At my favourite thrift store last year, I was beckoned by a T-Shirt featuring a shamrock and boldly declaring: “Kiss me, I’m Irish”. I knew that I had to have it! I also knew that it would lay in wait for almost a year, until March 17^th, whereupon I could unearth it and wear it proudly – if only for a few short hours.

But, what is the significance of the shamrock? Who is St. Patrick and why is he celebrated? For the answers to these questions, I turned to one of my favourite databases, World Folklore and Folklife Today.

Is there a custom, festival, mythological character, celebration or folktale that you’d like to know more about? Would you like to impress your friends with your extensive knowledge of Irish history and lore – (over a pint of green beer, of course)?

Use this wonderfully comprehensive database to find out more!

From our e-library, select Social Sciences and Education. From there, select World Folklore and Folklife Today. Browse by subject, geographical region or folktale and you’ll find that you’ve got access to hundreds of full length books!

Cheers!

I love the women in my family! They are educated and hard working, they travel, they are wonderful mothers and aunts, and above all, they have left me a legacy of independence. I was raised knowing that I could do anything I wanted – regardless of my gender – and I still believe it. This year, when I celebrate International Women’s Day, I’ll think about the women in my family who paved the way for me.

Celebrate International Women’s Day at the Calgary Public Library! Join us for a free catered lunch and a panel discussion about women, success and equality. There’s still time to register, so don’t miss this unique event!

For more information, please see the following:

International Women’s Day at Calgary Public Library

In the Western world, humans are typically thought of as being tripartite – having discrete minds, bodies and spirits. Many spiritual and even philosophical traditions regard humans in this way. Here at the Central library, we’re celebrating wellness with an entire weekend dedicated to programs for your mind, body and spirit.

Join us on March 6^th and 7^th, for programs about yoga, birth, reiki, meditation, Buddhism and much more! Last year these programs were very popular, so register today! For more information, see our program guide.

Just who is St. Valentine, anyway? The cynic in me suspects that he’s the patron saint of heart-shaped candy, cupid decorations and dinner reservations. But, I can’t give that answer to a customer…

Here at the Calgary Public Library, we answer all sorts of questions. Recently, a question arrived through our Ask A Question service, and it was “Who is Saint Valentine?” Here’s how we’ll look for the answer:

First, we’ll look through our catalogue. We’ll search for books on St. Valentine, as well as holidays and saints.

Then, we may turn to our e-library and browse our databases. One of my favourites is World Folklore and Folklife Today.

We may then use our encyclopedias - both print and electronic. We’ll use these to find succinct overviews from reputable, authoritative sources.

We may even use our list of best websites, to see what information is freely available online.

So…here’s the scoop on St. Valentine’s Day:

Its origins are murky, as there were several people by the name of Valentine, in early Christianity. The holiday may even be related to a Roman feast of fertility, which would have pre-dated Christianity. Handmade Valentine’s cards have been exchanged since the 17^th century (well before the advent of Hallmark!), but it’s not certain whether these commemorated a saint’s bravery, or the love of a prisoner for a jailor’s daughter, or a priest’s stand against a Roman emperor. All of these stories are related to Valentine’s Day.

No matter who St. Valentine may have been, why not take the opportunity to celebrate February 14^th by making cards for your friends or loved ones? Our poetry and craft books may be just the inspiration you need!

Until next time, this blogger can be found eating large quantities of heart-shaped chocolates…

Happy Valentine's Day!

Millions of people in Asia and throughout the world are preparing to celebrate the New Year. According to the Chinese zodiac, which is based on the lunar calendar, we are about to enter the year of the Tiger. The year will begin on February 14^th, 2010, and will end on February 2nd, 2011. Traditionally, the Tiger is a symbol of bravery, but it is also associated with impulsiveness.

Why not learn more about the Chinese zodiac by browsing our catalogue? Learn what you can expect financially, and romantically. Find out which traits your children may have, if they’re born in this year.

As well, be sure to celebrate with us! Chinese calligraphy, fan dancing, and a martial arts demonstration are just some of the programs we’ve got planned!

For more information, and to register, visit Year of the Tiger at the Calgary Public Library.

I’m addicted to podcasts. I recently listened to one from CBC radio, the topic of which was whether or not Women’s Studies programs ought to be re-named “Gender Studies” or some other name that presumably sounds more inclusive. From the issue of names, the dialogue meandered through women’s history, women’s place in academia and politics, and feminism in general. Conversation morphed into debate, and I was rapt! There are so many interesting aspects of women’s experience!

When I was a university student (and the name was still “Women’s Studies”), I studied how parents treat newborn children. In one experiment, a baby, when dressed in pink, is told how pretty “she” is. When dressed in blue, “he” is told how strong he is. How early our gender roles are entrenched! Indeed, our first question to new parents (Is it a boy or a girl?) betrays that we wouldn’t know how to treat the little bundle of joy, without first knowing the gender. This need to confirm gender prior to interacting with someone is especially evident when we encounter someone about whose gender we are not certain. We often feel incredibly disoriented. We don’t know how to treat others until we know whether they are male or female. Such is life in a gendered society.

And since we do, undeniably, inhabit a gendered society, we need to examine the roles we play. We need to examine notions of strength and beauty, family and love, sex and relationships, work and money. Truly, gender is enmeshed with each one of them.

Join us at the Calgary Public Library, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, on March 5. Attend because you are a woman, or you’ve got a wife, mother, daughter, or girlfriend who happens to be one. Attend and meet other like-minded individuals, or have your mind changed! Attend to network, to be inspired, and to share ideas. Attend to celebrate womanhood!

Register for International Women's Day at the Calgary Public Library. Join us for lunch and a thought-provoking panel discussion with successful, local business women.