Sunday September 13th, 2015 It's a Fine Time to Forgive

The Thunder Bay Public Library has launched a new campaign called “It’s a Fine Time to Forgive”. The goal of the campaign is to re-engage library members who may not be using the Library due to fines or charges on their card. If you think your card may have outstanding fines, all you need to do is visit any library location and renew your library card, whether it has expired or not. When you do this, staff will waive all fines. If you also return long-overdue items, we will remove these charges from your record too! The forgiveness period will run from September 12 to October 24. Replacement library cards will also be issued at no cost.

In addition, when you renew your library card, sign up for a new card or use your current library card to check out items, you will receive a ballot for a chance to win an iPad mini. Ballots will be available September 12 to December 11 with the draw taking place Monday, December 14. You can also visit us at Intercity Shopping Centre from September 22 to 26 to sign up for or renew your library card and talk with friendly staff. We are having a special draw for anyone who signs up at the mall and then uses their library card by October 24.

With library card in hand, you are ready to explore the many great things the Thunder Bay Public Library has to offer. Our fiction collections (individual collections for children, teens and adults) have books in both hard cover and paperback. We also have fiction titles available in large print and other languages. Don’t forget to browse the graphic novel section too. You can also enjoy your favourite book by listening to it on an audiobook (which is a book on CD) or on a Playaway (which is a small device you plug headphones into). If you can’t visit your library, go online to www.tbpl.ca/ebooks and download an electronic book or an electronic audiobook from our online services Overdrive and Hoopla.

If you are looking for something to watch, then check out our DVD collections in both the adult and children’s areas. You will find recent releases to your favourite classics, as well as non-fiction and foreign films too. Or go online to www.tbpl.ca/hoopla and borrow a movie or television show, which you can download or live stream on your computer and smart device.

Additionally, we also have music CDs, walking poles, electronic energy meters, pedometers, fishing poles, magazines, newspapers, automotive manuals, a literacy collection, a local history and genealogy collection and a non-fiction collection with books on hundreds of different topics. More resources are available online through our virtual collection, www.tbpl.ca/virtualcollection. Your library card also gives you access to online databases that cover everything from fixing your car to learning a new language.

The Library also offers a variety of programs and special events. More details can be found in the Library newsletter and online calendar at www.tbpl.ca/getinvolved. There is something for everyone. Book clubs, lectures, a makerspace with 3D printers (at Waverley), writing workshops, storytimes, genealogy classes, crafts, computer help, puppet shows and more. Plus, we also offer free WiFi, computers with Internet access, photocopying and faxing services, battery recycling bins, meeting rooms, a home delivery service where volunteers bring books to people who are home bound and/or visually impaired, and an interlibrary loan service where we will bring in books and articles from other lending institutions in Canada.

Last but not least, the knowledgeable staff at the Thunder Bay Public Library are here to help you find a way to start using your Library again.  After all, using the Library is a great way to help yourself, your community and the planet.

Lindsey Long