Community Events

Check out the North Shore Writers Festival

Celebrating its 20th year the North Shore Writers Festival comes to Lynn Valley April 5th and 6th.

Bringing writers together

The annual North Shore Writers Festival has both writers and libraries uniting for two days this April. Together North Vancouver District, North Vancouver City and West Vancouver Memorial Public Libraries are presenting the 20th anniversary edition of the festival.  All the events are FREE thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the North Shore Libraries and there is even three hours FREE parking at Lynn Valley Village.

This year favourite events return like the 7th Annual Literary Trivia Quiz hosted by CBC’s Grant Lawrence on Friday night. From panel discussions to practical workshops Saturday is packed with something for all writers and readers.

2019 Schedule

7th Annual Literary Trivia Quiz Night hosted by CBC’s Grant Lawrence

Friday, April 5 | 7:30pm–9:30pm

Test your mental mettle and compete for prizes and glory! Register teams of 3-6 at [email protected]. Doors at 7pm. Cash bar. 19+. COMMUNITY ROOM

First Nations Welcoming Ceremony

Saturday, April 6 | 9:55am

Come early to get a seat, enjoy coffee, and attend the official festival opening. Doors open at 9:30am. COMMUNITY ROOM

Finding Your Audience: a North Shore Writers’ Association Workshop

Saturday, April 6 | 10:05am–11:30am

You’ve spent years honing your skills, months drafting, and weeks editing…all you need now is an audience! How do authors find their readers and how do readers find new authors? There are many paths to publication. Join Mahtab Narsimhan, Rod Baker and Wiley Ho as they share their successes and challenges getting their works out into the world. COMMUNITY ROOM

A Storyteller’s Journey with Monique Gray Smith

Saturday, April 6 | 11:45am–12:45pm

Award-winning Cree, Lakota and Scottish author Monique Gray Smith will share her personal journey as a celebrated YA and children’s storyteller. Monique will read from her latest release, Tilly and the Crazy Eights, an epic road trip with Indigenous Elders from Vancouver to Albuquerque for a Pow Wow.

COMMUNITY ROOM

Local Author Book Fair: A Showcase of Local Writers

Saturday, April 6 | 12:30pm–4:30pm

Explore local creativity and talent at the book fair! LYNN VALLEY VILLAGE HALL, outside the Community Room

Lunch Break Lounge & Writers Café

Saturday, April 6 | 12:45pm–1:45pm

Enjoy a free light lunch! Aspiring writers are invited to chat with Mahtab Narsimhan, Rod Baker and Wiley Ho to get the inside scoop on all things related to the writing life. Bring your questions and comments. LEARNING LAB

The Art of Narration with Erin Moon

Saturday, April 6 | 2:00pm–3:00pm

Award-winning Audiobook Narrator, Erin Moon, will discuss the art of becoming a narrator and the process involved in developing an audiobook. Erin will also explore the diverse ways that narrators capture the reader’s imagination and bring stories to life. Sponsored by Recorded Books. COMMUNITY ROOM

Writing the Personal: Lindsay Wong with JJ Lee

Saturday, April 6 | 3:15pm–4:15pm

In conversation with fellow memoirist JJ Lee, Vancouver-based Lindsay Wong chats about her darkly comedic memoir and Canada Reads finalist The Woo-Woo: How I Survived Ice Hockey, Drug Raids, Demons, and My Crazy Chinese Family. Lindsay outlines how she wrote this deeply personal, smart and funny book, while exploring themes of youth, parenting and mental illness. COMMUNITY ROOM

Strength and Resilience through Storytelling: Darrel McLeod with Alexander Dirksen

Saturday, April 6 | 4:30pm–5:30pm

Join Cree author Darrel McLeod in conversation with Program Director for Community Knowledge Exchange, Alexander Dirksen. Darrel discusses the powerful themes of love, family, resilience and identity within his 2018 Governor General award-winning memoir Mamaskatch: A Cree Coming of Age, as well as the impact his book has had on its readers to date.

COMMUNITY ROOM

Writers + Readers Reception with JJ Lee

Saturday, April 6 | 5:15pm–7:00pm

Join us for music and refreshments while mingling with fellow festival-goers as we close out the 20th festival! Hear the winners of the North Shore Writers’ Association writing contest and a very special announcement from the North Shore libraries. LIBRARY LOBBY

March 7, 2019 in Artistic Endeavours, Blog, Community Events, Uncategorized Comments (0)

Let March madness begin!

