The Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce is planning a FREE menstrual product pilot project at local libraries this Fall

The Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce is planning a FREE menstrual product pilot project at local libraries this Fall

The Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce is hosting a pilot project designed to address Period Poverty in the Huron-Perth region beginning Oct. 16, 2023. During this pilot project, select locations, including all library locations in Huron and Perth Counties, will offer menstrual products to all students, visitors, and patrons for FREE.

“Providing affordable solutions to help people manage their periods comfortably and hygienically is absolutely necessary,” said Beth Rumble, Director of Cultural Services and County Librarian for the County of Huron. “This pilot project will not only fill a gap and ease a financial burden for many families, it also addresses the subject of menstruation head on and without stigma.”

“Period Poverty” is a term that refers to the lack of access to menstrual products due to cost or other barriers. Research indicates almost two-thirds of people who menstruate in Canada have missed work or school because of lack of access to necessary hygiene products. Due to stigma surrounding menstruation, these issues are often not discussed.  

It is the goal of the Task Force to ensure equitable access to quality menstrual supplies for all who need them. This pilot project represents one of the initiatives currently being undertaken by the Task Force. The group will also engage in a range of activities, from resource-sharing to improving access to current supply, to advocating for broader, more systemic long-term solutions for Huron and Perth.

The Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce includes representation from:

  • United Way Perth Huron;
  • Huron Women’s Shelter;
  • Optimism Place;
  • Perth County Information Network;
  • Huron County Library;
  • Avon Maitland District School Board; and
  • more 

To learn more about the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force and the upcoming pilot project, please visit the End Period Poverty page on Huron County Connects: www.connectedcountyofhuron.ca/period-poverty

 

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and the Huron County Library is pleased to announce the addition of decodable books to its accessible collections.

Dyslexia is a hereditary disability that makes it difficult to read, write or spell. Dyslexia is not caused by bad parenting, a lack of access to reading materials, or lack of intelligence. According to the International Dyslexia Association, roughly 15-20 per cent of the population has a language-based learning disability, with Dyslexia being the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties.

On top of the symptoms, many people experiencing Dyslexia feel anxiety around reading and may avoid situations where they may be required to read. The Huron County Library believes that reading is for everyone and aims to make it more accessible with the addition of these materials to our collection. We thank the International Dyslexia Association Ontario for supporting the purchase of these books.

What are decodable books? They are books that are specifically designed to be easier for people with Dyslexia to read. Some features that appear in decodable books include dyslexia-friendly font, hi-lo content (which means books discussing higher level concepts while remaining at a lower reading difficulty), justified text, off white paper, and heavier weight paper.

To learn more about these materials, speak with your local branch staff or start exploring the full collection through our online catalogue.

The Huron County Library is also a member library of the Centre for Equitable Library Access which also offers access to a collection of over 1 million books, magazines, newspapers in a choice of accessible formats for people with a print disability. 

Passport to Discovery – Space

Passport to Discovery – Space

Calling all young explorers! Your next adventure starts today! Join us as we explore space!

Let’s get started:

  • Pick up a Take & Make Kit from your library branch to make your very own paper rocket bookmark!
  • Play I Spy with a variety of space-themed items
  • Deepen your exploration of space with these resources:
    • PebbleGo: Interactive articles in Health, Science, and Animals for students Grades K-3. Access to this resource from home requires a username and password. Talk to library staff about how to access for free with a Library card.
    • Tumblebooks: Access resources for children in K-6, including animated talking picture books, chapter books, videos, non-fiction books, playlists, graphics novels.
    • Tabletop Telescope: Check out a telescope from the library’s Object Library!
    • NASA Live: Watch live streaming from the International Space Station.
  • Read one of these books from our collection.
  • Download this month’s activity sheet if you prefer to get started from home.

Explorers are welcome to join the program at any time. Here’s how it works:

  • Pick up a passport from your local branch to begin a full year of learning, reading, doing, and having a whole lot of fun!
  • Visit your local branch each month to pick up a themed craft kit and activity sheet.
  • Complete at least one of the activities
  • Return to the branch to get your passport stamped and ballot entered into a grand prize draw for a tablet! The draw will take place at the end of the program in February 2024.

Passport to Discovery – Space

Passport to Discovery – Sun and Summer

Calling all young explorers! Your next adventure starts today! This month we celebrate the sun and summer with activities that inspire us to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine!

Let’s get started:

  • Pick up a Take & Make Kit from your library branch to make a sun nature print! Making sun prints is a fun activity that uses leaves and flowers and the power of sunshine!
  • Grow your own flowers or vegetables this summer by checking out seeds from the Huron County Library’s Seed Library!
  • Play Summer BINGO!
  • Read one of these books from our collection.
  • Download this month’s activity sheet if you prefer to get started from home.

Explorers are welcome to join the program at any time. Here’s how it works:

  • Pick up a passport from your local branch to begin a full year of learning, reading, doing, and having a whole lot of fun!
  • Visit your local branch each month to pick up a themed craft kit and activity sheet.
  • Complete at least one of the activities
  • Return to the branch to get your passport stamped and ballot entered into a grand prize draw that will take place at the end of the program in February 2024.

Celebrating Pride Month

Celebrating Pride Month

The Huron County Library is celebrating Pride Month by sharing valuable resources, participating in community events, and hosting activities in our branches.

Here is a round-up of what’s happening throughout June:

Huron County Pride Outreach: The Huron County Library is popping up at Huron County’s first Pride Festival! Find us on the Square in downtown Goderich on Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and take in the amazing activities happening throughout the day!

LGBTQ2S+ Resources for young people and their families: Library staff have put together a valuable resource guide to support young people and their families. The guide features links to online resources, books from our collection, local supports, and more.

Book Raffle: The Library is raffling off 10 LGBTQ2S+ books for a variety of ages (picture books, junior fiction, young adult, adult fiction, and adult non-fiction). Find ballots throughout the month of June at all 12 branches or visit us at the Huron Pride Festival.

Pride Panel Discussion: Join us on Tuesday, June 27 from 7-8 p.m., for a virtual discussion on the growing censorship of LGBTQ2S+ books. Registration required

LGBTQ2S+ Youth Gab Sessions: This is an opportunity for youth ages 16-25 to meet in a safe space for youth to discuss their LGBTQ2S+ experiences. This event runs the last Thursday of each month from 5-6 p.m. at the Goderich Branch. Registration required.

Rainbow Wands @ Goderich Branch: Make a rainbow wand on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to help celebrate Huron Pride’s first Pride Festival! Registration required

Evening Experts @ Goderich Branch: In celebration of Pride Month, we welcome speakers from Huron County Pride on Wednesday, June 21 starting at 6:30 p.m.to speak about this grassroots LGBTQ2+ organization and more!

Origami Hearts @ Exeter Branch: Drop into the Exeter Branch through the month of June to help the library decorate the windows with origami hearts. Available during regular branch hours.

Blind Date with an LGBTQ2S+ Book @ Exeter Branch: The Exeter Branch is hosting Blind Date with an LGBTQ2S+ book throughout the month of June.