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Welcome to Algonquin Reads!
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Zoe Whittall, award- winning author came to Algonquin College on Friday March 11, 2011, for a reading and an informative question and answer session.
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What is Algonquin Reads? We are building a community of readers at Algonquin College. Each year we pick one book by a Canadian author and encourage the college community to read the book and participate in events surrounding the book. We hope to engage staff, students, faculty and the wider community to read together, discuss ideas and have fun. This year's book This year's book is Zoe Whittall's Holding Still for as long as possible . Click on the link to find out more about it: This year's book How do you choose the book? We have a committee made up of staff, faculty, and students who choose the book for each year. We try to find a book written by a Canadian, or Ottawa author, something that is recently published and available in trade paperback so it is affordable for students to purchase, a book that has literary merit, and a book that is an enjoyable read. Find out more about who are our volunteers by clicking on this link: Our volunteers What is the purpose of Algonquin Reads? Good question! We have a number of reasons. We want to create our own Harry Potter phenomena here at the college. What was so wonderful about Harry Potter? First, it encouraged kids to read that might not normally read, but what was also so wonderful was that their parents were reading it too, and talking to their kids about the book. Similarly, we want students, faculty, college leaders and the wider community to connect, engage, discuss and talk together. The book we choose is a good starting point for that, and it opens up so many more wonderful discussions. These discussions can be in person, or electronically, but the connections created are so valuable. In addition, in today's economy, literacy skills are more important than ever. However studies are showing that people are reading less in general and reading less well, meaing they are comprehending less of what they read. We find this alarming, and are doing our part to keep the love of reading alive! Our activities: Student Contest The Algonquin Reads committee invites Algonquin College students to submit creative or critical pieces inspired by the 2010-2011 Algonquin Reads book, Holding still for as long as possible by Zoe Whittall.
_____________ Books We love
Bookbinding workshop Check out the great pictures from our Bookbinding workshop, held on October 18, 2010.
Some of our activities from last year were: Algonquin Reads Student Writing Contest Two students won cash prizes in our Student writing contest. Kit Cross, a student in the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Program, at the Pembroke campus, won First prize for her story entitled Max. Meagan Whan, a student in the Library and Information Technician Program won Second prize for her story entitled Josie. Thanks to our judging panel who volunteered their time to pick the winners: Executive Dean, Kim Tysick, Faculty of Health, Public Safety and Community Studies, Executive Dean Russell Mills, Faculty of Arts, Media and Design and Sheila Galbraith, Student, Library and Information Technician Program. Author ReadingOn March 8, 2010, Joanne Proulx, author of Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet, came to do a reading and answered questions about the writing process. It was a great session, very engaging, entertaining and informative. Students from a Canadian literature class, Library and Information Technician program, and Professional writing program were in attendance, along with faculty and staff from around the college. Bookbinding WorkshopOn Feb 23, 2010, Algonquin Reads hosted a bookbinding workshop, taught by Mary McIntyre, President of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild – Ottawa Valley Chapter. Participants were students, faculty and staff who wanted to learn something new. Each one left with a beautiful handmade book.
Quilt Raffle winnerCongratulations to Kim Mullen who won the first ever Algonquin Reads quilt, created by Beth Cameron. The winning ticket was drawn in the First Class bookstore on January 27, 2010, by Executive Dean Dave Donaldson. Kim Mullen is shown on the right, with Beth Cameron.
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Spot the Prophet The Ottawa School of Dance did a performance piece around the college to market the Algonqun Reads activities and the book, Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet. It was later made into a You Tube video, which has had over 900 views! See the video here: |
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Winners of Perth's Get Caught Reading
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Used Book SaleThe used book sale was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came out and bought books! A special thank you to the firefighter students (pictured) for their help setting up on both days.
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