Spring Break is almost upon us. The weather is *supposed* to turn warmer. The kids will be out of school and the time change is upon us. Longer days, new beginnings and new challenges. If you are still looking for something to keep your children busy during the last part of March we have pulled some ideas offering new adventures.

Wildlife Weeks at the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre

Get inspired! Get educated! Get involved! Learn about the rich biodiversity of our planet from the experts who care for wildlife. Plan to arrive early as space is limited and admission is on a first come basis. Suggested donation: $2 per person or $5 per family. Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre

Sunday, March 17

Scales and Coils

Noon to 4 pm

Presented by: Westcoast Reptile Education Society

Come to Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre open house to meet reptiles from around the world and get a peak into their fascinating lives.

 

Monday, March 18

Wild About Mason Bees

1:30 pm

Presented by: Taren Urquart

Native bees are our most important pollinators. Attract friendly mason bees to your garden by making them a bee house.

 

Tuesday, March 19

HighFlyers – Birds of Prey

1 pm

Presented by: OWL Rescue

Owl is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of raptors. Discover how OWL volunteers save the lives of over 700 raptors each year and meet an owl and a hawk.

Wednesday, March 20

Orangutan Rescue

1:30 pm

Presented by: Jacqueline Sunderland Groves

Learn how the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation gives hundreds of orphaned orangutans a second chance to survive in the wild.

Friday, March 22

Bear Aware

10:30 am

Presented by: North Shore Black Bear Society

Learn how to stay safe and get along with our black bear neighbours.

Tuesday, March 26

Leave it to Beavers

1:30 pm

Presented by: FurBearers

Discover why our national animal is also an ecological superhero.

Wednesday, March 28

Making a Splash

2:30 pm

Presented by: Wild Ocean Whale Society

Whales, dolphins, and sea lions, oh my! Discover who’s swimming in the waters around Vancouver. There will also be an optional marine wildlife field-trip associated with this presentation. Saturday, March 30. 10 am to 12 pm at Whytecliff Park.

 

Spring Break Mini-Camps

March 18-20

Nature Investigators

9:30 am-12:30 pm. For ages 5 to 8

Cost: $69.50. To register phone 604-990-3755

Come and be a nature detective in Lynn Canyon Park. Learn about tracking, uncover the hidden habitats of animals, play games, and create nature crafts as we ramble along the forest trails.

March 25-27

Animal Builders

9:30 am to 12:30 pm. For ages 5 to 8

Cost: $69.50. To register phone 604-990-3755

From caddisflies to crows, discover how animals construct their own temperate rainforest homes. Explore the forest looking for signs of animal homes, and learn how you can help our local wildlife get ready for the springtime building boom.

Bricks4kidz building and coding camps

March 18-22, 9 am-12 pm

Junior Robotics & Coding

Age 6-11 yrs

1277 Lynn Valley Road (Lynn Valley Village)

Robotics & Coding introduces kids to robotics and provides a hands-on learning experience that engages children’s creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Campers build Lego models featuring working motors and sensors and program their models with drag-and-drop software.

https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213224

 

March 18-22, 2019, 1-4 pm

Everything is Awesome!

Age 5-10 yrs

1277 Lynn Valley Road (Lynn Valley Village)

This camp has a different theme every day, and campers will build Bricks 4 Kidz models using LEGO bricks. Join them for models ranging from bumper carts, battle tops and helicopters!

https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213225

 

March 25-29, 9 am-12 pm

LEGO Mindstorms EV3

Age 9-15yrs

1277 Lynn Valley Road (Lynn Valley Village)

Campers will use the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 product to introduce and advance campers through robotics and coding. Program focuses on how robotics and technology can make life easier in a modern city. Build robots using Mindstorms EV3 electronic bricks and programming with different sensors and software.

https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213226

 

March 25-29, 9 am-12 pm

Ticket to Ride

5-10yrs

3590 Mountain Highway (Lynn Valley Community Centre)

Get your ticket to ride at Bricks 4 Kidz’s very own Lego Amusement Park! Campers will build a new ride each day, learning how to make models spin, turn and rock’n roll. Motorized Lego models maximize the action and fun. Each camp day includes carnival-themed games, group challenges, model building and more!

All campers receive a themed Bricks 4 Kidz shirt and camp brag tag!

https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213228

 

March 25- 29, 1-4 pm

Stop Motion Movie Making with LEGO

Age 7-14

1277 Lynn Valley Road (Lynn Valley Village)

Light, cameras, LEGO® action! Use LEGO® Bricks to tell YOUR story, complete with music, special effects and all your favorite LEGO® mini-figure characters! Students plan, script, stage, shoot, and produce their own mini-movie. Working as a team, students will use LEGO® components to build the set and props, then shoot their movie using a camera. Don’t miss your chance to be a movie producer! All campers receive a themed Bricks 4 Kidz shirt and wearable USB drive with all camp-produced movies!

https://my.bricks4kidz.com/index.php?action=classdetail&record=213227

Hit the trails

 

Last year we profiled all the great options offered by Escape Adventures that post will give you insight into all the action and adventure campers experience with Escape Adventures. Some of the programs may have changed so get all the latest details on 2019 programs here.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

March 6, 2019 in Blog, Community Events, Neighbourhood News Comments (0)

Holiday Happenings 2018

We have a list of events, activities and plenty of holiday fun all taking place in Lynn Valley – most of it is free or very low cost! Keep checking back for the latest seasonal celebrations.  

Daily

Santa at Lynn Valley Centre

Check out the lodge at Lynn Valley Centre’s new Lynn Canyon Hollow and train.

December 1

Cedar Garden Christmas Fair

10 a.m – 2 p.m. Free

Baking, gift items craft vendors, tea and cookies while you shop! All donations support low income residents programs! Please park on street walk to the back of the parking lot – glass cover between large evergreens.

Cedar Garden Assisted Living – 1250 Cedar Village Close

Bright Christmas at Mollie Nye House

7 – 8:30 p.m. Free

Lynn Valley Services Society is having their much anticipated annual Bright Christmas. Gather in front of Mollie Nye House and at 7 pm Mayor Mike Little will lead the “Lighting of the House” ceremony.This year, Juno award winning singer and member of the Farmer’s Daughter band, Angela Kelman, will be performing.

940 Lynn Valley Road at Mollie Nye House

December 2

All events at Lynn Valley Village

2-4 p.m.

The Heels before in the Village to get people ready for the Parade of Trees

3 – 5 p.m.

Lantern Making Workshop and Parade

Lynn Valley Village Community Room

Kick off the holiday season by  joining us to make lovely holiday lanterns. At 4:50 p.m. we will parade through the Plaza to the official lighting of the Lynn Valley Community Association’s Parade of Trees.

4 – 5:30 pm. FREE

Grand Lighting Ceremony

Join the Lynn Valley Community Association for lots of free family fun and help light up Lynn Valley for Christmas. There will be crafts, face painting, a lantern parade, balloon twisting and magic. Bobbi Smith and The Heels will provide the music. At 5pm, the Village Square will be transformed into a magical forest of Christmas trees as the big switch is thrown.

Plus, at the lighting ceremony, toys are collected for the Lynn Valley Legion Toy Drive.

December 8

10 – 11 a.m. FREE

Winter wonderland Storytime at Lynn Valley Library

Stay in your PJs and join us for a cozy winter storytime and craft! Celebrate the holiday season with stories, songs, and a simple craft.  All ages.

No registration required.

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cookies & Carols

It’s that time of year! Join North Van Recreation for a special holiday morning with your family and enjoy cookie decorating, hot chocolate, caroling, crafts and more. Bring good cheer and dress festive! Please register in advance: 399681 604-987-7529

Cost:  $7.50 Parents/Caregivers and 1 child, $2.50 for each extra child, Children under 2yrs are FREE

Lynn Valley Recreation Centre

December 9 & 16

3:30 – 5:30 p.m. FREE

Christmas in the Village

‘Tis the season to be jolly! NVRC welcomes all to the annual Christmas in the Village at Lynn Valley Village. Join them for a fun-filled afternoon of caroling, cookie decorating, crafting and more. Activities will take place in the community room and on the plaza, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! FREE!

Lynn Valley Village Plaza

December 13

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. FREE

Holiday Crafternoon at Lynn Valley Library

Stop by our craft station to make a gift to give for the holidays. Ages 6 and up.

No registration required.

December 14

1 – 3 p.m. FREE

Cider and Songs Open House at Lynn Valley Library

Come and enjoy some festive holiday cheer and sip a cup of sweet cider as the Argyle High School Choir sings some songs to get you in the festive spirit!

No registration required.

December  21

11 – 11:30 a.m.

