Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Aurora Library

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life in Aurora Public Library, Stepping Outside The Box

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 03:14:13 +0000

On my last visit to the Aurora Public Library I still wasn’t able to convince Matthew to go on the elevator. Last time we took an elevator, Matthew’s first impression going down to the basement by accident wasn’t what he expected.

As usual we did our regular routine – played I Spy games on the computer, visited children’s reading area and borrowed one DVD. But first we took some pictures of the unique Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life picturesque exhibit at the Colleen Abbott Gallery. The display was vibrant, vivid and rich in Taiwanese culture.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library

In the last couple of months I have been experimenting a lot with black and white photography so I turned this Taiwan photo showcase into millions shades of gray.

However, that does not changes the impression one can experience from the images regardless of color. The natural wonders and cultural expression in the form of art, the history, the festivals shows how rich the Taiwanese culture and heritage is.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library

However, I must say that it was very intriguing to see Aurora Public Library to step outside the box and showcase something different and unique – to spread the awareness about the Taiwanese culture to further promote Taiwanese tourism for Canadians.

So you know the Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life will be on exhibit in the Colleen Abbott Gallery (from March 25th) until June 1st, 2013. This reminded me also the first time I came to the Aurora Public Library and I looked for the Colleen Abbott Gallery. I didn’t realize then that it was just a wall on the second floor. I was looking for the room.

Taiwan: the Jubilee of Life Display in the Aurora Public Library

As always, I enjoyed looking out the window from the second floor towards the Yonge Street and snapping photos. I always tend to find something different. Last drastic change was demolition of the George Browning house.

This time I found this, just looking from this angle I cannot figure out who is moving, the spa salon or prefect spaces.

Looking Out the Windows, Yonge Street, Town of Aurora

I almost forgot, I also spotted this book on the shelf in the youth section when passing by – The Kissing Diary, a novel by Judith Caseley. Well, how little I knew about kissing when I was a youth myself so let see what the book will tell me how it was like. Yes I borrowed it as well and I am going to read it.

What Rough Collie Dog, Never Say Never & Basement Have In Common? A Trip To Library

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 03:34:57 +0000

I don’t know if I should call this the-exciting, the-entertaining or the-adventurous day. Early morning today we arrived at the library parking lot. We came today because we had serious business to do – we had to pay fine for overdue Aurora library books and DVDs.

We parked and I am about to get out the car. Well what do I see, a Rough Collie dog off the leash cruising around the parking lot. Even better he stood in front of our parked car and kept looking at us. After few seconds of staring, which felt like minutes to us, the dog decided to leave us.

I thought that the owner must be in the near proximity. But he wasn’t, because when I got out and got on the back of the car to take Matthew out of the car seat – oh what now? The dog was back again standing in front of our car and looking at us. Lucky us he got a nature call, wandered to the next available bush, took off right after, and we were able to safely arrive at the library.

Aurora Public Library, Children Section Books

So they say never say never. Couple of weeks ago I was standing in line at the library checkout behind a lady who was paying for overdue books. The amount was substantial. I thought, I will never pay any fees. Never mind, I will never pay anything. I always keep on top of everything. Well not this time, I slipped.

My fine for DVDs on the adult card was 75 cents (25 per DVD per day) and Matthew had to pay 80 cents for books that were overdue 8 days (5 cents per book per day). Good thing that I was informed in the past that it is cheaper to put children books on the child’s card, I will pay less fine in the future. Who ever told me this, predicted that one way or the other I will pay a library fine.

Aurora Public Library Inside

So we are paying our fine at the drop off desk. We were chatting a bit and as usual Matthew showed off his Iron Man shoes. Then suddenly he asked ‘Hey Lady what’s in library basement?‘. Oh my ‘hey Lady‘ didn’t sound too polite, but the lady was nice enough to explain that it was just area filled with books, just like a storage. She said that they don’t go there very often.

