Literacy, learning and the love of reading

Working at a library continues to provide many new insights for me. A major one is the role of literacy in all of our lives.

Admittedly, I have taken my own literacy for granted. Having been raised in a family and society that nurtured learning, I was lucky to have all the opportunities required to build a life based on choice. 

My affinity for books and reading has been a lifelong affair - one that I continue to encourage in my nieces and nephews on every occasion with books as gifts. I've always had a somewhat romantic dream of owning a book store and spending my days learning and sharing the inspiration that comes along with reading. 

Since beginning work at TPL, I've begun to see first hand just what a role we play in the lives of thousands of people. Our services beyond simply lending books are tremendous, ranging from early learning resources to adult literacy to ESL to computer training to youth volunteering groups to literary programs and beyond. From providing access to the basics to instilling the love of reading, libraries everywhere provide such an amazing foundation for society.

What has especially struck me are two things: 

1. There are so many stats regarding how critical literacy is to pre-school age children as it will impact their success throughout school and into their adult lives
2. There are so many inspirational stories of how literacy programs have changed peoples' lives - whether as children, adults and even as seniors

We recently featured several of these 'success' stories in a Foundation campaign including that of a woman who at age 60 went through our literacy program after putting her four children through university. Originally from Jamaica, she was then able to complete her Canadian citizenship exam and now feels liberated by her new found abilities and sense of pride.

Another young woman was part of our leading to reading program when in grade 2 and went on to volunteer at the library in high school before becoming a high school teacher herself.

Lawrence Hill, award-winning author of The Book of Negroes, was interviewed on CBC today and he mentioned that one of the reasons for the salvation of his main character was the early literacy instilled by her father. Stolen from her African village she endures slavery in the American south, amid other challenges, and is sustained by her sense of hope and her desire to read and understand and eventually return home. This struck me as he felt it important to convey this early-learned knowledge stayed with her and contributed to her resilience throughout her life. 

Librarians, staff and volunteers working with individuals every day are nurturing the need for knowledge and personal growth. The spirit of public service that exists throughout our system of 99 branches is quite stunning. While I've worked in other public organizations, I'm still learning about just how deep that passion runs here. As well as the level of the public's trust in this role we play providing free, democratic access to a wealth of information within safe and welcoming public spaces.

And then there's simply the joy of reading that is encouraged through book clubs, author readings and a host of programs that connect readers to books, writers and each other. Pretty inspiring stuff.

Photo: Daily Mail, UK

Reflections on a friend

For the past few weeks, thoughts and memories of Debrah have been flooding through my consciousness. It's been a year since she passed away so prematurely. 

While I miss her, I'm still so inspired by all that I learned and experienced in the time I knew her. Thinking of you my friend.

Thanking Paul Martin

I was fortunate to attend the Toronto Public Library Foundation's Book Lover's Ball on February 12, which was great fun and a memorable occasion. The Ball is an annual event for library supporters including many of Toronto's philanthropic and political leaders as well as 56 of Canada's outstanding authors. Writers attending included Margaret Atwood, Alissa York, Joy Fielding, M.G. Vassanji, Paul Quarrington, Russell Smith, Vincent Lam, Wayson Choy, Debbie Travis, Ian Brown, Dan Hill, Jan Wong and Christie Blatchford, among many more.

My highlight, however, was realizing that former Prime Minister Paul Martin was there (having recently released his memoir Hell or High Water). I noticed him upon arriving at Toronto's renowned Royal York Hotel as he mingled with guests. 

At that moment I knew I must meet him. While dinner and speeches ensued, it was in the back of my mind that I would make my way to his table to say hello. 

That amid the flurry of mingling and events onstage - including a live auction and fashion show as well as a video tribute by Rick Mercer and wonderful MC duties performed by CBC's Diana Swain. It was all very exciting - especially to see so many celebrities as well as my TPL colleagues all dressed up for the black tie affair. (And yes I found myself in a 'gown' for the Ball which was a surprise - to me most of all! Sorry though no pics to be found... :)

Suddenly, Mr. Martin was approaching me. Even if I'd wanted to, I couldn't have avoided meeting him. What an opportunity! 

I realized he was saying his goodbyes and so I waited patiently for him to arrive at my spot. At which time I said hello and shook his hand. Then I said that I just wanted to thank him for all he's done for Canada. He said thanks very much and that I was "very kind." To which I added "I also want to thank you for coming tonight as we at the library really appreciate it." He smiled and held onto my hand a few seconds longer and then we said goodnight. 

It happened very quickly and then it was over. And yet it was such a meaningful encounter for me. I believe he's a man of integrity and grace and we would have been in a much better place if he was our PM now. At any rate, I also believe events happen for a reason and he has gone on to do some important work both in Canada and internationally. 

Funny enough I just saw an interview with him on TVO's The Agenda this evening which reminded me to tell you about this meeting. 