Tree Top Tales

What a hoot! – it’s nature story time at the Ecology Centre. Introduce your little ones to nature through stories and songs. Every story time is a new and exciting experience. For children ages 2 and up, with an adult

Drop in. Suggested donation $2 per person

Lynn Valley Ecology Centre

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

November 29, 2018 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

A very good scare

**** Update coming for 2023 soon ****

You may have noticed some creepy, eerie sights appearing in Lynn Valley. Over the years a Halloween delight has been building at the corner of Dovercourt and Maginnis Avenue. From fun family tradition to frightful destination the Dovercourt Crypt is celebrating is back for 2023. Proudly partnering with the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

When you love Halloween

Mark Denny grew up in a house where everyone loved Halloween. The annual family display was a highlight of the year that piqued his interest as a teenager.

“He wanted to add to it,” said fellow crypt keeper and girlfriend Liz Naso. “It began with a graveyard and got bigger and scarier over the years. Then a friend suggested we add a walk-through haunted house.”

With the challenge accepted Denny began building on his previous graveyard display adding rooms, surprises, physical and psychological bits of terror, and finally some actors.

This year’s haunted house starts slow and creepy, said Naso, with the experience ramping up as you proceed through the rooms and around the house.

“We have actors to jump out, we have pneumatic air guns and drop panels to scare people,” she said. “Then we have the dreaded claustrophobia tunnel – it’s too much for me, I can’t go in there. We end in the blacklight room, which is still creepy but a cool, relaxing sort of experience with lots to look at – where people can think about what they’ve walked through and ‘survived’ without being scared again. But you never know, we might add a person in there this year.”

There can be as many as eight actors in the haunted house waiting to scare the people who come through – all of them volunteers friends of Denny and Naso or just neighbours who love Halloween.

“We know it’s no fun to know that the scares are coming,” said Naso. “So there’s this point when we hear a particular sound or yell – that lets us know where people are, and that we are ready to send the next people through. Ironically, Mark and I are bad at it – he can design and plan all of this but we just aren’t good at scaring people.”

When it comes down to Halloween they’re just too busy keeping the whole project running smoothly and have chosen to leave the scaring up to those that do it best.

Frightful fun for more people

The countless hours – Denny has taken three weeks off of work this year to get it ready – and dollars it takes for such a huge project is starting to have some long-term payoff, said Naso. Previous donations collected on Halloween have funded a good supply of props and tools, so this year Dovercourt Crypt is both expanding its visiting days and partnering with a local charity.

“We  heard from people in the neighborhood that they would like to take younger kids through,” said Naso. “ So this year we’re opening Monday night [6-9 p.m.] without the full scare. People will be able to walk through without the actors or airguns surprising you. There will probably be a bit more light so kids can look around without being scared.”

The Dovercourt Crypt is also expanding it’s other visiting hours. It is open this Oct. 28 & 29 for scare-free little hauntlings from 4-8 p.m. and on Halloween night from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Nosa recommends a typical night for kids about 12 and up, whereas Monday’s scare-free Hauntling Night is appropriate for younger kids who understand that it’s not real.

Also new this year is the partnership between the Dovercourt Crypt and the BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund. With Denny’s investment almost in the black, it was time to find a charity to work with.

“We’ve always been collecting donations to help with the huge blow this makes to our wallets and to help feed our volunteers,” said Naso. “Now we’re in a place where we can help a good cause. We spoke with Trevor who runs The Haunt of Edgemont and he suggested we also partner with the Burn Fund. They do such great work. It’s awesome that we get to help them out by doing what we love.”

The details

Dovercourt Crypt – 3637 Maginnis Avenue, North Vancouver, BC

‘SCARE-FREE’ HAUNTLING NIGHTS:
Dates coming soon

HALLOWEEN:

Details coming soon

For further details please click here.


Photos courtesy of the Dovercourt Crypt

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

October 25, 2018 in Blog, Community Events Comments (0)

Little rippers ready to ride

Little rippers will be taking to the trails this weekend for the the second youth riding event of the season put on by the North Shore Mountain Bike Association.   

Trails for all

This season the NSMBA has been actively trying to expand follow its motto: Trails for all, trails forever. From reworking parts of the Bobsled to make it accessible to adaptive mountain bikes to its larger plans for a Seymour Mountain adaptive mountain bike loop – soon people who cannot participate in traditional two-wheel mountain biking will be able to shred the mountain on three- or four-wheeled bikes. In the same vein, the NSMBA kicked off a youth riding series in 2018. Its next event is Sunday, Sept. 23,  on Mt. Fromme.

