Programming | Huron County Library

Summer Reading Week 1: Ancient Cultures

by Summer Literacy Coordinators | Jul 4, 2022 | Programming

Today is the first official day of the Summer Reading Program—hooray! We are so excited to be visiting all the incredible Huron County Libraries and cannot wait to read some magical stories with all of you who are joining us this summer!

This week’s theme is—drumroll, please—Ancient Cultures: Legends of the Past! We’ll be travelling back in time in our reading adventures and learning about the myths and legends of many ancient civilizations!

For those of you who are unable to join us at the program, feel free to print off a colouring sheet and Labyrinth maze at home or from your local branch. Each week, we will be sharing a new themed colouring sheet on our blog; we hope you enjoy them!

Also, we encourage you to go to your local library sometime this week and check out some great books to begin your summer reading adventures! For story suggestions based on this week’s theme, check out our online reading list!

WEEKLY THEMES & ACTIVITIES:

Spice Club – Basil

by Avery Greaves | Jun 22, 2022 | Programming

Minestrone was popularized in Italy among the poorest farmers, who scraped together hearty beans and vegetables to create this simple soup. In addition to its comforting warmth, one of the biggest benefits of this soup is that it can be altered according to personal preference and to varying seasonal vegetables.

Basil is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia – though it is used in cuisines worldwide. It is often added last when cooking, as too long cooking can destroy its flavor. Fresh basil can be kept for a short time in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling water.

Show off what you made this month by sharing photos on the Huron County Library Spice Club Facebook events page or by emailing them to askalibrarian@huroncounty.ca. Photos emailed will be publicly shared by staff to the Facebook page on your behalf.

FUN FACT: Basil is an herb in the mint family!

Minestrone*

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 stick celery, chopped
1/2 onion, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 carrot, chopped
200 grams crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 zucchini, chopped
1/4 cup green beans
1/2 cup pasta, preferably elbow macaroni
2 cups spinach
400 g cooked kidney beans
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat and sauté garlic, celery, and onion for about 5 minutes.

2. Add chopped carrot and crushed tomatoes to pot. Season with oregano and basil. Pour in vegetable broth and water and bring mixture to a boil. Cover pot and cook soup for 10 minutes.

3. Add elbow macaroni, green beans, and chopped zucchini. Stir to combine and boil until noodles are tender.

4. Finish soup with fresh spinach and cooked beans.

5. Garnish with parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan.

*Recipe from Global Road Warrior™️ by World Trade Press. Access this online database for free with a Huron County Library card to get information about holidays, festivals, culture, travel essentials, and other beneficial travel knowledge.

TD Summer Reading – Colouring Pages

by Huron County Library | Jun 10, 2022 | Programming, Reading

Hey everybody! We are Gwyneth and Olivia, your Huron County Library TD Summer Reading coordinators and we are really excited to lead this year’s program! The fun starts at a branch near you the week of July 4 and we are looking forward to a summer filled with adventure, play, social connection, and lots of reading, of course!

We are super excited to visit each one of Huron County’s amazing elementary schools over the next few weeks to talk to you about our summer reading club! And we hope you are just as excited as us for the TD Summer Reading Club this year, because we have planned a jam-packed summer built around this year’s theme, Once Upon a Time; Myths and Legends.

Registration opens online on Monday, June 13, but we wanted to give you a little sneak peak of just one of our awesome activities that you can enjoy on this PD Day! You can download and print these magical colouring pages and design them in any way you like!

Enjoy!

In Your Backyard – the Hidden Gems of Huron West

by Avery Greaves | May 31, 2022 | In Your Backyard, Programming

The Huron County Library has been highlighting the hidden gems found across Huron County through our In Your Backyard speaker series and for those who were unable to attend, we will share some of those gems right here on our website! Join us as we travel all directions of the County, this time focusing in on Ontario’s west coast – including Goderich and Bayfield!

FOR THE BEACH BUM: Both Goderich and Bayfield have some of the best beaches around – with both towns sporting three a piece! Both communities are also unique that they both have bluffs, which allow you to catch their gorgeous sunsets not once, but twice! Goderich’s entire beachfront has undergone massive changes over the last few years, including a brand new accessible boardwalk, which runs its entire length. While Bayfield’s Pier Beach is much larger than it has been in recent years, due to lower water levels.

FOR THE TRAIL TREKKERS: Both Goderich and Bayfield have a number of trails throughout their communities – fan favourites include the Goderich Menesetung Bridge Trail, the Goderich Millennium Trail and the Bayfield River Flats Trail.

FOR THE INSTAGRAM INFLUENCER: Both communities sport some prime selfie locations. Goderich has the famous butterfly mural (located on the Square), the lighthouse (located on Coburg Street), the Gaol Selfie Station (located at the Huron Historic Gaol), and the sand-surrounded beach trees. Bayfield has its wood carving of Captain Harry (who has stood watch over its downtown for decades).

FOR THE FOODIE: With Goderich alone being home to 35 different restaurants and Bayfield over a dozen, you will be sure to satisfy any craving you may have – whether it be for Indian, sushi, Italian, all-American, or even refreshing ice cream on a hot day! Best of all, countless restaurants across Ontario’s west coast are home to outdoor patios during the warm weather.

FOR FANS OF FARMERS MARKETS: Get excited! While both communities have been home to a one-day weekend market, this year both will have TWO days of markets! Goderich will host its farmers market on Saturdays and another market on Sundays, which features artisan and antique vendors. Bayfield hosts its farmers market on Friday evenings and a vendor-based market on Sundays!