We told her that one day we were going down the elevator from second to first floor, but the elevator did not stop just went to the basement. We both got scared and laughed when we realized that someone was waiting for the elevator in the basement to go up. Since then we been curious to find out what was there.

Mystery solved – just old books, archives, space for Pottery club and probably all the electrical and heating services.

Computer Work Stations, Aurora Public Library

Today the purpose was to drop off overdue items but Matthew headed for the second floor anyway. We got to the elevator and what happens to us? We started to go down to the basement again – what are the chances especially after we talked about it and how rare it is. I looked at Matthew, he looked at me and I said ‘What did you press?‘. ‘I pressed nothing just number two‘ – he replied surprised. We laughed again when a service man entered the elevator. He explained to us that it was secured area and no visitors are allowed in the basement.

My Favorite Library Art

I know I know the post is getting too long … but may be I tell you what happened at the Matthew’s hearing test.

When we arrived at the doctor office later today, the specialist asked what was the issue. My mistake was telling him this ‘I could yell and scream and he does not respond. Family doctor suggested we do hearing test‘. This doctor had a very good sense of humor and made Matthew very comfortable that we had no issues taking the test.

Matthew’s test result was perfect, and this is a semi-exact message left by the specialist at my family doctor’s voice mail, ‘This message is for patient Matthew so and so. The results of his hearing test are perfect. Matthew not responding to his mother shows his character, and I think his mother is scary‘. Looks like I was diagnosed with ‘too much yelling‘ syndrome.

After the appointment we asked if Matthew can hear us now, he responded that ‘I am better now and I can hear you‘. As a reward for being a good patient we took Matthew for a treat to Tim Horton’s on Wellington Street for chocolate covered donut. Never enough – he asked for more Tim-bits. After little training he arrived at the counter and asked ‘Excuse me can I have one chocolate Tim-bit please?

I know I should not let my son indulge but I needed an opportunity for him to learn how to ask properly for something instead of ‘hey Lady‘. Speaking of indulging, Matthew paid twenty five cents, got back five cents and two chocolate Tim-bits.

Beyond And Under, Still No Grocery Store For Seniors, St. Andrew’s Plaza

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:07:07 +0000

When I was checking out library books I noticed framed article right at the exit, just beside the security gates. I packed my books and went to check it out. The article was titled ‘Aurora Public Library‘ and was written by Stephen Somerville who writes for The Auroran in his Front Porch Perspective column.

If I were to read this article I would probably had to take the frame down and head out for the treat. When Matthew sees treat he has more than ants in his pants. It was easier for me to make the note when the article was published – on January 27th, 2009 in The Auroran, and read it later.

Library Books, Curious George

I reached for the brochure and the pencil and wrote it down. Today I finally I read it and this is the most inspirational letter I ever read. Kudos to Stephen Somerville for sharing and Reccia Mandelcorn for writing it.

‘Libraries are about families, about generations and shared histories, about experiences, about imagination, about the world and about appreciating other cultures. Libraries are the equalizers of the economic and digital divides, between the “haves” and the “have-nots.”‘, THE AURORAN, Week of January 27, 2009 – pg 5.

What I also read was the brochure I made my notes in. The brochure was about VISITING LIBRARY SERVICE – your library ~ serving your community. I was very happy to know that we have such a wonderful service for those who are not able to visit the library, so library will visit them.

‘A Visiting Library Service volunteer will bring library materials to members who cannot visit the Library due to disability, illness or frailty and have no alternative means of obtaining library materials.‘

Some things are just beyond what I have expected to see in our town. But, there are always buts.

So what’s under?

Orchard Heights Place, Aurora

This brochure made me remember to check out the St. Andrew’s Plaza. There used to be Foodland store which was closed back in October last year leaving local residents, especially seniors right across the street, with no other grocery store close by.

As of last couple of weeks I have not seen any ‘store’ activity when I dropped by to snap some pictures. I am sure if there was a new grocery store coming, we will be hearing it everywhere. But because it is not I doubt that anyone wants to talk about it. Seems like a big secret for now.