Toonie time

“The more youth mountain bikers we have, the more kids mountain biking, the more kids running, the more kids walking, the more kids we have understanding and advocating for healthy use of our forests,” said Ryan Pugh, administrator for NSMBA. “As more kids get into outdoor recreation – no matter what they are doing – hiking, biking, camping it’s another way for them to get introduced to stewardship and taking care of our natural areas – especially our local areas.”

The Youth Toonie Series builds on the successful Fiver series which saw adult riders gathering twice a month for some leisurely racing and community connection – often with a charity component like the $6000 raised last week for the Autism BC and the Canucks Autism Network. While the Fivers will kick off again next April, youth are invited to trails this week.

“We were seeing more youth turning up to the Fivers,” said Pugh. “We wanted to create something that would be just for them.”

While not a race, the Toonie rides are about getting kids aged 2-13+ out on the trails and celebrating the riding community. Run bikes can take on Roadside Attraction, while pedalers challenge that trail too, the Griffens or Boblsed.

“If they want a challenge they can tackle all three,” said Pugh. “Parents can do whatever they need to do to help them down the trails. Some ride, some run, and some kids do it on their own.”

The first event earlier this year had over 100 kids take to the trails. The NSMBA knew families wanted this. The organization heard from parents whose children had done other events in places like Squamish.

“If parents love riding, kids love riding,” said Pugh.

Grab a toonie, your helmet and bike and meet up at Mount Fromme Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ride registration is from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Bring gloves, armour and a backpack if you have it – but it’s not necessary. There will be treats and games for participants. Full details on Facebook or here, and participants are asked to register so the NSMBA can plan for all participants. While the Endless Biking is helping out with the event, the NSMBA would love some volunteers.

MTB symposium

If you love mountain biking and what to get even more involved the NSMBA is hosting the Western Mountain Bike Advocacy Symposium Oct. 12-14 focusing on Building a Diverse Mountain Bike Community. It will also build on the NSMBA’s motto and guiding principle of Trails for all, trails forever.

“It’s a timely conversation on the need for us all to work collectively towards ensuring mountain biking is seen as an open and inclusive recreational pursuit,” said Christine Reid, executive director. “We want to introduce new perspectives, outline why this is an important issue and help create a cohesive vision for building a diverse mountain bike community.”

Presentations and discussions will include: Privilege and the Mountain Bike Community, Building First Nations Relationships, Adaptive Mountain Biking, Supporting Youth Voices, and Reducing Barriers to Participation. More information can be found here.

 

Photos courtesy of NSMBA. 

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

September 18, 2018 in Blog, Community Events, Eco-Awareness & The Great Outdoors Comments (0)

Culture Days: Shaketown

Lynn Valley will be buzzing with activity for the ninth annual Culture Days September 28-30th. Events and activities will be happening throughout Canada, North Vancouver and in our very own neighbourhood.

North Shore Culture

Culture Days is an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to try something new, experience something totally different, discover creative spaces in the community and meet the artists that work there. North Vancouver Parks and Recreation have centred the events at seven different “Hubs” throughout the District and City of North Vancouver.

“North Shore Culture Days celebrates the vital role that arts and culture plays in creating vibrant and connected communities. We invite residents to participate, be inspired and have some fun.” said Heather Turner, director, North Vancouver Recreation & Culture Commission.

We have two picks for Lynn Valley:

  1. Saturday Sept. 29; 10-11 a.m. Shaketown Walk with NVMA curator Karen Dearlove , Community History Centre, 3203 Institute Road, Lynn Valley
  2. Saturday, Sept. 29; 2-3 p.m. The Glorious Mountains of Vancouver’s North Shore with author David Crerar,  Community History Centre, 3203 Institute Road, Lynn Valley

Shaketown

At the turn of the last century, Lynn Valley isolated, forested and at the edge of the frontier.

“It really was in the mountains,” said North Vancouver Museum and Archives Curator Karen Dearlove. “Before bridges it was a fairly remote. Just to get up here traveling from Burrard Inlet was difficult. It was mostly skid roads for the mills.”

Ca. 1909. Hastings Creek bridge and boardwalk on Lynn Valley Road, with flume running overhead.

The heavily treed landscape was bisected by Tote Road, a rugged skid road that allowed oxen to haul felled logs down to the Moodyville waterfront, “Centre Road” (now Mountain Highway), and Pipeline Road, a plank road along which a pipeline was installed to carry drinking water from Rice Lake into North Vancouver.

Its relative remoteness and difficulty did not keep people away. The community was first called Shaketown because of the mill – on Mill Street – producing cedar shakes or perhaps it was because of the the shake-sided shacks housing the necessary workers.