FOR THE ART AFFICIANDO: The two communities are home to over half a dozen art galleries between the two of them – from galleries featuring the works of an independent artist, to other featuring the works of a collective. The newest opened gallery between the two communities is The Gallery House, located on Bayfield’s historic Main Street.

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE A GREAT COMMUNITY EVENT: Both Goderich and Bayfield are expecting to bring back some of their well-beloved community events this season! Goderich will once again be home to its Children’s Festival, the Celtic Roots Festival, and the West Coast Bluesfest, while Bayfield will be hosting its Rubber Duck Race, the Beer, Wine and Food Festival and a number of musical performances at its Town Hall.

EXPLORE MORE HIDDENS GEMS:

Afternoon tea for the Queen’s Jubilee

by Rachel Garland | May 30, 2022 | Programming, Reading

This year, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee (the first British Monarch to do so), recognizing 70 years of service to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. As we get closer to the Jubilee Weekend (June 2 – 5), many people around the world will be celebrating and you may think ‘What can I do for the occasion?’. Why not invite your family, friends and neighbors for a traditional Afternoon Tea?

A SHORT ORIGIN STORY

You may think of Afternoon Tea as the epitome of British tradition, but it is actually a fairly “new” concept. While tea was first introduced to England in the 1660s, Afternoon Tea was not part of British culture until the mid-19th Century. It was first introduced by Anna, seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. At that time, the evening meal was not served until 8 or 9 o’clock in the evening – a long wait in between meals. The Duchess would always get hungry in the late afternoon, so she started asking for something to eat. She would request a tray of tea, bread and butter, scones, and cakes to be served. As this became routine, she began inviting friends to join her. Soon, other people in society took note and started to do the same. Thus, becoming what we know as Afternoon Tea.

Traditionally, Tea is served around 4 pm with little sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of cakes and pastries. But if you wish to make it simple, a nice mug of tea and cookies will do.

HOSTING THE PERFECT AFTERNOON TEA PARTY

Set the Scene – Create a nice atmosphere for your Afternoon Tea. Bring out the nice tablecloths, fancy tea cups and plates, and fresh flower arrangements. If it’s a beautiful day, take the party outside!
Tea! Tea! And more tea! – There’s no party without tea! Favorite teas include black teas like Earl Grey, English breakfast, and Darjeeling. But there are many, many more varieties out there, especially for those who prefer caffeine free. Varieties such as chai, peppermint, chamomile, fruit, and herbal. Not a fan of hot drinks? Try iced tea or a fruit drink as an alternative. If you are unsure of what tea to get, local bulk food shops often have loose leaf teas that you can smell. This is a great way to see if the tea appeals to you.
The Spread – Don’t forget the food! Having a spread of various finger foods that pair perfectly with your tea is always a delight.

What to serve:

Little sandwiches. Traditional flavors include: cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, chicken, ham and cheese, and cheese.
Scones with clotted cream and jam or marmalade.
Cakes and pastries such as macarons, fruit tarts, sponge cakes, cupcakes, sausage rolls, and for a modern twist – mini cheesecakes!

Voila! Now time to invite your guests, don your party attire and hat, and enjoy your Afternoon Tea!

JUBILEE SCONES

Recipe from Central Team Branch Assistant Nancy

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour
¼ cup white sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 Tsp cream of tartar
½ Tsp salt
2/3 cup softened butter
2 beaten eggs (reserve a little for brushing on the top)
1/3 cup milk
½ cup dried currants (optional)

Instructions:

Pre-heat oven to 425 F
Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt.
In another bowl, combine butter, eggs, and milk.
Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients to the dry. Mix until well combined.
On a baking sheet covered with parchment, pat dough into a 10” circle, cut into 8 wedges and separate slightly.
Brush with the reserved egg mixed with a little water.
Bake 15 minutes until golden on top, testing with a toothpick to make sure they are completely cooked through.

INSPIRATION FOR A CELEBRATION

Looking for inspiration, ideas and recipes for the party? Check out a number of resources from the Huron County Library.
Don’t have time to host your own Afternoon Tea? Join the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Tea, hosted by the Clinton United Church, on June 2.
The Huron County Museum currently has a small exhibit on display featuring artifacts related to the Royal Family and the Queen’s Coronation. Available during regular hours of operation. Admission is FREE with a Huron County Library card!

Spice Club – Coriander

by Avery Greaves | May 27, 2022 | Programming

Have a fridge full of leftovers? Put them to use in Koua Khau, a Laotian fried rice recipe that features this month’s spice, coriander! Coriander has a wide range, growing all the way from Southern Europe, to Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia. While all parts of the plant is edible, the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the most commonly used elements.

Laotian cuisine is simple, fresh, colourful and has a medium spice level. Rice, as incorporated into this meal, is the most commonly consumed food in Laos and is served with almost every meal. Although Laotian cuisine does have French influences, in most places the food is strongly Asian.

Don’t like the look of this recipe? Get creative! We’d love to see what you come up with instead! Be sure to join us for our Zoom session on Wednesday, June 22 where we discuss what you made with coriander! Show off what you make each month by sharing photos on the Huron County Library Spice Club Facebook events page or by emailing them to askalibrarian@huroncounty.ca. Photos emailed will be publicly shared by staff to the Facebook page on your behalf.

FUN FACT: Seventy-five per cent of people find that coriander has a tart lemon/lime taste, while the remaining 25 per cent find that it tastes like dish soap due to a gene that detects some specific aldehydes.

Koua Khau*