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Bowen Library celebrates Library Month in B.C.

Here's what’s happening at your local library as we head into month eight of the pandemic
Bowen Island Library exterior
The provincial government declared October library month

In recognition of the important role that libraries play to keep people connected, informed, and entertained during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BC provincial government has declared that October 2020 shall be known as “Library Month”. 

The Bowen Island Public Library is proud to be part of a community of libraries that strive to foster lifelong learning and help people of all ages and backgrounds access the information and services they need. The library’s goal to encourage reading as a valuable pastime seems even more relevant in our current world. 

2020 has been a year unlike any other and the Bowen Island Public Library has been persisting through many new challenges. The library closed in the spring to adjust the physical space to meet health and safety guidelines. 

During this transition, online access was encouraged and takeout service was offered for library materials. 

The library was able to reopen in July with limited hours, and staff continue to work to safely reintroduce services.

 In addition to in-person browsing and online collections, available services include Tech Tutor help, printing, and computer access. 

As everyone adjusts to the new normal, the Bowen Library is excited to be offering a variety of new programs this October. Social distancing regulations have restricted in-person programming and forced some creative alternatives.

An outdoor reading option for families is the StoryWalk, which is set up around the outside of the library. Families can read through a storybook as they move from station to station, following along with the directions for some fun movement activities. The posted story will change throughout the fall months, so be sure to check it out the next time you are in Snug Cove.

Practicing physical distancing has also limited many of the community’s normal interactions. In order to overcome the loss of social connections, the library has partnered with the Bowen Island Community School to create the Grandfriends Pen Pal program. Older adults in the community are encouraged to volunteer to be a pen pal and exchange letters with BICS students throughout the year. Remaining active and creating new connections will contribute to Bowen’s vibrant, resilient and inclusive community. 

Adjustments to daily routines have inspired an interest in online services, including library collections like eBooks, eAudiobooks, and online courses. The library’s free online resources allow you to borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks from anywhere and at any time. 

Free workshops will be hosted on Zoom by library staff throughout the fall to help people discover and use the library’s large online collection. Anyone, near and far, can register to learn about Libby, TumbleBooks, Lynda, and Artistworks. 

For more information about our programs or to register, go to our website and look for events on our home page, bowenlibrary.ca. 

Be sure to check out our Instagram and Facebook pages for even more updates and library news, @bowenislandpubliclibrary.