North York Central Library Blog

March's highlights include:

March 8: GIMP Basics: Image Editing Software at Bridlewood Library. Learn how to alter an image using GIMP.

March 13: Lunchbox Trouble? What to Feed Your Child, the Healthy, Cheap and Easy Way at Malvern Library. Nutrition ideas to make lunch-time planning less stressful.

March 16: Restorative Meditation at Pape/Danforth Library. Join this workshop which includes deep breathing exercises for a relaxing and rejuvenating meditation session.

March 18: Aging and the Brain – Part 1: Nourishing Your Brain at North York Central Library. The first lecture in the 4- part series, Aging and Your Brain, focuses on how nutritional needs for your brain change throughout your life.

March 19: Being an Astronaut Candidate at Albert Campbell Library. Ele Willoughy, PhD of Physics, talks about her experience of being part of the Canadian Space Agency's Astronaut Recruitment Program.

Books

Can't attend a program or want to read more about the topics covered? Try some of these titles:

Celebrate Black History Month with 20 African-American Film Directors

2019-02-17T15:11:00Z

Celebrate Black History month by exploring North American feature films directed by African-American filmmakers across the decades working in a wide variety of cinematic styles and genres. The historical (and current) challenges faced by African-American filmmakers are rooted in racism, a theme integral to their cinema. Landmark barriers have been broken – more barriers still loom. Here is a selection of recommended feature films available from the Toronto Public Library.

The North York Central Library has the largest collection of feature DVDs to borrow from the Browsery, the Teen Zone, and the Language, Literature and Fine Arts departments.

The Hate U Give (2018) Directed by George Tillman, Jr.

Based on Angie Thomas' young adult novel, The Hate U Give. A young black student attending a white, middle-class highschool has her life upended when a close friend is killed by a white policeman during a traffic stop. Check out the free screenings of this film at the Toronto Public Library.

Blackkklansman (2018) Directed by Spike Lee.

Lee's latest film is based on Ron Stallworth's memoir, Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime about an African-American policeman who goes undercover to infiltrate the Klu Klux Klan in the 1970s. This film won'the Grand Prix at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and has been nominated for both Best Picture and Best Director in this year's Oscar race. John David Washington plays the role of Stallworth (and yes – he is Denzel's son).

The Watermelon Woman (1997) Directed by Cheryl Dunye.

Dunye wrote, edited, directed and starred in this film about a young lesbian video store clerk working on a film about black actresses marginalized by history. This was the first feature film directed by an African-American lesbian.

Moonlight (2017) Directed by Barry Jenkins.

"And the Oscar goes to . . . " The legendary 2017 Oscar mixup that resulted in the wrong winner announced for Best Picture turned out to be good news for Moonlight. This poignant coming-of-age story about an isolated young man is both mournful and moving. Jenkins latest film, If Beale Street Could Talk, is based on James Baldwin's 1974 classic novel.

Black Panther (2018) Directed by Ryan Coogler.

This Oscar-nominated film was a significant cultural event that (finally) delivered a superhero film with an African-American focus realized by African-American artists. Wakanda Forever! Coogler also directed Creed, with actor Michael B. Jordon in his major debut (after his role as the heartbreaking Wallace in The Wire).

Get Out (2017) Directed by Jordon Peele. This Oscar-nominated horror film directed by half of the Key and Peele comedy duo is no laughing matter. Horror films have always been the dark mirror reflecting societal issues and Get Out does just that. It addresses racism in America head-on with enough plot twists and jump scares to keep you on the edge of your seat. Peele won'the Oscar last year for Best Original Screenplay.

Malcolm X (1992) Directed by Spike Lee.

Denzel Washington was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Malcolm X in this sweeping biography based on The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Lee weathered controversy from every corner during the making of this film – which is now preserved in the Library of Congress National Film Registry. Lee's other films include Do the Right Thing, Crooklyn, Jungle Fever, and Chi-Raq. Denzel Washington is also a director whose works include Antwone Fisher and Fences.

Selma (2015) Directed by Ava DuVernay.

With David Oyelowo in the role of Martin Luther King Jr., this Oscar-nominated film chronicles the 1965 civil rights marches. DuVernay was the first black female director to be nominated for a Golden Globe and the first to be nominated for an Oscar. Her other films include I Will Follow and A Wrinkle in Time.

Daughters of the Dust (1991 ) Directed by Julie Dash.

This was the first film directed by an African-American woman to be released theatrically in the USA. It is a family saga involving three generations of Gullah women who are preparing to leave their home island for the mainland. It remains a critical landmark in American cinema. DuVernay also directed The Rosa Parks Story with Angela Bassett in the lead role.

