Back by popular demand, this Saturday February 6th, McLaughlin Branch is hosting its 2nd annual Bridal Fair! Local vendors will showcase their unique services, ideas and options to assist you in the planning of your special day. There will be several guest speakers discussing hot bridal topics and lots of fabulous door prizes to be won! Free registration at any branch.

Awesomestories.com is a resource for informative and instructive videos on topics of interest and importance to the world at large. While YouTube may be great entertainment, this site provides a more educational approach. For more videos featuring short films of interest and relevance to Canadians, check out NFB.ca.

This Spring, Oshawa Teens grades 7 to 12 are invited to share their works of visual art and writing with the community by submitting a single work to the library for entry in the Express Yourself Teen Art and Writing Contest. Read the guidelines for submission in the contest brochure then fill out the entry form to participate. We look forward to seeing your artwork and sharing your best with the community.

The next General Meeting of the Friends of the Library will be on Monday, February 8th, 2010, at 2pm in the McLaughlin Room at the McLaughlin branch of the Oshawa Public Library. All members of the Friends of the Library are encouraged to attend, as are any who are considering joining the group. The Friends will welcome you with open arms. Refreshments will be served.

The Oshawa Public Libraries and the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centres are hosting their fourth annual writing contest for seniors. Please submit your piece of Fiction according to the submission guidelines outlined below. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be announced and awarded in April.

Entry deadline:

Friday, March 26, 2010 at 5:00 pm

Entries:

We are looking for your works of fiction. Entries must be original, unpublished, not submitted or accepted elsewhere for publication, and not entered simultaneously in any other competition. Entries should be typed or word processed in size 12 font, double-spaced, one-sided and should not exceed 1500 words. Please include your name, address, and phone number on a separate sheet of paper with your entry. Entries will be judged on their originality, technique, and sense of craft. Contest is open to seniors 55 years of age and older who are members of the Oshawa Public Libraries or the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre.

Only winners will be contacted. Entries will not be returned. Winning entries may be published. Gift certificates will be awarded as follows:

1st prize - $100
2nd prize - $50
3rd Prize - $25

Send entries to: Fiction Writing Contest

Interested in improving your online skills and getting more out of the web? Check out our World Wide Web Workshops, where we look at popular services which can help you buy online, plan a trip, connect with friends, or build a website:

To sign up for a workshop, or for more information, contact Aaron Kimberley at 905-579-6111 ext 5261.

Web Workshops: Buying and Selling Online
We’ll take a look at the ins and outs of buying and selling on the web - what to watch for, and where to find a great deal.
Thursday, January 7 at 1:00 pm

Web Workshops: Google Maps
While Google Search finds you websites, Google Maps finds you locations and trip routes. Plan your trip, or find your destinations.
Thursday, January 21 at 1:00 pm

Web Workshops: Facebook for Beginners
There’s no better tool for connecting with friends, family and old acquaintances. Learn how to use Facebook effectively and responsibly.
Thursday, February 4 at 1:00 pm

Web Workshops: Create a Website - Free!
Creating a website doesn’t have to cost you, and doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn how you can create a site for yourself, free!
Thursday, February 18 at 1:00 pm

Are you interested in volunteering your time to help others in your community, while learning more about filing taxes? Each year, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) provides assistance to thousands of tax-filers in need, including seniors, low-income families, people with disabilities, and new Canadians.

Clinics are set up to accommodate the volunteers time and run at both Northview and McLaughlin Locations. Each volunteer must attend a free training session(s) with Revenue Canada. Please contact Jennifer Goodman at jgoodman@oshawalibrary.on.ca if you would like to volunteer for the 2010 Oshawa Public Library Tax Clinics.

We're back from the holidays at Oshawa Public Libraries. Library users can once again visit their nearest branch during usual library hours. However, please be aware that all branches will close for the New Years Day holiday, Friday January 1st, 2010. Otherwise, we'll see you at OPL.

The Battle of the Bands will be returning to Oshawa Public Libraries this coming spring. Groups are invited to compete to be declared victor in one of three categories. Images from and winners for last year's battle can be found here. Read the brochure and rules for this year's battle, then fill out and submit a registration form by February 26, 2010. We hope to see you there. The Library gratefully acknowledges the support of the Friends of the Library, Wellcraft Music Studios, and Long & McQuade Musical Instruments.

Please join the library for this extra special story time series, now available on YouTube! Our Oshawa Generals, along with local heroes and celebrities will be reading a selection of wonderful stories just for you. And now, even if you can't join us in person, you can tune in on the web. Refreshments will be served, along with great prizes to be won. Storytimes will begin at 10am, running through February 2010. Family programme - all ages welcome.

Our full schedule of Read, Dream & Achieve guests is provided below: