Read

The Grapevine > Read

Annapolis Valley Regional Library News

Author: January 12, 2019

Annapolis Valley Regional Library News The Best of Books for Kids and Teens Every year our resident expert in children’s books compiles “Best of” lists for children’s and teen books. Reading on her own, and recommending her favourites, as well as browsing the year-end booklists, Angela compiles lists for our Valley readers. Head to the library’s website at valleylibrary.ca, and click on “Book Room” on the toolbar. There you will find a drop down menu with links to booklists. Under “Kids’ Booklists” you’ll find lists of the best chapter books, picture books, and informational books of 2018. Under teen booklists,…
Read more

Articles, Events, Read

The Box of Delights Presents: Ami McKay

Author: November 15, 2018

The Box of Delights Presents: Ami McKay By Desdemona Shaw In the Victorian tradition of Yuletide ghost stories, critically-acclaimed local author Ami McKay invites us to step back into the magical world of The Witches of New York in her newest book, Half Spent Was the Night. This enchanting tale is the perfect companion to the chill days and long nights of winter, reminding us of the hidden magic of the season. Set just after the events of the previous novel, mystery swirls around the three witches of New York as they contend with storms, demons, and the intrigue of…
Read more

Articles, Events, Listen, Read

The Dome Chronicles: Apple Pie Time

Author: October 4, 2018

In 1972, a boxcar from Toronto containing a menagerie of farm animals and an eager young couple pulled into the station platform in Kingston, Nova Scotia. They were bound for a deserted hundred-acre farm on the South Mountain, determined to preserve the foundations of farmsteads past while constructing a geodesic dome. They were pioneers of the future, armed with respect for tradition and an irrepressible sense of humour. They didn’t call themselves farmers. They were back-to-the-landers. Farming was industry and their calling was sustainability. Over the next forty years, through flood and fire, triumph and catastrophe, they persevered, unwittingly sowing…
Read more

Articles, Dome Chronicles, Eat, Read

The Dome Chronicles: Mr. Hill’s Opus

Author: September 26, 2018

The Dome Chronicles By Garry Leeson In 1972, a boxcar from Toronto containing a menagerie of farm animals and an eager young couple pulled into the station platform in Kingston, Nova Scotia. They were bound for a deserted hundred-acre farm on the South Mountain, determined to preserve the foundations of farmsteads past while constructing a geodesic dome. They were pioneers of the future, armed with respect for tradition and an irrepressible sense of humour. They didn’t call themselves farmers. They were back-to-the-landers. Farming was industry and their calling was sustainability. Over the next forty years, through flood and fire, triumph…
Read more

Articles, Dome Chronicles, Read

What’s Growing at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens: Outdoor Classroom

Author: September 8, 2018

What’s Growing at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens: Outdoor Classroom By Melanie Priesnitz Conservation Horticulturist Many people have just gone back to school this month after a summer of growth and learning. The Botanical Gardens supports many educational opportunities both formal and informal in our outdoor classroom 365 days a year. The classroom here has no walls or roof, it is everywhere, and the teacher is the natural world. I feel so fortunate to work outside in an environment where there are so many lessons to be learned and new skills to acquire. Every day as I walk in the…
Read more

Articles, Read

Why You Can (and Should) Relax at the Dentist

Author: August 26, 2018

Why You Can (and Should) Relax at the Dentist By Andy Nette For many people, a visit to their dentist can come with a sense of dread, due mostly to the anticipation of discomfort or pain. Fear of the needle may be the most common source of stress for those who lose sleep in anticipation of their appointment for a dental procedure. As a dentist, I would like to share a tip that will mitigate most of the discomfort associated with the administration of local anesthesia, or what we usually call “freezing”: The inside of your mouth is a sensitive…
Read more

Articles, Read

Time-Travelling to Summer’s End

Author: August 26, 2018

Time-Travelling to Summer’s End By Erica Marrison As tourist season reaches its peak, we at the bookshop still have two feet in summertime despite its end fast approaching. August started off with much excitement as local author and hiker William Monk hosted a book signing and reading in correspondence with the release of his new work of non-fiction, Whistler’s Walk: The Appalachian Trail in 142 Days. Having garnered attendees from across the province, Monk’s signing was a huge success, as well as an informative session for many who aspire to hike the trail themselves. Though mid-heat wave (and consequently mid-exhaustion),…
Read more

Articles, Read

AVRL News: Book Bikes are Here and Ready to Roll!

Author: August 26, 2018

AVRL News: Book Bikes are Here and Ready to Roll! By Angela Reynolds, Community Engagement Coordinator Our new Book Bikes, Edgar Allan Go, Chain Austen, JK Rolling, Doretta Groenenbike, Mark Spokely, and friends, are ready to roll. You can borrow a bike from our Berwick or Wolfville branches (coming later this year to Annapolis Royal). Bikes are available on a first-come first-served basis, and are due back the same day, no later than 30 minutes before the library closes. Borrow it for the day or for a couple of hours. Ride the trails or use the bike to get your…
Read more

Articles, Events, Read

How to Run a Book Swap

Author: August 26, 2018

How to Run a Book Swap By Laura Churchill Duke I love to read. I will read just about anything. However, when I walk into a book store I often feel overwhelmed about what to buy. I’d rather someone just give me a good book to read. I am also a huge fan of flea market book sales for charity. I come home with armloads of books to try (that the attendant has told me are good). I am also in a book club. Because of this, my shelves are full of books that I have finished but don’t want…
Read more

Articles, Events, Read

What’s Growing at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens: Reading Locally Within the Acadian Forest Region!

Author: August 26, 2018

What’s Growing at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens: Reading Locally Within the Acadian Forest Region! By Adrien Rawley, Horticulture Assistant and Educator Not long ago, I had a wonderful opportunity to visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG) in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The coast of Maine was my childhood home, specifically Bar Harbor, where my parents and the beautiful landscape of Acadia National Park built my foundation as a budding naturalist. As life likes to guide us through complete circles, I smiled as I cycled onto the grounds of the CMBG wearing my horticulture assistant/educator hat from the Harriet Irving…
Read more

Articles, Read