Oh yes and I also bumped into (literally) Stuart Mclean as I arrived, and had a quick and friendly exchange with Giller recipient Joseph Boyden - both which were almost as thrilling!

Hats off to the Toronto Public Library Foundation - especially Julie and Heather - for a wonderful and successful event. 

Photo: Toronto Public Library Foundation

When things go awry

Sometimes, despite my best efforts, things simply don't go my way. I often feel in these instances that I must be doing something wrong. Communicating without clarity. Being driven by ego or without a solid understanding of the big picture.

Other times, it seems that life is serving up some resistance to provide insight into where I am, from where I've come, and most importantly where I'm heading. To shake things up a bit and ensure I'm paying attention.

And then there are the times when a bumpy ride simply aids in reminding me of all that's to be appreciated in life.

Right now it feels as though all three may be going on at the very same time. Hmm.

Gratitude

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful words and support. While it is really difficult not have have Maggy here with me, the memory and influence of her spirit remain strong.

Many of you know that Maggy was diagnosed with lung cancer more than a year ago. Thankfully, we enjoyed 14 more months together instead of the prognosis of two. During that time, we were able to get to know our new home, neighbourhood, friends and closer-by family.

Under the care of both a naturopathic veterinarian (Dr. Autumn Drouin) and a traditional chinese medicine vet (Dr. Rona Sherebrin), she did extremely well. She continued to enjoy her favourite activities including running and rolling in the park, long walks in all seasons, meeting friends, and eating - especially the best thing of all, peanut butter. With the aid of homeopathic supplements, home-cooked meals and acupuncture, her health remained good for most of that time.

My theory is that she wasn't influenced by medical terms or human fears. She continued to live each day in Buddhist-like fashion, embracing anything and everything that came her way. She also maintained a strong will to see, do and experience what she loved even when her physical body started to complain.

Mika's theory is that Maggy held on until she knew I was safely settled in Toronto. I believe that is also true. Especially when I remember speaking with Yasmin following Maggy's diagnosis, hoping I could keep her with me for at least one more year. I'm especially grateful that this wish was granted - to both of us.

Photo: Maggy at her favourite Toronto park, Spring 2008

My Maggy May

I'm sorry to have to say that Maggy left us yesterday. Although it was her time, she will be so very much missed by all.

I'm so thankful to have had such a beautiful, loving, amazing baby, companion and friend in my life for 14 1/2 years. We've experienced a lifetime together and she will always be in my heart.

Thank you for everything, my Maggy May. I will love you always, xoxoxo.

What to say?

In Canada, we're not experiencing one of our best moments. Many non-Harperites were initially intrigued by this idea of a non-confidence vote and subsequent coalition government. When we realized that could be the outcome, it was quite interesting and, in a way, poetic justice. Why? Because Harper's aggressive and non-collaborative approach to all things government is ineffectual in a country where we take great pride in the idea of getting along.

The Conservatives had the opportunity to pull parliament and the country together in a concerted effort to overcome the extreme economic crisis. Instead, the Finance Minister and Prime Minister opted to take the low road, taking on all other political parties by reducing their public funding as well as introducing ideological no-gos including forbidding the public sector's right to strike and lodge pay equity disputes - ostensibly to tighten the public purse. (This at a time when international experts are all saying the economy will not respond to restraint, but requires stimulus).

Following years of holding their noses and swallowing their pride in the House of Commons, this time around it wasn't going to fly. Suddenly all three opposition parties coalesced in a concerted effort to rid the school yard of the bully.

Since then, however, the coalition has not demonstrated the competence required to take on the leadership of Canada either.

I have tried to remain open-minded toward Dion and have to admit there is no way he has the qualities required to bring together our country, as he cannot even do so for his Liberal party. His lack of consultation with his caucus as well as inept communications tactics do not indicate a sign of better things to come.

Even with recent opportunities to soften his approach, Harper has yet to demonstrate any ability to consult with the rest of the house. His partisan style and ideological stubborness is still to be guarded against. He simply does not seem to be trustworthy to most of the 62% of voters who did not support him. (And who by the way, still have the right to voice their opinions and yes, support the toppling of his minority government).

It's difficult to have an opinion on what the best direction is now. Do we opt for the continuation of the mean-spirited, close-minded Conservative leadership or do we choose the disorganized and fragile coalition - regardless of who among the shattered Liberal party leads it? This may become our so-called choice, as it's pretty doubtful that these politicians are capable of working as a team for Canadians.

Let's hope that the holiday spirit takes hold and effects real change so that we can look to the government for collaborative, stable, competent leadership - at a time when that's what is needed most.

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PS: I also wanted to note that the efforts of both the NDP and BQ to work with the Liberals seem to be laudable. The fact that the Conservatives chose to demonize the BQ (and potentially jeopardize stability in Quebec) is deplorable. And the fact that the Liberals may back away from the coalition in order to protect the aspirations of the top leader-in-waiting (versus for the good of the country) is pretty uninspiring as well.