Book a 30-minute, in-person session at Goderich Branch, to get help with how to use library e-resources, how to use your new device and/or how to use your email account. Please bring your device(s) and any information to help with your question (error messages/email information, etc.)
Please contact the branch to arrange a session.
Since January 2021, the Huron County Library has been taking steps to update catalogue subject headings to be respectful and inclusive to all members of society. This project was spurred on by the social need for improved representation in library catalogues for Indigenous peoples, who are currently identified using colonial and offensive terms, which libraries across Canada have deemed unacceptable for further use. Libraries rely heavily on subject headings to provide access to information. When terminology is incorrect, or disrespectful, this affects the users both consciously and sub-consciously, often reinforcing stereotypes and bias.
The Library began receiving catalogue records from our material vendor, Library Services Centre, that included updated Indigenous subject headings that are based on the great work done by the Greater Victoria Public Library system, who shared their list of respectful headings compiled from a variety of sources including the University of Manitoba, the Association of Manitoba Archives, and through resources put out by the Indigenous Corporate Training Incorporation such as Indigenous Peoples: a Guide to Terminology, Usage Tips and Definitions for Indigenous peoples and subjects.
At the time, these headings were not the official authority subject headings put out by the Library of Congress or by Library and Archives Canada, however the demand was too great to wait for these institutions to come to an industry standard. Since then, Library and Archives Canada has begun extensive work on Canadian Subject Headings that will be used in our records as they come available.
In order to update headings already in our catalogue, Huron County Library joined a committee along with other members of the Ontario Library Consortium to work on a system for updating subject headings and have begun compiling a list of old headings within the catalogue, are finding valid new headings from the agreed upon sources, and then updating or records on a monthly basis. These ongoing updates aim to remove bias, improve access and look for new ways of describing material. While our records will continue to hold the official Library of Congress or Canadian Authority Heading, as well as the updated versions of the headings until the official authority records change, once complete, this work will enable a dynamic, multilingual set of terminologies applied to all Indigenous Peoples, places, heritage, tradition, and communities.
Huron County Library is a supporter of Indigenous Authors and of the First Nations Communities Read Program. Check out some of this year’s titles!
Huron County Library Staff have compiled a list of 100 books to read in honor of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30. These stories highlight and explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The full list can be found here and the following are some of the most recent titles added to the Library’s collection.
Memoir – Our Voice of Fire: A Memoir of a Warrior Rising by Brandi Morin
A wildfire of a debut memoir by internationally recognized French/Cree/Iroquois journalist Brandi Morin. Known for her clear-eyed and empathetic reporting on Indigenous oppression in North America. She is also a survivor of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis and uses her experience to tell the stories of those who did not survive the rampant violence. This book chronicles Morin’s journey to overcome enormous adversity and find her purpose, and her power, through journalism.
Non-fiction – Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian reserve, a white town, and the road to reconciliation by Douglas Sanderson and Andrew Stobo Sniderman
A heart-rending true story about racism and reconciliation that explores the history of two families, one white and one Indigenous, across multiple generations and weaves their lives into the larger story of Canada, ultimately offering hope for the future.
Poetry – Scars and Stars by Jesse Thistle
A beautiful and moving new collection of poems and stories from the author of the #1 bestselling memoir, From the Ashes.
Fiction – The Theory of Crows by David A. Robertson
A beautifully moving and heartfelt story about an estranged father-daughter relationship, the importance of being there for those you love and the healing power of the land.
Young Adult Fiction – The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson
A wonderful debut YA novel featuring Lou, a demi/asexual Métis girl living on the Canadian prairies. Ferguson masterfully balances the light with the dark as Lou struggles with generational trauma, family secrets and her sexuality over a summer working with her friends at the family creamery. CW: violence against Indigenous women, rape, racism
Content warning: Violence against Indigenous women, rape, racism
Picture Fiction – Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud; illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller
In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage.
Drop in at the Goderich Branch Mondays from 6-7:30p.m. to play Nintendo Switch (library card required), try our selection of board games, or bring your own.
Drop in at the Goderich Branch Mondays from 6-7:30p.m. to play Nintendo Switch (library card required), try our selection of board games, or bring your own.