Killer of Sheep (1977) Directed by Charles Burnett.

Declared a national treasure by the Library of Congress, this neorealist film about growing up in Watts in the 1970s received the 1981 Critics Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Burnett also directed To Sleep With Anger and Warming by the Devil's Fire.

Boyz n the Hood (1991) Directed by John Singleton.

This story of three friends growing up in South Central Los Angeles was Singleton's first feature film. He was the first African-American'to get an Oscar nomination for Best Director. He was also the youngest. Singleton's other films include Rosewood and 2 Fast 2 Furious. He also appears in the documentary The Talk: Race in America.

Straight Outta Compton (2015) Directed by F. Gary Gray.

This biopic about the rap group N.W.A. and its members, Easy-E, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. O'Shea Jackson Jr., the son of Ice Cube, played the role of his father. Actor Corey Hawkins plays Dr. Dre and he also appears in Blackkklansmen as activist Stokely Carmichael.

Juice (1992) Directed by Ernest R. Dickerson.

Dickerson was the cinematographer on a number of Spike Lee films and Juice was his directorial debut. This story of the challenges faced by four youth growing up in Harlem included the legendary Tupac Shakur in a supporting role. Dickerson also directed many episodes of The Wire, Dexter, and The Walking Dead.

Precious (2009) Directed by Lee Daniels.

This film about a young woman struggling with poverty and a history of abuse received six Oscar nominations. It was based on the novel Push by Sapphire. Daniels also directed The Butler and created the television show, Empire.

Shaft (1971) Directed by Gordon Parks.

One of the earliest blaxploitation films by a legendary director and musician, Shaft is now preserved in the Library of Congress National Film Registry. John Singleton directed Shaft, the 2000 remake. Parks' 1969 The Learning Tree was an autobiographical story of the trauma growing up black in Kansas in the 1920s. Parks' eldest son, Gordon Parks Jr., directed Super Fly in 1972.

Story of a Three-Day Pass (1968) Directed by Melvin Van Peebles.

A young American soldier on a short pass in Paris experiences racism and self-doubt in this black and white film evoking French New Wave cinema. Van Peebles also directed Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, considered a watershed in African-American filmmaking and famous for the many challenges he faced with production and distribution. Van Peebles' son, Mario went on to be a major director with New Jack City as his directorial debut.

How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998 ) Directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan.

This was Sullivan's directorial debut and was based on Terry McMillan's novel about a divorced woman falling for a younger man while on vacation. Sullivan has gone on to direct many popular television shows, including Quantico and Riverdale.

Marshall (2017) Directed by Reginald Hudlin.

A biopic about Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, stars Chadwick Boseman in the lead role. Hudlin's early film, House Party, is a critically-acclaimed cult classic.

12 Years a Slave (2014) Directed by Steve McQueen.

This Oscar-winning film, based on Solomon Northup's 12 Years a Slave, is about a man kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. McQueen, born in England, also directed the recent noir heist film Widows, as well as Hunger, and Shame.

Free Science Events in Toronto for February 2019

2019-02-02T14:25:35Z

The Business, Science & Technology Department of North York Central Library compiles a monthly calendar of free science and applied science events in Toronto. Applied science includes health, gardening, pets and food- all subjects found in the department's collection. Here is the February Calendar (PDF).

February's highlights include:

February 9: Web Development Basics: Free Coding Workshop – learn the fundamentals of web development.

February 10: Campfire Cooking. Nature Connection – explore the fantastic combination of melted butter, garlic and bread to create campfire garlic bread.

February 11: Stay Active – Manage your Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) – learn about osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

February 23: Know Your Nature – Family Nature Walks – learn about the plants and animals in High Park .

February 24: RASC Lecture: Should Humans Go to Mars? – learn about the benefits and risks of exporting other planets.

Free Toronto Public Library Science and Applied Science Events

February's highlights include:

February 4: Navigating the Dementia Care System at Fairview Branch – learn about services available for people with dementia and their caregivers.

February 9: Stress Relief Through Meditation at Maria A. Shchuka Branch – experience relief from stress and anxiety through meditation.

February 11: Canada Heads for Outer Space at – Toronto Reference Library hear about the scientist who brought Canada onto the world stage in astronomy.

February 19: Scratch Coding at – Armour Heights Branch learn basics of coding with Scratch.

