age and have their library accounts in good standing.
  • Device and Special Item Lending Agreement must be read & signed

HP Chromebooks (funded by a grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation )

Home

 

  • Loan Period: Two week, no renewals. Each patron may borrow once per month.
  • Patrons will be responsible for replacement costs ($350 plus a $10 processing fee)
  • Patrons must be at least 18 years of age and have their library accounts in good standing.
  • Device and Special Item Lending Agreement must be read & signed.

  

English Link:  http://cbccorner.ca/southalgonquin

French Link:   http://lespaceradiocanada.ca/southalgonquin

The Township of South Algonquin Public Library is very happy to announce that we’ve added a new digital resource to our website! Developed especially
for public libraries, CBC Corner is a digital portal that brings CBC’s audio, video and news content together in one place for a more streamlined experience.
Have a few minutes? Not sure what you are looking for or just want to browse around? With trusted news, local stories and radio shows, entertaining TV shows, documentaries, movies, award-winning podcasts, latest sports news and special reports, and much more, CBC Corner has something for everyone and every taste!
Do you have children? CBC Corner has tons of safe, educational and entertaining content for children and youth of all ages including tv shows, free online games, fun quizzes and activities as well as news articles made by kids for kids. As a parent, you will also find cool and simple crafts ideas, healthy recipes, and easy ways to learn through play!
Interested in other languages? CBC Corner offers, through the daily multilingual service RCI, news in five of the most commonly spoken foreign languages in Canada (Mandarin, Punjabi, Tagalog, Arabic, Spanish). CBC Corner is also a very valuable resource for those looking to learn or refine their French, or even their English skills, through our free Canadian language learning app, Mauril! And if you’re looking for French content, CBC Corner also allows you to
explore all of this en français with audio, video and news from Radio-Canada!
These are just a few examples of all the great content you can find! 

TackleShare

The Township of South Algonquin Public Library has partnered with Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and Ontario Power Generation to provide rod, reel and tackle at no cost to our patrons.  Equipment is available for one week at a time.

Initiated by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and proudly sponsored by Ontario Power Generation, the TackleShare Program gives new and young anglers the opportunity to go fishing at no cost. There are many barriers to introducing new anglers to fishing on today’s waters. TackleShare removes these barriers by providing the equipment and knowledge to get them started. Participating anglers simply sign out a rod and reel, as well as an assortment of tackle in the same way that they would borrow library material.

 

Memberships

Books and other materials are available for loan to all persons with a valid membership card.

Public libraries are required by law to adhere to the Public Libraries Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, chapter P44 which states in Section 23 that library boards shall allow the public to reserve and borrow circulation material free of charge.

The public includes all residents within the municipality for which the library board is established. Persons residing outside the area but owning property, working in, or attending schools in the area, shall be considered residents.

Library access is available to persons other than property owners, on the terms described below.

Resident Membership

Library membership is free to residents of, and property owners in, the Township of South Algonquin.

Junior Membership

Residents 12 years of age and under will be registered as junior members of South Algonquin Public Library. Parents or Guardians must co-sign the membership to acknowledge responsibility for use of library services and borrowed materials. Junior membership allows use of all aspects of the library’s collections and services.

Out-of-Township Members

Persons who do not reside, or own property, in the Township may obtain a library card for an annual, non-refundable fee.

Temporary Membership

Membership shall be granted to persons residing in the Township of South Algonquin on a temporary, seasonal or holiday basis. Both the temporary and the permanent address will be recorded in the library files. A fee will be collected, the amount of which will be equal to that of the Out-of-Township membership fee.

Membership Fees

Annual fees for non-residents shall be set from time to time by the library board. Temporary/Out of town membership fees are now set at $10 for 3 months or $30 for the year. According to key ratio statistics from 2014, the per household contribution to the Library was $30 per year. This is a standard formula that many Ontario Libraries use to determine temporary fees.

Indigenous Awareness and Respect Policy

The Township of South Algonquin Public Library understands the need to recognize and embrace the principles of Truth and Reconciliation with Ontario’s Indigenous population, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.

