Joyner's Dream by Sylvia Tyson

If you had the opportunity to open the pages of a journal that described your ancestors’ lives would you be intrigued? Leslie Archibald Fitzhelm inherits a written memoir of his family’s history, beginning in mid 1800 England.

Singer songwriter Sylvia Tyson’s gift of lyrical storytelling fills the pages of her first book, Joyner’s Dream, as she describes the eight generations of the Tredwell/Joyner/Fitzhelm clan.

Thieving scoundrels and illegitimacy color Leslie’s past as secrets are revealed and his heritage is unravelled. Joining each generation is a love of music and the intrinsic component that this “universal language” plays in their lives. This was one of the themes that I most enjoyed about the book. Tyson finds a way to link family members together, pre social media/digital access, and she kept me interested in learning about each of the characters. I also enjoyed how well she set the mood of each time period; I felt I was travelling the journey with her.

If reading a spirited tale of family history appeals to you give Joyner’s Dream by Sylvia Tyson a try.

When searching the Internet do you ever wonder if the information you are reading is valid? Did you know Calgary Public Library has over 100 databases that will help you get accurate and reliable information on a variety of topics?

Before going out and making an expensive purchase, I like to do my research. Sure, I go on the Internet to get reviews, but without fail I will start my search by going to Calgary Public Library's E-Library and scour the magazine articles.

If you're a fan of Consumer Reports magazine you may be surprised to hear that you can access current issues through the E-Library. Simply go to www.calgarypubliclibrary.com, click on the E-Library tab at the top of the page, or E-Library under QUICK LINKS on the right-hand side of the website. From there click on Newspapers & Magazines and scroll down to MasterFile Premier. Click on MasterFile Premier to start your search. You will be prompted to enter your valid Library Card number and your PIN, which is the last four digits of your phone number.

I like to do an Advanced search. This is where I add keywords and limit my search to articles I can read on the screen by clicking in the box beside Full Text. If you know the name of the magazine you can even put the magazine title in the Publication search box.

MasterFile Premier doesn't have every magazine ever published, so if you want to check if a particular magazine is in the database, click on MasterFile Premier, then on PUBLICATIONS at the top of the screen. Type in the name of the magazine to determine if it is available electronically. Of course, if you're having any difficulty, please call Calgary Public Library at 403-260-2600. We're happy to help you.

MasterFile Premier is just one of the many databases you can search in the E-Library. This particular database features thousands of full text book reviews, biographies and primary source documents as well as hundreds of reference and travel books, including the World Almanac & Book of Facts, and an Image Collection of 107,135 photos, maps and flags. MasterFile Premier even offers PDF backfiles as far back as 1975 for key publications. Have fun exploring the E-Library!

The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg

Never expecting to lose John at this time of life, fifty-something Betta Nolan sets off on a journey they had originally planned together. She discovers comfort and re-connection with three college chums with whom she had lost contact, and makes new friends as well. She is by turns exhilarated, free, grief-stricken, terrified and much more, but she finds solace through her new and old friends, her memories, and the pleasure of ordinary everyday things. And through special, mysterious clues and gifts her husband prepared for her before his death, she finds that her life continues, never quite the same without John, but all the richer for the bond she shared with him that will always be a part of the person she is.

Even though the subject of this book suggests it would be a sad journey, I found instead that it left me with a sense of peace, serenity and comfort that even when we lose our dearest companions in life, we never really lose the way they impacted our lives. And when the worst happens, life can go on and one can find happiness again.

Book reviewed by an avid reader on the Signal Hill Staff.

Healthy Living Fair: You’re Invited

On Saturday, March 10^th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Signal Hill Library is having a Healthy Living Fair!

Learn about a wide range of health resources, for your family, your community and our world. Exhibitors include Alberta Health Services Community Education Service, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Society, the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre (DDRC), the Distress Centre, St. John’s Ambulance and the Westside Recreation Centre.

Join us for a Drop-in Family Storytime in the children’s area, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., a Scavenger Hunt from 11:00 to 3:00, games, prizes and more!

