One of the most valuable things I own is a Vancouver Public Library card. It gives you access not only to books, but to media of all kind, archives, easy book retrieval, and librarians that are very helpful when you are researching. My friends in Metro Vancouver are envious of my access. One friend writing a book went to her Fraser Valley library with a list of books that were only available at the Vancouver Library. She gave the list to the librarian. That librarian told her it would take two to three months for the books to arrive from the Vancouver Library. Why? Well, said the Fraser Valley librarian cheerily, it was just the way it is, and the requests were processed twice a month. That story made me even more grateful for the Vancouver Library.
A library, how it looks, how it works, and what is in it is on my shortlist of what makes a really great place and city. I really like the Openbare Bibliotheek located on Amsterdam’s waterfront, with its music and film studios where you can listen and record. I also like Seattle’s Central Public Library which was designed in partnership with Rem Koolhaus. And I really find the Vancouver Library downtown a great place to mingle outside, peruse books, and learn. I am also looking forward to the opening of the rooftop garden which is being designed by the building’s architect, Moshe Safdie.
Innovative place that it is, it is no surprise that the Vancouver library has launched a free instrument lending program in partnership with Sun Life Financial. Using instruments gleaned from defunct public school programs that have been refurbished by local music store Long and McQuade, there is now no reason for anyone not to have an instrument to learn on.
The Vancouver Courier has also picked up this story, and reminds citizens that the library is happy to receive any donated instruments from members of the public.
As Sandra Singh, head librarian stated in a Vancouver Sun article “Libraries are about knowledge, information and cultural exchange in many formats…(Libraries) have always been a catalyst for creative innovation”. Music is included in that innovation. What a great way to have access and to learn an instrument. Such access speaks volumes of a city’s culture and reach, providing musical opportunities to anyone with a library card.
This is terrific, but in the background is the devastating loss of music in our elementary schools. Kids shouldn’t have to be taken to the library to get access to instruments. Taking music out of elementary schools is so short-sighted. All for lack of $400,000. http://vancouversun.com/opinion/opinion-restore-funding-for-music-at-elementary-schools
One of the most valuable things I won is a VPL card.
Amen to that, Sandy!
VPL cards are available only to Vancouver residents for good reason. The materials are extensive and well-used and must serve the residents who pay for them first. We have been using our library cards to place holds on books and DVDs and genealogical info for years, often to the max number of items allowable. We drop off books and DVDs and pick up holds every weekend. They have a great selection of foreign films. Sometimes the most popular DVDs are scratched and covered in fingerprints — talk about a lack of respect — so we’ve learned to look at the list of new releases and replacements early to be sure our holds are almost in new condition.
Here’s a trick that works well on scratched DVDs to help correct images that jerk and freeze. Dab peanut butter on the scratched surface. I’m serious! Not the crunchy organic stuff, only the smooth mass produced commercial lab concoctions loaded with trans fats and other gooey crap that keeps it stiff but smooth at room temps. Rub it in with a tissue in several directions, then wipe it off. Polish the surface with another tissue, being sure to remove every trace of peanut butter. The oils will fill the scratches, not dissimilar to having the reading surface of old DVDs restored with a fresh acrylic coating. Works 9 times out of 10.
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