Can't attend a program or want to read more about the topics covered? Try some of these titles:

Free Science Events in Toronto for January 2019

2018-12-27T16:39:14Z

The Business, Science & Technology Department of North York Central Library compiles a monthly calendar of free science and applied science events in Toronto. Applied science includes health, gardening, pets and food- all subjects found in the department's collection. Here is the January calendar (PDF).

January's highlights include:

January 6: Web Development Basics: Free Coding Workshop – learn the fundamentals of web development.

January 12: Houseplants Made Easy – learn about the world of houseplants with care tips and how to choose a plant for your living space.

January 26: Amazing Animal Adaptations (Winter) – Family Nature Walks – explore how the animals in High Park adapt to and survive our harsh Canadian winters.

January 27: The Science of Human Movement: From Perfecting Form to Recovering Function – learn how to recover movement after a stroke or injury, perfect performance, and maintain movement throughout life.

January 31: Brain Food with Doug Cook – discover key foods and nutrients to support your mood and/or reduce dementia.

Free Toronto Public Library Science and Applied Science Events

January's highlights include:

January 3: 20 Simple Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget at Barbara Frum Branch – learn about healthy eating.

January 4: Colour Me Curious Science Experiments at Albert Campbell Branch - explore some colourful science.

January 10: Stress Relief Through Meditation at Northern Elms Branch - experience the peace and happiness of meditation.

January 19: Build Your Own Desktop: Computer Hardware Basics at York Woods Branch - learn about hardware basics and safety.

January 22: The Amazing Bees of Toronto at Highland Creek Branch – learn about the life of bees in the city.

January 30: Pushing the Limits of Athletic Performance at North York Central Library – discover how the brain and body work together to either limit or stretch the boundaries of human endurance.

Can't attend a program or want to read more about the topics covered? Try some of these titles:

Free Science Events in Toronto for December 2018

2018-11-30T13:52:39Z

The Business, Science & Technology Department of North York Central Library compiles a monthly calendar of free science and applied science events in Toronto. Applied science includes health, gardening, pets and food- all subjects found in the department's collection. Here is the December calendar (PDF).

December's highlights include:

December 4: A Planet for Goldilocks: The Search for Evidence of Life Beyond Earth – learn about the key discoveries on planets beyond our solar system.

December 5: Brain Health. Alzheimer Society of Toronto – learn how to improve and maintain the health of the brain.

December 13: Virtual Reality and Pedestrian Safety – find out about a novel technology aiming to improve pedestrian safety among younger people.

December 20: ELLICSR Kitchen– discover healthy, simple and delicious recipes.

Free Toronto Public Library Science and Applied Science Events

December's highlights include:

December 5: What is Artificial intelligence? at Downsview Branch - attend an interactive and engaging workshop that will give you a better understanding of what Artificial intelligence is.

December 6: Simple Techniques to Overcome Stress and Anxiety and be Happy at Albert Campbell Branch - join Debra Eklove for an experiential workshop to learn ways we can use our mind, body and breath to reduce anxiety and stress and make life a celebration.

December 7: Super Science at North York Central Library – attend a spectacular and interactive science presentation including dry ice demonstrations, bubbling potions, chemical reactions, air pressure experiments and much more.

December 15: Stress Relief Through Meditation at Don Mills Branch - experience the peace and happiness of meditation.

Can't attend a program or want to read more about the topics covered? Try some of these titles:

Red Flags in Publishing: Advice from Writer in Residence Stefanie London

2018-11-13T08:42:04Z

Our Writer in Residence, Stefanie London, shares her tips for writers looking to get published.

Red Flags in Publishing

For many writers, going out on submission for the first time brings about mixed emotions. What if everybody rejects your manuscript? Or what if you're given conflicting feedback? Or what if you're that rare person who has plenty of offers and you don't know which one to take?

Unfortunately, the excitement of an offer from an editor or agent can sometimes overshadow niggling doubts we have about contract terms and other important aspects of the publishing process. But publishing, like many other industries, has its dark corners and there are definitely things you should watch out for.

Reading Fees, Editing Fees and Other Charges

If you're looking to traditionally publish your manuscript, it's important to understand how everyone gets paid. On average, agents will take 15% of your earnings. Royalty rates and advances vary, but often this information can be found on the submission portion of the publisher's website.

The percentage taken by the agent and publishing house covers the reading, submission process, all stages of editing, production, marketing (although it's expected authors will do marketing activities as well), and distribution of your book. If an agent or publisher asks you for money up-front to cover the cost of any of these activities, as well as wanting to take a percentage of each book sold, be wary. Agents and publishers should make their money from the sale of your book, not from charging the author. The only time a writer should pay a fee up-front for someone to read or work on their manuscript is if they're hiring a freelance professional.