Once Foodland!

When the store was closing we know that Frank Klees was able to arrange free transportation for the seniors from the Orchard Heights Place to the nearest grocery store. The arrangements were made for the seniors to be dropped off at the Sobeys due to association to Foodland. Did you know that it is the school bus that picks and drops seniors off? Not the best ride I say.

Nice temporary fix it is. How long will it last, no body knows? I am sure the YRT strike for few months didn’t serve well either.

YRT Bus Stop, Orchard Heights, Aurora

In the long term this isn’t a true solution.

Pedestrian Crossing, Orchard Heights, Aurora

Somethings here are in Aurora are under and not being able to bring grocery store back in place of Foodland is that something and yes that crossing sign on Orchard Heights Boulevard once had a purpose too.

Something Is Missing In The Aurora Cultural Centre

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:32:32 +0000

Once I looked at the walls of the Aurora Cultural Centre and thought – what were these diagonal scratch marks on the wall? As a matter of fact on the both sides.

It never occurred to me that they were the missing fire exit stairs. I guess with all the renovations and safety route implementation in the building there is no further need for such stairs. So that’s missing, but there is more …

Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora

I don’t know if it just me but The Auroran our local newspaper did not have anything interesting written up in the past weeks. Not that it is the newspaper’s fault, just nothing that really interested me. I am glad that Bonnie Tiffin was back once with her Letter to the Editor some issues back.

Perhaps the next issue will have something interesting written up (I thought) and it did.

I was intrigued by two Letters to the Editors, ‘Cultural Centre should stand on its own two feet: reader‘ by Matt Maddocks and ‘Aurora High teacher has made good use of Cultural Centre‘ by Richard Markie, Head of Drama, Aurora High School.

Two very valid letters, Matt’s letter is eye opener for tax payers and Richard’s, oh I really don’t know what to call it, but it is encouraging to know that the centre is beneficial to many of us. No doubt, I have seen for myself that our Cultural Centre is being utilized effectively.

Well, between those letters there is something missing, perhaps some Aurora Cultural Centre’s financial transparency.

Matt wrote ‘In my experience, I’ve learned that when a business starts spending significant marketing dollars, it usually means profits are up. It can also mean the business anticipates growth‘.

I would like to add ‘may be they just got a good chunk of taxpayer dollar and they needed to justify the spending; and a full-page thank you was a bad move as it angered many of us‘. But then one can only assume such thought of mine. By the way, the Letter to Editor costs nothing and some write them to thank others – a hint here.

Well the list does not end here. In the beginning of the February I was invited to photograph the SOYRA show and sale event. It turned out to be a very successful show.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School

During the same event, upstairs in one of the rooms it was last day art show for the Luisa Capelet’s Grade 12 Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School. The art work for that show was inspired by Canadian Abstract Expressionist Cesan D’Ornellas Levine. There were paintings but there was also other art objects on the display.

Visual Arts Class of Sacred Heart Catholic High School

The same could be done for the Aurora history and museum artifacts. Library is already doing it and there is no one reason why Aurora Cultural Centre can do the same, but on the permanent basis. Yes, if there is no place for the museum at least we can share spaces.

‘Trust, honesty, humility, transparency and accountability are the building blocks of a positive reputation. Trust is the foundation of any relationship.’ ~ Mike Paul

Children Versus Adult Library Card, The Difference, Oh I Guess I Am Reading Children’s Books

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:52:08 +0000

We were out the Aurora library at the check-out. Matthew had his books and DVDs, and I had my nice selection too. I gave the librarian my library card and she scanned all the DVDs.

Then she asked if I had child card (she meant for Matthew), which I did. She suggested to use child library card versus adult card because penalty for child books is 5 cents a day versus 25 cents a day for an adult. We are always on time with our returns – but never know what may happen one day. We already did one little mistake bringing an empty DVD case.