Section 1: Declaration

With this understanding, the Township of South Algonquin Public Library acknowledges the First Peoples on whose traditional territories we live and work. We believe that acknowledging territory shows recognition of and respect for Indigenous Peoples, both in the past and the present. We believe that recognition and respect are essential elements of establishing healthy, reciprocal relations and are key to reconciliation.

The Township of South Algonquin Public Library will use this Acknowledgement Declaration at the beginning of all meetings held at the library.

We acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded traditional territory of the Omaamiwininii Anishinaabeg (the Algonquin people). We acknowledge that the Algonquin people have been stewards of this land since time immemorial and as such we treat the land, its plants, animals, stories and people with honour and respect. Today, this land is home to Indigenous people from across Turtle Island, as well as many non-Indigenous peoples, and we acknowledge the shared opportunity to live and work within this beautiful territory.

Section 2: Collection

Township of South Algonquin Public Library will provide collections relating to Indigenous cultures, languages, and peoples, including books, audio and video materials. Our collection will include titles by and about First Nation communities.

Section 3: Services

Township of South Algonquin Public Library will provide welcoming spaces and library services to Indigenous peoples, and share elements of First Nations culture with non-Indigenous persons.

Statement of Authority

The Township of South Algonquin Public Library operates under the authority of the Public Libraries Act and is established in accordance with the Public Libraries Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990 P.44. The library is under the management and control of the Township of South Algonquin Public Library Board which is a committee of the Council of the Township of South Algonquin.

The Board recognizes that the Act sets out procedures for the appointment of members of the Board, the number and qualification of members, terms of membership, disqualification of members, and vacancies on the Board.

Past Programs

 


 Author Visit: Linda Hutsell – Manning 

https://www.facebook.com/events/843369854071522?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external_search_engine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

 

Linda will be discussing her book Fearless and Determined: Two Years Teaching in a One-Room School.

Part memoir, part creative non-fiction, Fearless and Determined, takes you back to life in rural southern Ontario in the mid- 1960s. With one year’s training at Toronto Teacher’s College and no curriculum resources except a list of subjects, Linda Hutsell-Manning created and taught courses for eight grades. Built in 1860, the school had seen better days and resembled many one-room schools across Canada. With a wood stove, two pit toilets, a cold water tap, and no storm windows, many students experienced their entire elementary school education here. Linda’s memoir traverses the Kennedy assassination, the Beatles craze and smallpox shots. She worked ten-hour days and made on-the-spot decisions as teacher and principal. “Circumstance gave me this opportunity; time has deemed it to be one of the most challenging and great experiences of my life,” says Linda.

Short Bio

Linda Hutsell-Manning’s writing career spans over forty years with writing published in a variety of genres. Unaware she had writing talent, she attended Ryerson & Teacher’s College, then taught two years in a one-room school. Subsequently, while attending the University of Guelph as a 1970’s mature student, two Can Lit profs encouraged her to write. Her first book was published in 1981. Publications include: poetry & short fiction in literary magazines, eleven children’s books including five picture books, two juvenile time travel novels, three professionally produced plays, five Polka Dot Door scripts, a literary novel, That Summer in Franklin, Second Story Press, a two act comedy A Certain Singing Teacher, Playwrights Canada and a memoir, Fearless and Determined: Two Years Teaching in a One-Room School, Blue Denim Press. Upcoming publications include a picture book, Finding Moufette, Pandamonium Publishers, Sept 2023 and novella, Heads I Win Tails You Lose, AOS Publishers, March 2024. Over the decades, she has given countless library and school readings and taught Creative Writing in several Community Colleges. During Covid, she learned Power Point and gave readings and workshops to adults and children. She is currently working on a memoir An Occasional Chameleon, about her unorthodox childhood that began in 1940’s rural Charleswood, MB. For more info: www.lindahutsellmanning.ca

 

 

Kids Coding Club: This free, program is designed for ages 8 – 12 years old. The club will run once weekly, Thursday’s 5 – 6:30 pm at both branches. First session will run July 13th – July 27th, Second session will run August 3rd – August 24th. Pre-registration is required as we are limited to 5 spots per session. Code Club projects are freely available for anyone to use to start getting creative with code.

We are pleased to announce that we now have a Community Seed Library available at both branches. We bring you this program to help combat food insecurity and to revitalize our connections to the land.

