many libraries regularly host art exhibitions, music, theatre and dance ... ideal partners to present and host Culture D
CULTURE DAYS @THE LIBRARY
OnCD Programming Culture Days @ the Library Culture Days @ the Library is an opportunity to create exciting and accessible programming for local communities while connecting libraries to the larger Culture Days network. Public libraries have long been important community hubs in small towns, mid-sized cities, and major urban centres across Ontario. As gateways for learning and culture, Ontario’s public libraries provide affordable access to cultural opportunities regardless of age, income or ability. Beyond literary events, children’s story-times and literacy classes, many libraries regularly host art exhibitions, music, theatre and dance performances, craft workshops, film screenings and so much more. For these reasons, public libraries are the ideal partners to present and host Culture Days activities across the province! For participating sites, Culture Days @ the Library provides opportunities for libraries to broaden their reach in the community. As the role of contemporary libraries changes and develops, coordinators can use arts programming to expand their offerings to the public, exposing people to something new and highlighting the importance of libraries as community gathering spaces where people can meet, share ideas and develop skills. In addition to extending their reach, any library that hosts a Culture Days activity is instantly part of the Culture Days network with access to resources, promotion on our website and the opportunity to connect with culture professionals around the province!
Top: Cartooning workshop at the Grimsby Public Library Bottom: Emotional Garbage Disposal at the St. Catharine’s Public Library. Photo credit: Meaghan Metcalf
OnCD Programming Culture Days @ the Library Highlights “As the Library and the community centers are the places inviting the whole mosaic of Canada, it is befitting to have the celebrations there than the individual associations where only a singular community is represented.” - Sridevi Vish, Culture Days @ the Library Artist hosting a demonstration of classical Bharathanatyam dance
Students from the Natya Tapasya Dance Academy perform classical Bharathanatyam at the Brampton Library, South Fletcher’s Branch. Photo Courtesy of Jenny Ariaratnam
Culture Days allows me to: “share my passion of African Dance and culture with the community. Music and dance cuts across all cultures and it is great to see people find themselves through the artistic experience. There is nothing I love more than using art to make a positive impact.” - Lesley Waldron, Culture Days @ the Library Artist, Toronto Public Library
A highlight of the Oakville Library programming was Drag Queen Story Time at their Central Branch. Photo Courtesy of Kevin Jones
OnCDProgramming Culture Days @ the Library Highlights “We chose to have a Culture Days program at the library because the missions of both organizations are similar in that they encourage engagement from the public in different facets of human knowledge and expression! Personally, I also appreciate that (like the library) Culture Days events are free and meant to be accessible to a broad range of people.” - Portia Dodds, Toronto Public Library, High Park Branch
Students in the Long & McQuade music program performed for visitors in Brampton. Photo Courtesy of Kevin Jones
Brampton had a huge number of activities throughout their six library branches. This is their Holiday Craft Workshop at Four Corners Library. Photo Courtesy of Kevin Jones
OnCD Programming Getting Involved Participate:
• Plan to host a public program during the Culture Days weekend • Reach out to local artists, clubs or community groups about taking part • Get inspiration from our national programming theme, OnBeat: a celebration of all things rhythm • Access organizational resources at culturedays.ca/resources • Promote the program within your community • Register your event on the Culture Days website In 2017, 261 programs took place at libraries in 81 communities around the province. Some programming examples are:
• Yarn bombing at the Goderich Library • A painting lesson at the Brodie Resource Library in Thunder Bay • An historic photo recreation at the Glencoe Library in Middlesex County • Family story time taking place at multiple library branches in the Kingston Frontenac area • A poetry workshop at the St. Thomas Library For more ideas, information and how-tos, visit on.culturedays.ca Don’t forget, this year Culture Days takes place September 28, 29 & 30!
The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir Singsation Saturdays at the Toronto Public Library. Photo courtesy of Hana Elniwairi
Did you know: Starting now, municipalities with more than 3 library programs can have a dedicated Culture Days @ the Library webpage! Pages are limited so email
[email protected] to reserve yours
ontario Learn more at: on.culturedays.ca
Ontario Culture Days is generously supported by our sponsors
