Books Plus runs in The Tri-City News each Friday to highlight programs and happenings in the Tri-Cities' three libraries: Coquitlam Public Library, Port Moody Public Library and Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam.
COQUITLAM
Bring your ancestors home: How can you learn about your ancestors when you can't travel to the places they lived? By surfing the internet, using library resources and networking with other family historians, of course. You can join speaker Chris Longley on Sept. 6 as she sets you on the path to growing your family tree from yourself back to more distant generations. Longley co-ordinates the Genealogy Group at Wilson Centre in Port Coquitlam and has uncovered her family's roots into the 18th century. This free program runs from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. in the Poirier branch's Nancy Bennett Room. Phone 604-937-4155 to register.
Play and Learn at Coquitlam Centre: Join local librarians at Coquitlam Centre mall for storytimes, songs and crafts on the last Wednesday of each month. Play and Learn sessions run on the lower level in front of the Bay from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The theme on Aug. 29 is back to school. There is no registration required for these free programs - just drop in.
Video and board games: Kids 11 and older can drop in at the Poirier branch to play video games and board games on Aug. 21, 23, 28 and 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Nancy Bennett Room. Bring your own Xbox 360 or Wii games if you like.
For more information about any of these programs, visit www.library.coquitlam.bc.ca. The City Centre branch is located at 3000 Burlington Dr. and the Poirier branch at 575 Poirier St.
TERRY FOX
Reading club wrap-up party: Teen Summer Reading Club members can celebrate all the reading they've done this summer with an afternoon of food, fun and a grand prize draw starting at 2 p.m. at Terry Fox Library on Aug. 23. You can sign up for the party and the teen reading club at the information desk.
Reading Buddies teen volunteers: Local youths can volunteer as a reading buddy to a child in kindergarten to Grade 3 and help them improve their reading skills. This is a great opportunity to gain volunteer hours for your community work experience requirement and will look good on your resume. Teens in Grades 8 to 12 may pick up an application for this session at the Fox information desk.
For more information, visit www.fvrl.bc.ca or the Fraser Valley Regional Library Facebook page. Terry Fox Library is located 2470 Mary Hill Rd. in PoCo. Phone 604-927-7999.
PORT MOODY
Start your engines: Do you have car problems or want to know more about how your vehicle works to avoid problems? PMPL has a fabulous resource that is easy to use - all you need is your library card and access to a computer. The Auto Repair Reference Centre asks you to select your vehicle's year, make and model, then gives you access to technical bulletins and recalls and diagnostic information specifically about your car. Need help or have questions? Just ask librarians.
Tech Café: Free one-on-one help with your basic computer questions is available at your library. Drop by the ParkLane Room on Thursday, Aug. 23 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and meet knowledgeable teen volunteers. They will help you to explore simple computer issues such as mousing, saving and moving files, or opening a free email account. You can also find out how to use Facebook and other social media, or get help with your smartphone or bring your eReader to learn about downloading free library eBooks.
Night Readers: If you think that the only thing better than reading a book is talking about books with new friends, PMPL has a group for you. The Night Readers Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. You can join for interesting and lively discussions about great books - new members are always welcome. On Wednesday, Aug. 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the ParkLane Room, the group will discuss The Forgotten Garden by popular Australian writer Kate Morton. This enchanting, historical mystery recounts the tale of 21-year-old Nell's quest for the truth when she learns that she is not who she thought she was.
For more information, visit library.portmoody.ca or call 604-469-4577. Port Moody Public Library is located at 100 Newport Dr., in the city hall complex.