First Light, Book by Rebecca Stead

I liked the suggestion, however it applies to children books only, so I started to separate my books from the pile. The librarian assured me that all the books I had were children books. I looked up and said – ‘oh I guess I am reading children’s books‘. ‘That’s fine‘ – she replied smiling.

‘There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.’ ~ Jacqueline Kennedy

So I am reading children’s books and I am really enjoying them. I must have read over 20 books by now and I have not found a bad book yet – meaning to read first page and that was it.

By reading children’s books (or more like young adult books) I am compensating for all the missing years of not being able to read during my teenage years.

When we came to this country I was 14 years old. In a week I started high school grade 9 second semester. I did well in math and science as it seems very universal at that time. English – I had a lot to learn.

I remembered that when I finally was able to read and understand well written stories it was in my third year of university. It was a relief to read an exciting book between my engineering and very technical exams. At that time they were books for adults.

Having this great opportunity to be with Matthew and to read so many books for him also I am given an opportunity to step back in time and able to complete reading books I have missed during my teenage years.

No Smoking Under The Hood Of The Library

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:26:29 +0000

I man came out rushing from the Library. Not even outside the door he already had the cigarette lit. Is this allowed? Because he was leaving the non smoking area, is he allowed to smoke?

The second hand smoke filled the book drop off area and wasn’t moving because it was a calm weather, except I was moving because it really bothers me.

There are two, if I recall, no smoking signs at the entrance to the Library from the parking lot, probably for no reason at all.

Litter, Confederation Park Last Summer

‘Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.’ ~ by Mark Twain

Somethings That Always Change In Our Library, The Photography Exhibit

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:05:08 +0000

It was my third attempt this month to take photo of the photography exhibit at our library. First time Matthew needed more attention, second time I forgot my camera and third time there were too many people hovering around.

I am assuming that wasn’t just the cold weather that brought people to the library on that day.

I was told that I can take pictures as long as there are no people on them. So last Thursday I followed the rules and my photographic mission was not accomplished. May be one day I will ask for the photo shoot permission pass or may be it is more fun to be a silent observer.

No photos of the exhibit. Then let me just talk about it. Helen did it again. I wonder if she is trying to tease me as it is my favorite subject.

In addition to amazing display of the photography books I was amazed to see old, I mean very old cameras. It is interesting to see how photographic technology changed since then. I must say a lot. Looking at the collection of old leather bound rectangular boxes with lenses in them is hard to compare to what we have today and much better. One point in time those rectangular boxes were valuable to the photographers as digital cameras are now.

Across Yonge Street, View from APL, Aurora

The very first camera’s will always have historical value. Any digital camera you own these days will only have recyclable value. The camera technology changes too fast to have any historical value. It is always the first invention that counts.

We still don’t have active museum in Aurora, but I am glad that some artifacts are being displayed. Something is always better than nothing. I have not been inside the Aurora Cultural Centre yet, but why not have showcase there as well – it does not have to be all about art. And may be some at the Aurora Town Hall – hallways are spacious enough to accommodate a similar display as in library.

That day I allowed Matthew to play on the computer with children’s activities. I myself couldn’t resist to snap pictures of the winter weather at the Yonge Street and the George Browning house framed by Aurora library walls. It is a shame that there will be no George Browning house one day.

George Browning House from APL, Aurora

There was something else I wanted to look at. Unfortunately I arrived late. The second floor opposite to the elevator has a wall that displays art. In the past a colorful collection of paintings always caught my eye, yet I never made to the other side to look at it closely. Every painting was different yet had the same theme, same kind of selection of colors.

Art Display, Inside APL, Aurora

Well that was gone too. New display is interesting one, but I couldn’t figure out if it belonged to one artist or many artists.

On the side note, I do take books out to read but while I am in the library I like to look around. Last time I actually used the self serve check out and I concluded that I am just too slow.

Truck Load Of Books, Library Take Out Allowance And Self-Checkout

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:59:46 +0000

We were standing in line at the library to checkout our pile of books and DVDs. I had only six books and three DVDs. I thought that I was taking little too many items and the librarian for sure may say something.

While we were waiting I couldn’t help to notice a bigger pile of books lady in front of us was checking out. I counted over twenty. They were children’s books. I am assuming she must have been a teacher or daycare provider and the books were for the children.

Is there a limit how many books we can checkout? That wasn’t the question for that day but I thought I ask anyway. No there is no limit was the answer. I can checkout as many books I wish to read. A big shopping cart of books, aha, sounds good?

Kidding aside, there is no limit, but of course it is left to your discretion.

So what was my second question then?

I asked if there were records of all the books I checked out from the time I joined the library. The answer was no because ‘we don’t have enough storage, that it what they tell us‘ – librarian at the checkout told me.

That seemed strange because data such text shouldn’t require that much storage space. Something like that would only require to store three data fields such as name of the book, the author and a date when the book was taken out against the library card number. Never mind the book name and the author name is already in the database. The only new information will be the date.

Well, this is wishful thinking. May be in the future little modifications to the library database can be made. I guess I will be keeping my receipts for now as it was recommended to me that day.

Not even asking for it I got to learn self-checkout that day too. Librarian approached me and asked me if I would like to learn how to use the self-checkout. ‘You have checkout stands?‘ – I asked surprised. ‘Yes, of course, I like self-checkouts. As a matter of fact I use them in the stores all the time and I like them‘ – I added while she was bringing us to the area.

Aha now I know what this equipment is for. Lady was very patient with me as I kept looking after Matthew over my shoulder. I lost him for a split second in the bushes that morning and that darn split second felt like a longest split second of my life. I wasn’t going to take another heart attacking chance. By the way, checking out your own books is very easy.

Aurora Public Library, November Display

But before I conclude my another learning experience at the library I must suggest that when you are at the library drop by the display that is located on the right side of the sitting area.

Theme for this month is the Remembrance Day. However, the most fascinating to me item on the display is the panoramic view of the Yonge Street, the War Memorial and the farmland around. Not sure if you can see it on the above image but if you visit library you will see it for sure.

Aurora Public Library, November Display

I yet got to learn that all the displays are assembled by lady called Helen. Well I must say that Helen does amazing job especially by adding touch of Aurora or all about Aurora.

The lady who told me about Helen said: ‘Helen is really good in putting it all together. I don’t know where and how she gets her stuff. Sometimes she brings if from home. She does wonderful job assembling those displays, inside and the one at the entrance‘.

Our Library Is Not Lending Library, Your Library Card Is Free

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:29:03 +0000

It is not a first time I have been asked if the Aurora library card or membership is free. Since we got our new library cards for free back in August we are regularly taking books and DVDs out also for free. We take then out and we return them. That is how a library works. There is an option to take books out virtually and guess what – it is free.

Aurora Library with Cultural Centre

According to AURORA PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD FEES AND SERVICE CHARGES POLICY last approved September 15, 2010 states:

LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP

There is no charge for membership with the Aurora Public Library to those who live, work, attend school (K-12), or own property, in Aurora or in a York Public Libraries Network municipality (YPLN – Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan).

The annual membership fee for those who do not live, work, attend school, or own property, in Aurora or a YPLN municipality is $40.00 per person.

Temporary Aurora residents are charged a $20.00 deposit which is refunded upon the return of all materials and the membership card.

Replacement cost for a lost or damaged membership card is $2.00.

I think this is fair enough policy.

Aurora Library

I don’t know if I can even call this statistics if you ever ask me for numbers. For information, two residents asked if library was free, and two residents asked where was library located. Ask to where, I understand. But I was surprised that someone would actually ask if library was free to use.

In 40 years I have not paid a single coin for using a library. I always thought it was free. Every definition out there defines the library as ‘a place set apart to contain books, periodicals, and other material for reading, viewing, listening, study, or reference, as a room, set of rooms, or building where books may be read or borrowed‘. In addition, ‘under the Public Libraries Act, the Municipality approves and provides a funding amount…‘

There is a term out there called lending library, a commercial establishment lending books for a fixed charge. Our library is not.

Couple of months ago I met a lady with two children on the Nokiidaa Trail link boardwalk. She was new to the town. She asked if the town had a library. I told her where to go.

Now, the question is how do we find library in our town?

Telephone book.
Search Google.

That is easy answer.

Aurora Library

The second question, how do you let people know that our town has a library? How do we remind people to visit town’s library and use its resources?

Our library has amazing display of information about the library inside. Unless you visit the library you would never know.

Our library has amazing website. Unless someone is interested in the library they will know how to search the web.

Many of us avoid traffic on the Yonge Street, starting at Wellington Street going South. In the same direction where the library is. That many of us forget about the library. Sometimes visibility can remind us or spark ideas.

Town of Aurora issues The Town of Aurora Parks and Recreation Guide, I think couple of times a year and I am surprised that there was no reference to Library, not a single ad.

To conclude my thoughts I really don’t know where the misconception about library not being free comes from. Did our library once charged its residents for membership or for the library cards? Why would someone even ask? May be new residents come from places where they had to pay membership.

I don’t have all the answers, but may be it is time to let more people know that our library is free for all Aurora residents. I only know so many people to spread the word, meaning not many.

Our Museum, It’s Like You Know The UFO Sighting, But Check Out The Library

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:47:12 +0000

Museum in our town is the ongoing issue. Meaning we really don’t have one right now and trying to get it back from the Cultural Center on the Church Street. It only make sense that the building will be the Aurora’s museum as it was retrofitted with temperature and humidity control rooms.

Many times when I was downtown Aurora driving I saw signs in few places leading to the Museum. Aha, I guess there is a hope, but for now we have a better chance to have UFO sighting. But then, may be not, wait until I tell you what I found in the library.

Welcome to Historic Aurora Sign

The other day I stopped to photograph the really outdated sign (looked brand new and it was a must photo for this post) located on the plaza where the liquidation blue store and Dollarama is, near the intersection of Wellington Street and Yonge Street. I can only assume that it was installed by Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

On the side note, watch out for the traffic in this area, especially for pedestrians. It felt like I was downtown – people walked around the cars as the cars were crawling in everywhere even into to pedestrian zones.

Back to the sign. Turning left will get you to the Library. Going straight will get you to the Museum. Good luck! I will take my own way. I went straight instead and visited Library afterwards.

I must officially declare that for every few books we return to the library, we take the same out. We are regulars. We like library now. It will be good to visit especially during the cold winter days.

Typewriter, Believed To Be Used by Andrew's Family

I call my Matthew little snooper, but I like to do that too. As a result of our snooping around we found something. A small museum exhibit. So for those who like to see partial museum exhibits from Aurora, they can actually visit our local library. The first exhibit was displayed in September, I believe, and was showing old typewriter that was found in the house where Marjorie Andrew and her family lived. In addition the exhibit displayed a fountain pen and pair of old glasses.

The latest display features the town of Aurora library history. I wasn’t clear to me if the old tools were used to built the library as they were also on display as a loaner from the Aurora Historical Society.

Old Tools

Finally I am filling all the empty gaps. I once talked about the Victoria Hall and I thought that Victoria Hall was the former oldest library in town. No, it is going farther. The building right across Victoria street is, see picture below. I think you will recognize its unique color and features.

The Aurora Oldest Library Orgins

Aurora Library History Display

Interesting enough, all the libraries are very close to each other. You can see them all starting from the intersection of Victoria Street and Mosley Street, then walking along Victoria South to 1963 library, then right on Church Street towards Yonge Street, the recent library.

Never know may be one day you will be able to visit the Aurora’s museum on your way, as per current signs.

Library Board Minutes Log Book

Well, our journey throughout the town ended in finding small museum exhibit and no UFO. May be next time.