Restrictive Contract Terms

Publishing contracts are not always the easiest documents to decipher and this is one reason authors might sign with an agent.

These two contract clauses provide restrictions on the author beyond the initial manuscript, and are definitely worth looking at:

Conflict of interest clauses
First right of refusal clauses

Conflict of Interest Clause

This clause is found in most manuscripts, so it's not a red flag in itself. But authors should read this one very carefully as it may impact the author's publishing schedule. This clause prevents the author from publishing other books within the same or similar genre for a period of time around the release of the contracted manuscript. It's common that publishers don't want an author putting out two books in the same month, but if the contract restricts you from publishing another book in the same year then authors should think about how this will impact their career.

First Right of Refusal Clause

This clause relates to a contractual obligation that means the author has to show the next manuscript to their current publisher before they can'take it on submission elsewhere. Again, this is a common clause and its appearance alone isn't cause for worry. But the more narrowly defined this clause is, the better. For example, this clause could be narrowed to only include manuscripts within the same series or set in the same world as the one being contracted. It's also important when working with multiple publishers, to ensure this clause doesn't clash with other open contracts.

Freelancer Red Flags

If you're independently publishing your book, you have the option of choosing your team. This may include a developmental editor, copy editor, proof-reader etc. It's important to do your due diligence and make sure you're paying qualified and professional people.

Some red flags when hiring freelance editors:

It's a good idea to ask for a sample so you can assess the quality and style of editing. You may have to pay for this sample, but it's better to spend a small amount here than hire someone for a large fee and end up being unhappy with their work. You may want to be wary of any editor who refuses to provide a sample.
Be wary of any freelancers who trash books online, whether on review platforms or social media. If your relationship doesn't work out, would they be likely to do this to your book? It wouldn't be the first time a freelancer has taken an author's (or publisher's) money only to then criticize the book online. This is incredibly unprofessional and given there are plenty of great freelance editors and proof-readers out there, it should be an easy issue to avoid.
Always ensure that you're getting the level of editing that you're paying for. A developmental edit (which usually costs more than copy edits or proof-reading) should not simply point out typos and continuity errors. Developmental edits should come with in-depth feedback about the characters, plot, pacing, and clarity of the writing. If you get a sample, as mentioned above, you should be able to see whether the editor is providing the right level of feedback based on what you've asked for.

Working With an Agent

A good agent will help grow your career, will be collaborative and encouraging while also being truthful about your work. A good agent will push your career forward, and a bad agent can be worse than no agent at all.

If you're going through the querying process with an agent, or if you've already signed with one, here are some red flags to look out for:

Be wary of any agent who hasn't read the manuscript but is offering representation. An agent must be intimately familiar with your work in order to best position it with publishers, and to help you grow your career.
A good agent will be transparen't with how they plan to sell your manuscript. If your agent is unwilling to share details about the submission strategy, this could be a red flag that they won't be likely to share other important information like editorial feedback, industry information etc.
Watch out for agents who appear to always side with the publisher. Yes, an agent needs to have a good relationship with publishers and editors, but they also have to represent their author's best interests. If you've signed with an agent who doesn't appear to be backing you, then it might be time to have a conversation about your relationship.

Additional Resouces

In addition to the tips above, check out the following resources for authors navigating the publishing landscape:

Good luck!

Free Science Events in Toronto for November 2018

2018-10-30T16:47:54Z

The Business, Science & Technology Department of North York Central Library compiles a monthly calendar of free science and applied science events in Toronto. Applied science includes health, gardening, pets and food- all subjects found in the department's collection. Here is the November calendar (PDF).

November's highlights include:

November 8: The ESA Gaia Mission and dark matter in the Milky Way - learn about the ESA Gaia Mission and dark matter in the Milky Way.

November 15: ELLICSR Kitchen– discover healthy, simple and delicious recipes.

November 20: Exoplanets and the Search for Habitable Worlds – find out about “exoplanets”.

November 20 – 21: Focused Ultrasound: a New Frontier for Brain Therapy – Public Lecture – attend an event that will showcase the promise of focused ultrasound to treat brain diseases where few or no options exist, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, ALS and cancer.

Free Toronto Public Library Science and Applied Science Events

October's highlights include:

November 1: Brain Health – An Interactive Workshop with the Alzheimer Society of Toronto at Leaside Branch - learn how certain factors may reduce the risk for developing dementia and help maintain brain health.

November 3: keithCHATS: includedOUT ~ excludedIN: a LIVE Documentary & Concert Workshop at Jane/Dundas Branch - explore Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Social Media and the Open Data Movement.

