Telling Our Stories Contest

Telling Our Stories is a province-wide contest that highlights and celebrates the positive impact of Ontario public libraries. Beginning Ontario Public Library Week, from October 16, 2006, until November 30, 2006, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL) invites Ontarians to share their personal stories of how a public library has made a difference to them or their families.

The top three winning stories in both English and French will be awarded cash prizes (First prize $1,500; Second prize $1,000; Third prize $500) and will be featured in the media. In addition, a donation of $250 will be made in the name of the top three winners in both official languages and the top 10 combined English and French runners-up to the Ontario public library named in their entry forms.

To ensure high participation by Ontario residents, both for story submissions and public voting for their favourite stories, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries has partnered with Ontario's educational media organization, TVO. TVO will promote the contest on air and encourage Ontarians to participate at tvo.org/tellingourstories.

Ontario's French-language educational broadcaster, TFO, is also promoting the contest on air and online. French language submissions can be made at tfo.org/racontonsnoshistoires.

Entries that meet contest criteria will be short-listed and then reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges. Stories will be entered into a searchable online database that is accessible through the contest website at tvo.org/tellingourstories and the public will be invited to vote online for their favourite entries. Short-listed stories will be published in a booklet to become part of a province-wide advocacy kit for use by public libraries at the local level.

Telling Our Stories is open to Ontario residents aged 18 or older. Stories must be no longer than 500 words in length and may be submitted online in English at tvo.org/tellingourstories or French at tfo.org/racontonsnoshistoires, or by fax or regular mail from October 16 until November 30, 2006 at midnight. The winners will be announced at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference in Toronto on January 31, 2007.

Library's website has changed!

The Lincoln Public Library has revamped its website. The look is cleaner and easier to read.

Check it out!

November Book Group

The Adult Book Group will be meeting November 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fleming Library meeting room. This month's topic is Canadian Historical Fiction.

For more information, contact Jill at the Fleming Library, 905-563-7014.

Ontario Public Library Week 2006

Celebrations for Ontario Public Library Week 2006 will be held from October 16th to 22nd. The theme, “Libraries: The world at your fingertips”, celebrates libraries of all types across Canada and the ability to access the world through the interconnectivity of libraries.
A strong library system is the cornerstone of a strong community. Ontario Public Library Week recognizes the important contribution Ontario's public libraries make to education, literacy and life-long learning in Ontario communities. With more than 1,100 service points throughout Ontario, public libraries’ patrons have access to over 100 million items and make over 66 million visits to local libraries across Ontario annually. And now virtually every library branch in the province also provides access to electronic information through the Internet.
Public libraries, dedicated librarians and devoted volunteers across the province are planning special activities to mark Ontario Public Library Week 2006. Check the Lincoln Public Library’s website, www.lincoln.library.on.ca, for events such as Bob Lindsey’s author reading on Oct. 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fleming Library.