Seed libraries work much like conventional public libraries. Patrons can “borrow” from the inventory of seeds to grow at home. We welcome donations of seeds to help keep growing for future seasons. The seed library is free for everyone with or without a library card.

A DEEPER DIVE: MAKING LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MAKE SENSE

Monday March 6th @ 6:30pm Whitney Senior’s Centre 9 Third Ave. Whitney, Ontario. Free Workshop. Facebook event page https://fb.me/e/2rVPhajxA

A territorial or land acknowledgement is an act of reconciliation that involves making a statement recognizing the ancestral territory of Indigenous peoples who live in a particular region, often since time immemorial. However, these acknowledgements can easily become a token gesture rather than a meaningful practice. We have a responsibility to consciously and continuously reflect on the fact that no matter where we are, we are on Indigenous lands. Further, we have a responsibility to not only acknowledge and learn about the histories and legacies of colonialism, but to take tangible action to contribute to Canada’s reconciliation process.
All are welcome to participate in this free workshop with Christine Luckasavitch (Omàmìwininì Madaoueskarini Anishinaabekwe (Algonquin) and mixed settler heritage), whose work centers around creating spaces for Indigenous peoples to share their knowledges, both in physical and digital spaces, and encouraging the re-emergence of ancestral kinship ties.
This workshop includes a discussion on the colonial impact on Indigenous territories and examines why it is important to know full, true histories in an effort to bring consciousness to the times we’re living in.

Canada Reads 2023

All Canada Reads shortlisted titles will be available at both branches mid February.

 

 

Author Talk & Self-Publishing discussion with Robert Bockstael. Featuring his debut novel Willow’s Run.  Sunday October 30th  –  1pm  –  Lester Smith Recreation Centre – 32 Hay Creek Rd. Whitney, On  This is a free program, hosted by The Township of South Algonquin Public Library

**Author Book Talk**  Kevin Callan will be discussing his book “Once Around Algonquin” Free public event – May 18th 2022, 7pm Madawaska Hall: 26 A Major Lake Rd. Madawaska, Ontario

Kevin (aka The Happy Camper) is the author of 18 books; his latest being Once Around Algonquin: An Epic Canoe Journey. He is an award-winning writer and a keynote speaker at outdoor events across North America. Kevin is also a regular guest on several television morning shows and CBC Radio. He has won several film awards, writes a column for Paddling Magazine and Explore Magazine. Kevin was listed one of the top 100 modern day explorers by the Canadian Geographical Society. He was also made Patron Paddler for Paddle Canada. Check out his web site at www.kevincallan.com and YouTube channel KCHappyCamper.

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Agenda | Regular Meeting of The Board – February 8th, 2021 2021-02-08
Minutes | Regular Meeting of The Board – February 8th, 2021 2021-02-08
Agenda | Regular Meeting of The Board – March 8th, 2021 2021-03-08
Minutes | Regular Meeting of The Board – March 8th, 2021 2021-03-08
Agenda | Regular Meeting of The Board – April 6th, 2021 2021-04-06
Minutes | Regular Meeting of The Board – April 6th, 2021 2021-04-06
Agenda | Regular Meeting of The Board – May 3rd, 2021 2021-05-03
Minutes | Regular Meeting of The Board – May 3rd, 2021 2021-05-03
October 18, 2021 Library Minutes 2021-10-18
February 15, 2022 Library Minutes 2022-02-15

Free G1 Practice Test

 

G1 Free Tests

This course is being offered to library patrons for free.

Valuing the resources from public libraries is something I personally respect, not only as a father of 4 kids who have used library resources for years but also as a former employee of the Hamilton Public Library years ago.

My name is Scott Marshall and I have spent almost 35 years as a professional road safety expert, training thousands of new drivers across Canada. I was also a judge on Discovery Canada’s Worst Driver during their first 3 seasons and have done countless interviews in print, radio, and television over the years. I live and breathe road safety.

I’m the Director of Training at Trubicars.ca and we have put together an amazing G1 course. We normally sell this, but we will offer this to the library for FREE. The course will help people prepare for their G1 knowledge test. The course is highly engaging and all the information is taken from MTO Drivers Handbook.