November 13: New Anticancer Treatment: Precision Medicine and Immunotherapy at Northern District Branch - learn about novel therapies such as molecularly targeted agents and immunotherapy.

November 16: Super Science at Bridlewood Branch - attend a spectacular and interactive science presentation including dry ice demonstrations, bubbling potions, chemical reactions, air pressure experiments and much more.

November 29: The Planet Takes Flight at Humber Summit Branch – explore what happens when birds migrate to Ontario.

Can't attend a program or want to read more about the topics covered? Try some of these titles:

North York Central Library's Wookiee

2018-10-01T15:19:20Z

Daniel comes to North York Central Library's Creation Loft several times a week to work on sewing projects. He might mention that he's working on a costume, but it's a piece here, a piece there. So when he offered to bring one of his costumes in the following week, we were altogether unprepared for the massive contractor's box he rolled in, with an assistant in tow!

Some elaborate dressing processes later, Star Wars' favourite Wookiee emerges . . . down to all but the forgotten Chewbacca hands (paws?). Daniel starts with his buckets-with-braces stilts that take him to just over 7 feet tall. Motorcycle padding comes next. It is the full-body wig and mask that had their origins in the Creation Loft that truly Wookify him, however. Attention to detail takes the costume from very fine to true cosplay excellence, such that Daniel estimated he'd need another 150 hours of work transform it to cosplay standard. As it was, Chewie's ammo belt took special machining of the boxes attached, and then a very particular coating to make them catch the light just so. Daniel honed his Shyriiwook too, to be truly convincing.

Photo credit: Joseph Milligan, used with permission

Why, you ask? The story gets better. Daniel belongs to a Star Wars "good guy" cosplay organization called Rebel Legion whose watch-words are "Costuming, Charity, Community." The Rebel Legion shows up in their beautiful, meticulously-crafted costumes at charity events – Sick Kids and Make a Wish among them – and spread joy.

One turn around Central's newly renovated second floor demonstrated the love-sharing phenomenon, with both adults and kids clambering for a photo op. Cheers, Chewie!

Free Science Events in Toronto for October 2018

2018-09-29T21:57:47Z

The Business, Science & Technology Department of North York Central Library compiles a monthly calendar of free science and applied science events in Toronto. Applied science includes health, gardening, pets and food- all subjects found in the department's collection. Here is the October calendar (PDF)

October's highlights include:

October 4: October AstroTour. University of Toronto - peer at the night sky through the department’s balcony and dome telescopes or watch a planetarium show run live by an astronomer.

October 11: Freestyle Social – Up In Smoke. Science Everywhere – play with awesome science experiments, discuss important questions, and meet interesting people.

October 16: Accountable AI Systems - learn about the architecture of intelligent systems, explore the issues and possible solutions to accountability.

October 24: Speaker's Night. Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) – Join RASC for a monthly professional astronomer speaker's night.

The Toronto Public Library also offers many free science and applied science events you can explore below:

October's highlights include:

October 5: Virtual Reality Experience at Albion Library - immerse yourself in the world of virtual reality. Play interactive games or explore vast experiences.

October 12: VR Fundays at Downsview Library - explore the world of Virtual Reality.

October 13: Stress Relief Through Meditation at Don Mills Library - Experience the peace and happiness of meditation. Join an instructor from Meditation Toronto for easy stress relieving stretches followed by deep breathing and a relaxing and rejuvenating meditation session.

October 23: Intro to Gadgetry with Arduinos (14+) at Taylor Memorial Library - Learn how to use an Arduino micro-controller, and how to code with the Arduino development software.

October 25: Let's Talk Science: Angry Bird at Malvern Library - experiment with the physics of projectiles by playing Angry Birds in real life.

Can't attend a program or want to read more about the topics covered? Try some of these titles:

Free Science Events in Toronto for September 2018

2018-08-29T15:50:55Z

The Business, Science & Technology Department of North York Central Library compiles a monthly calendar of free science and applied science events in Toronto. Applied science includes health, gardening, pets and food; all subjects found in the department's collection. Here is the September calendar (PDF).

September's highlights include:

September 6: triOS College. Gaming 101 - bring your gaming ideas to life.

September 23: Downsview Park. Orchard Party 2018 - celebrate the autumn harvest at the Orchard.

September 26: FutureMakers Mega Meetup. RBC FutureMakers - meet with members from the thriving Toronto Tech community and discuss emerging tech topics in AI, cyber security, DevOps, and web development.

The Toronto Public Library also offers many free science and applied science events: