Celebrating Pride Month

Celebrating Pride Month

by | May 31, 2024 | Books, Children & Families, Collection Materials, LGBTQ2S+

The Huron County Library is celebrating Pride Month by sharing valuable resources, participating in community events, and hosting activities in our branches.

Here is a round-up of what’s happening throughout June:

Huron County Pride Outreach: The Huron County Library is popping up at this year’s Huron County Pride Festival! Find us on the Square in downtown Goderich on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and take in the amazing activities happening throughout the day!

Pride Hikes: Celebrate diverse voices, get active on Huron County’s trails, win Pride-themed prizes and more! Participate in the Celebrating Diverse Voices Scavenger Hunt on the Bayfield Heritage Trail from June 9-30. Or, explore any one of Huron’s beautiful hiking trails through June. Hikers participating in either option can earn an entry to win a Pride-themed prize pack! Learn how to participate here.

LGBTQ2S+ Resources for young people and their families: Library staff have put together a valuable resource guide to support young people and their families. The guide features links to online resources, books from our collection, local supports, and more.

Book Raffle: The Library is raffling off 10 LGBTQ2S+ books for a variety of ages (picture books, junior fiction, young adult, adult fiction, and adult non-fiction). Find ballots throughout the month of June at all 12 branches or visit us at the Huron Pride Festival.

Pride Panel Discussion: Join us on Thursday, June 20 from 6:30-8 p.m., for a virtual discussion to learn about what Drag is and why it has been targeted as a perceived threat. Our panelists are Curtis Campbell, author of Dragging Mason County, a Young Adult novel about a drag show at a small town high school; and Miss Lita, who is a drag performer who has performed at several drag story time library programs that have attracted protestors. Goderich Branch is also hosting a watch party if you would like to bring your friends together to join the conversation! Registration required. 

LGBTQ2S+ Youth Social Connections Craft Night: To celebrate pride, the LGBTQ2S+ youth social connections crew are inviting everyone to their craft night on Monday, June 24, 5-8 p.m. at the Goderich Branch. LGBTQ2S+ Youth Social Connections is a community-led program for youth ages 16-25 held the last Monday of each month at the Goderich Branch. This is a great opportunity to have fun with peers, to meet new friends and to engage in discussions around topics that could include sexuality, identity, homophobia, and personal experiences. Registration required.

Drop-in Button Making @ Exeter Branch: Celebrate Pride Month by joining us at the Exeter Branch every Friday in June for button making! This is a drop-in program and available during regular branch hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. No registration is necessary.

Rainbow Storytime @ Exeter Branch: Drop into the Exeter Branch Friday, June 7, 2-3 p.m., for Rainbow Storytime featuring LGBTQ2S+ themed stories and songs! No registration required.

Friendship Bracelets @ Exeter Branch: Join us Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Exeter Branch  to make a rainbow, pronoun, or flag-themed friendship bracelet! No registration required.

Important Notice: Several branches adjusting hours starting May 6, 2024

Important Notice: Several branches adjusting hours starting May 6, 2024

by | Apr 17, 2024 | News, Service Updates

Starting May 6, 2024, several branches of the Huron County Library will have new operating hours.

In 2023, branch hours were reviewed using feedback from the public and staff, along with library circulation statistics. As a result, the library is adjusting hours at certain branches to better align with community needs, to provide increased evening availability, and to ensure adequate staffing levels.

Below are the changes being made at the following branches (* shows hours that are changing):

Alice Munro Branch, Wingham: Monday, 12-8 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 12-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.*

Bayfield: Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.*; Tuesday, 12-7 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.*; Thursday, 12-7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.*; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.*

Brussels: Monday, 3-7 p.m.*; Tuesday, 3-7 p.m.*; Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, 3-7 p.m.*; Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hensall: Monday, closed; Tuesday, 3-7 p.m.*; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.*; Thursday, 3-7 p.m.*; Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.*; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.*

Howick: Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tuesday, 4-8 p.m.; Wednesday, 4-8 p.m.; Thursday, closed; Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.*

Kirkton: Monday, closed*; Tuesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.*; Wednesday, 3-7 p.m.*; Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.*; Friday, closed; Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Zurich: Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tuesday, 3-7 p.m.*; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thursday, 3-7 p.m.*; Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Please note that all other branch hours will remain unchanged.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we strive to better meet the needs of our communities. If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, email us at libraryadmin@huroncounty.ca. We value your feedback and are committed to providing a positive library experience for users.

Holds pick-up lockers now available at Bayfield and Goderich Branches

Holds pick-up lockers now available at Bayfield and Goderich Branches

by | Mar 14, 2024 | Bayfield branch, Goderich branch, News, Service Updates

The Huron County Library has made it easier for patrons to pick up their books with the addition of two new holds pick-up locations at the Bayfield and Goderich Branches.

The lockers will allow patrons 24/7 access to pick up their holds, making it convenient for patrons to get their books after regular branch hours. The locker at Goderich is located outside the front door by the book drop, and the locker at Bayfield is located in the post office next to the library.

