Full Title:
Harry Houdini: the legend of the world’s greatest escape artist

Genre:
Children’s Non-Fiction, Biography

Summary:
The legend of Harry Houdini lives on in this visually stunning children’s book. Filled with unusual and interesting facts, author Janice Weaver provides a comprehensive, accessible account of the majestic magician beginning with his earliest years.

My Thoughts:
This is a wonderfully fast paced glimpse into the amazing, adventurous life of Houdini. Houdini was truly an artist and a highly skilled performer of his time. His repertoire included some of the most thrilling and dangerous acts, from the famous Water Chinese Torture Cells to breaking out of prisons across Europe. Houdini was a prolific entertainer, wowing countless audiences around the world until his untimely death at the age of fifty-two.

Learn more about the life of this fascinating man. Borrow Harry Houdini: the legend of the world’s greatest escape artist from your local Vaughan library today!

On Friday, May 17, Vaughan Public Libraries held its FIRST EVER speed dating event for singles 20-30 years old.

The result? An amazing evening full of humour, good company and delicious food. Thirty-five single and ready to mingle participants attended the festivities.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, speed dating is a fast way to meet new friends and potential partners. We put a literary spin on it, called the program Read Dating and encouraged daters to bring their favourite book, CD, or DVD to get the conversation started.

At arrival, participants mingled and enjoyed the gorgeous fruit trays and sumptuous spread of assorted crackers, meats and cheeses. Daters were then seated across from one another and given a “Speeding Ticket” to indicate their dating selections. We started the timer and participants got to know one another. When the timer went off, we rang a bell and daters swapped partners until all the women met all the men.

Throughout the night we drew for prizes including $20 Chapters gift cards and the grand prize, a Kobo Mini eReader! Congrats to Carly on her big win!

Comments from the happy daters included:

“I had a wonderful time!”
“When is the next event? Count me in!”
“I’d love to come out to your next event.”
“Thanks VPL for bringing people together!”
“I had lots of fun, and I’m sure I will love my Kobo eReader!”
“It was an interesting experience and fun. Thanks for having me again.”
“I got to meet a lot of great people (with some great conversations) and the food was awesome too!”

Keep your eyes peeled for VPL’s next speed dating event! Visit your local Vaughan Library today! And for our vast selection of books on dating, love and relationships, try our catalogue!

Authors:
Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

Sequel to:
Fatty Legs

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Biography, Canadian, Historical, Native

Summary:
After a harrowing two years spent at a residential boarding school, ten-year-old Margaret is finally reunited with her family. She almost can’t contain her excitement.

But Margaret’s enthusiasm is soon squashed when her mother shouts: “Not my girl. Not my girl!” Startled, Margaret looks in the crowd for her father who draws her into his loving embrace.

Adjusting to life back in her community will not be easy for Margaret. Now considered an outsider, Margaret has lost the Inuit language and can’t stomach her mother’s traditional food. Moreover, she’s not even allowed to talk to her best friend Agnes in English anymore.

Margaret is sad, lonely and frustrated but she’s determined to fit in. Will Margaret have the spirit and strength to find her place once again?

My Thoughts:
A Stranger at Home is a lovely, poignant story of young Margaret’s struggle. Young readers will be drawn to Margaret’s innocence and her earnest efforts to make peace with her family.

Borrow A Stranger at Home: a true story from your local Vaughan Public Library today!