Definitely Not Mr. Darcy by Karen Doorneboos

Chloe Parker, a divorced mother in need of money for her failing business, is also a life-long member of the Jane Austen Society. When an opportunity to be a part of a documentary set in England’s Regency era is offered to her, with the potential for her to receive prize money, she can’t believe her luck! Upon arrival, she finds out that the documentary is actually a reality show in which contestants must outperform each other in all the challenges of Regency life to win the handsome and very wealthy Mr. Wrightman and the prize money.

I am a fan of Jane Austen myself, so when I saw the title I knew I had to read this book. I really enjoyed this lighthearted novel and how Doorneboos spread facts and humour throughout the book. If you’re a fan of Jane Austen themed stories with a modern twist, this book is definitely for you.

Book reviewed by Theresa

Does it seem like you and your family are always using one technology gadget or another? Signal Hill Library invites you to “unplug” at our Digital Detox Day on Sunday, February 26^th! Turn off your phone, unplug your iPod and join us for an afternoon of creative learning and enjoyment, or just a cozy read in one of our comfy chairs.

Join us by the fireplace at 2:00 p.m. for Mischief, Mayhem, and Murders of Calgary – historical spine-tingling tales with Johanna Lane of Calgary Ghost Tours. No registration required.

Adults, there’s still space to register in Decorative Painting – Faux Finishing. Create a scrapbook of easy faux finishes. Chantal Pegg will show you how to unleash your inner artist by using acrylic paints to decorate objects around the home. This program run from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Register online, in person or by calling 403-260-2620. Please bring $10.00 for supplies.

Join us at the Signal Hill Library for one of our newest programs, Computer Technology Coaching. Drop in between 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for one-on-one, volunteer help on using the Internet and Microsoft Office products. No registration required.

Computer Technology Coaching

At the end of every year, many of us vow to change our ways and do something to enhance our lives. We asked customers to take part in this activity and share their resolutions on a display board. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the library display, Share YOUR New Year's Resolution! The display board was filled with inspiring and thoughtful ideas.

We had several people say they resolve to improve academically, try harder in sports and practice their instruments more. Others intend to find better jobs, volunteer, help around the house, follow their diet and exercise plan, entertain more, and try new tasks. Overall the most common resolutions were to be happy - to enjoy each day as it comes, to think of positive things in their lives and be grateful for each day. The one resolution that made many people smile, and even got a laugh or two said, "Be honest and spend money wisely and do not borrow money from mom and dad." Those parents must be thrilled with that resolution!

Reading the board every day encouraged me to add more resolutions to my own list. Keeping them will be the challenge, but I know that even if I falter, it is not the end. I can try again tomorrow.

Good luck to everyone who made a resolution. If you are looking for more ideas to inspire you, read the book 2Do before I die: the do-it-yourself guide to the rest of your life, by Michael Ogden and Chris Day. In this collection of true-life stories you may come to realize that your dreams no matter how big or small, can be achieved.

Have you started thinking about your New Year resolution? Until January 15^th, the Signal Hill Library has a display where you can post your resolution to share and inspire others. The New Year Resolution display is filled with great suggestions like:

1. Learn another language
2. Stop to say positive comments
3. Improve in school
4. Smile and laugh more
5. Stick to a healthy diet

For the display we have asked customers to write their New Year resolution on a Post-It note and stick it to the display board. Of course, along with the Post-It note display we have a great selection of materials to help keep you on track with your resolutions. Stop by and borrow some today.

If you would like to share your resolution on the blog you can do so by clicking on Comment(s) under the title of this post.

If you were at Signal Hill Library for Alberta Arts Days at the beginning of October you might have been surprised to see a variety of arts related events. Customers were delighted to listen to two and a half hours of live music, take part in a card creation program, an interactive puppet show, and a hip hop dance demonstration. The library was completely transformed for the weekend when amateur artists from the community filled the library space with stunning artwork.

Signal Hill is continuing with the success of Alberta Arts Days by displaying the work of amateur artists. Artwork will be on display for one month and then replaced with another artist's work.

If you are an amateur artist and would be interested in having your art featured please contact Georgia at 403-221-2028.

Full Bloom (left) and Second Bloom (right) acrylic paintings by December's feature artist: Jean Dowson