HOW IT WORKS

To select one of the lockers as your pick-up location, simply place a hold on the item of your choice, and when prompted to choose your location, select either Goderich Holds Pickup Locker or Bayfield Holds Pickup Locker, and select the ‘Place Hold’ button. You will be notified when your item is available to pick up at the locker. To pick up your items, all you need to bring with you is your Huron County Library card!

Image of the library's online catalogue showing how to select one of the lockers as a pick-up location

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

If you’d like to keep one of the lockers are your default pickup location, follow these steps:

 

  • Find an item you want to borrow
  • Click Place Hold
  • Choose the locker you want to be your pickup location from the drop down menu
  • Put a checkmark in the box next to the words: Enable Single-Click Holds
  • Click the Blue Place Hold button
  • Your preference will be saved until you decide to change locations.
Image of online catalogue showing to how set locker as default pick up location

If you have the “Single-Click Holds” enabled on your account, and want to use one of the lockers as your pickup location instead of the branch, you will have to change the location option by following these steps:

 

  • Click on your Username (top Right-hand corner of screen)
  • Select On Hold (Under “My Borrowing”)
Image of setting up locker pickup on our online catalogue
  • Click the link “Single Click Holds is ON”
  • Choose the locker of your choice as your pickup location
  • Click Save
  • You’ll know you’re successful when you get the message of successfully choosing your pickup location.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to branch staff at Bayfield and Goderich.

 

Image of setting up locker pickup on our online catalogue
Smart Card transit passes now available to checkout with a Huron County Library card

Smart Card transit passes now available to checkout with a Huron County Library card

by | Mar 12, 2024 | News, Object Library

Set yourself FREE with Huron Shores Area Transit by checking out a Smart Card Library pass with a Huron County Library card!

The Library is very pleased to partner with Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) to make five Smart Card Library Passes available through the Object Library, giving patrons unlimited free rides during a one-week loan period.

According to a media release issued from HSAT, the new Smart Card Library program is designed to encourage residents who have not yet tried local public transit to experience convenient and affordable travel options and access various destinations and venues without worrying about transportation or parking costs. The program is planned to be in place for the full year and may be extended into 2025.

Passes can be borrowed from branches in communities with HSAT transit stops: Bayfield, Exeter, Goderich, Hensall, and Zurich. Of course, holds can be placed online and picked up from any Huron County Library branch. The pass is non-renewable, enabling as many cardholders as possible to borrow the pass and try out local public transit. 

“We are proud to partner with local libraries in offering Smart Card Library Passes,” said Susan Mills, Transit Coordinator from Huron Shores Area Transit. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible transportation solutions and enhance community connectivity. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on residents.”

HSAT’s affordable, inter-community public transit links Lambton Shores, South Huron, North Middlesex, Bluewater and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation with each other and Sarnia, London, Goderich and Strathroy. The fully accessible service provides an important transit service for seniors, students, workers and youth for employment, education, health and wellness, and leisure.

For more information about routes, schedules, fares and Smart Cards, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca. To speak with a live operator about times and schedules, call 1-888-465-0783 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

The Huron County Library is participating in the Drive to End Period Poverty from March 3-10, 2024

The Huron County Library is participating in the Drive to End Period Poverty from March 3-10, 2024

by | Mar 1, 2024 | News

As a member of the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce, the Huron County Library will be participating in the Drive to End Period Poverty from March 3-10, 2024. During this time, residents are invited to help put an end to period poverty by dropping off new, unopened packages of commonly used period products to any Huron County Library branch during regular hours of operation.

Products in need include new and unopened:

  • Tampons, pads, and liners for a variety of menstrual flow needs
  • Menstrual cups and discs
  • Period underwear in a variety of sizes

For the convenience of donors, an Amazon shopping page has been created where shoppers can select and pay for products that will then be delivered by Amazon directly to the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force.  Donors can find that purchasing option using this link:  https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/MN96B5WHMH8P?ref_=wl_share

“Period Poverty” is a term that refers to the lack of access to menstrual products due to cost or other barriers. Research indicates almost two thirds of people who menstruate in Canada have missed work or school because of lack of access to necessary hygiene products. Due to stigma surrounding menstruation, these issues are often not discussed.

Expanding on a pilot project that began October 2023, the Huron County Library will continue to offer FREE period products at each of their 12 branch locations.  In addition, they will launch a new education campaign designed to inform and remove stigma around the topic of menstruation.

“Providing affordable solutions to help people manage their periods comfortably and hygienically is absolutely necessary,” said Warden Glen McNeil. “I’m glad that the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce was successful in their pilot project and that this important work can continue in our communities.”

The Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce includes representation from:

  • United Way Perth Huron;
  • Huron Women’s Shelter;
  • Optimism Place;
  • Perth County Information Network,
  • Stratford Public Library;
  • Huron County Library;
  • Avon Maitland District School Board;
  • The Emily Murphy Centre;
  • And others.

To learn more about the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force and take the End Period Poverty survey, visit: www.connectedcountyofhuron.ca/period-poverty