Book Banter at the Hazeldean Branch

I have been a Library card holder since my family moved to Kanata in 1987. My children grew up with weekly visits to the Library for books. My children are now grown and have moved away; but, they still hold a deep love of reading due in part to their Ottawa Public Library experiences. The Ottawa Library continues to be an integral part of my life and the Kanata community.

I have been a member of the Hazeldean Branch Book Banter for 20+ years. For the last 17 years I have been the Book Banter facilitator. We are a lively, inclusive bunch! Over the last 20 years we have had members ranging in age from early 20's to 80's. We are meeting as one in our love of reading. Currently we have a loyal membership of 14 members. If a member cannot make the meeting in person, then they email their notes on the book to be shared at the meeting. We collectively choose our reading list by gathering suggestions from the BB members. The meeting before the summer break we choose together what will make up the reading list for the next season. The important factor is that the books chosen are available through the Ottawa Library system and that there are enough copies to accommodate our BB membership. Books chosen are fiction, non-fiction, mystery, Canadian -- we are also mindful of choosing books that concur with Remembrance Day and Black History Month. The Hazeldean branch staff have been very supportive especially the Librarian Wendy Au. We have, at times over the years. had to meet elsewhere during renovations at the Branch (arranged by Ottawa Library staff). Also we all had to deal with Covid shutdown restrictions. The Hazeldean Book Banter continued meeting over Zoom. Through it all the BB (loyal) members kept coming to the meetings. I'm happy to be part of the Library family.