“Because the workers at the mills wanted to live close by, homes were built, stores opened, clubs and churches were formed. There was an influx into the area and quite quickly it became a community,” said Dearlove.

The appeal of good jobs, land and a community drew a diverse group of workers from early Chinese and Japanese workers, to industrialists from Vancouver and a number of families from Finland, plus many others, she said.

“Many were like Walter Draycott – they had a sense of adventure,” she said.

Shaketown Walk

Ca. 1910. Depicting the new streetcar line at Lynn Valley Road and Ross Road. The Lynn Valley general store is at the right.

The September 29th Shaketown walk will take participants on an hour-long stroll through Lynn Valley, centring on the intersection of Lynn Valley Road and Mountain. Dearlove will present historical images alongside today’s environment to explore juxtaposition of then and now.

“We have some really great historical photos that show how buildings have changed or moved,” she said.   

The guided walk should be easy for most abilities. It begins at the Community History Centre, 3203 Institute Road, Saturday,  Sept. 29, 10-11 a.m. Participants must pre-register by calling 604 990 3700 x8016.

For all the Cutlure Days events check out the  NVRC website at https://www.nvrc.ca/arts-culture/culture-days (for Lynn Valley events, click on the Lynn Valley Hub accordion on the webpage) or the national website at https://culturedays.ca/en.

All images courtesy of the North Vancouver Museum and Archives.

To learn more about Lynn Valley’s history check out this page.

Historic images

ca. 1950s. Panoramic image along Lynn Valley Road, across from Mountain Hwy. Buildings depicted from left to right: the Brier Block; the Triangle block; the Fromme block. Lynn Valley United Church can be seen behind the Fromme block. This image was taken after the streetcar lines had been removed.
September 6, 2018 in Blog, Community Events, Looking Back, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)

Trail Tales

The North Vancouver District Library has launched a new program to get families outside and active all the while enjoying a good story. 

Trail Tales will take families to Princess Park Aug. 17 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for a literary walk and the story Two Sisters by E. Pauline Johnson and illustrated by Sandra Butt. It’s a story that fit naturally into the goals of the program said Danielle Wing, a children’s librarian at NVDPL.

The Legend

“Chief Joe Capilano told the legend to E. Pauline Johnson, a Canadian poet, who retold the legend in her book Legends of Vancouver [published in 1911],” said Wing. “ Now, it has been illustrated and presented as a children’s picture book.”

The story is rooted in the mountains of the North Shore.

“Since the book is being presented outdoors, it is fitting that the story focuses on the land and landmarks that families can explore after reading the story. We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples and this book showcases the Salish Sea and explores themes of Creation, courage and peace,” said Wing. “It also includes supplemental information that will enable readers to further immerse themselves in the rich history of Coast Salish cultures. We hope that this book will inspire families to learn more about the land we live on.”

The library was inspired to create Trail Tales after being inspired by library in Vermont and others that have started similar programs.  

“Stories come in many formats and can be presented and experienced in many ways,” said Wing. “North Shore families are active and excited to explore the outdoors already, so we wanted to provide a unique literacy opportunity that took advantage of this while celebrating the remarkable nature we have in our community.”

Presenting the story on a walk allows each family and child to experience it uniquely and coloured by the ways they learn and engage with it.

“We know that children are diverse learners and that each child will take a different approach when reading or listening to a story,” said Wing. “The wonderful thing about engaging with a story outdoors is that everyone can take their own approach: they can walk quietly and read while listening to the sounds of nature around them, or, they can leap and bound between the signs and react as noisily as they’d like!”

The library is debuting a number of new programs that engage patrons in different ways and in different places. They also have a new Brews & Books series which takes melds a pint with author discussions at a local brewery. The Trail Tales program aims to show reading isn’t necessarily a passive activity.

“We hope that families will recognize that literacy and reading can be active and fun,” said Wing. “The North Vancouver District Public Library aims to connect our community, share knowledge and inspire stories: Trail Tales will allow families to interact, share a literacy experience with one another, learn something new and inspire them to explore literacy in all of its forms.”

How it works

Library staff  have created numbered signs that will be displayed throughout the Princess Park from 10:30-11:30 a,m, August 17, starting at the parking lot. Families can either walk with a librarian who will read the story, or they can follow the signs on their own. Trail Tales will be an interactive and engaging family experience for all ages.

Additional dates and locations can be found on the library’s website.

August 2, 2018 in Blog, Community Events, Notable Neighbours Comments (0)