The next time you are rushing through the main entrance of the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, turn right and head straight into the book’mark store.  You won’t regret making this detour.  book’mark The Library Store has been set up by the Friends of the Vancouver Public Library to raise funds for library acquisitions in all of the Vancouver Public Library branches. Inside you will find a charming array of specially selected items perfect for anyone from babies to the elderly and everyone in between.  Are you looking for a baby gift or something for a young child?  How about that going away gift for your colleague? Is it your friend’s birthday?  Do you need a stocking stuffer?  Did you forget to buy a card?  The managers of book’mark let us know that many of the products in the store are from local providers. They also try to buy products that are environmentally friendly . You will find products that are promoted for being non toxic, lead and latex free,  hand knit and 100% cotton.   There is an impressive array of desirable items including beautiful jewelry, toys, handmade greeting cards, stationary and gift items for adults, children’s toys and items and educational puzzles.  If you need a gift for a child, don’t miss their Faber and Castell art supply display. You can also find a selection of gently used books to purchase.

We loved the Iwako Japanese stationary products,  the beautiful stuffed toys (some are even hand made), the 3D and animated bookmarks, and the selection of beautiful and reasonably priced cards.

If you plan to come back to the store for a return visit, why not join the Friends of the Public Library so that you can receive a 15% discount?  During the Christmas Just in Time sale the discount is increased to 25%! We should also point out that if your child has a modest budget, there are all kinds of fun items for under $5 or $10.  At a time when family budgets are tight, it’s a pleasure to find a small, sincere store that appeals to all budgets and tastes, and also raises money for a worthy cause.

What do you think about this topic?  You may leave us a comment using the comment function below or by visiting our Facebook page.  We would love to hear from you!

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Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday (10:00 AM – 5:30 PM); Friday – Saturday (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Contact: 350 West Georgia Street,  Vancouver, B.C. V6B 6B1, Tel: 604-331-4040,  Fax: 604-331-4080

Friends of the Public Library book’mark store  web page

Friends of the Public Library membership page

book’mark on Twitter

book’mark on Facebook

September/October 2010 Flyer

Don’t forget that there is an endless array of opportunities for fun and adventure both at the Central Vancouver Public Library and at the individual branches.  Librarians and administrators across the Lower Mainland are working hard to bring literacy events for your family.  Keep an eye on their website and Twitter page, and also join the VPL Facebook page (if you use Facebook) to keep track of the many events.

Have you signed up for your copy of the Under the Chinaberry Tree catalogue?  The catalogue has been around for thirty years – since the days when online shopping was not available.  You must remember those days when it was exciting to receive a catalogue in your mailbox.  The catalogue presents more than 500 fully researched, hand-selected, family-centered books and items for children and adults, including complete reviews and interesting commentary.  You might notice, in particular, the commentary in the catalogue. As a journalist in the Seattle Times noted, the catalogue is full of “descriptions of young children’s books, parenting tips, essays on their experiences as mothers and even a few comfort-food recipes.”   In a recent E-mail, the staff at Chinaberry wrote about the early days of the catalogue.  “When Chinaberry launched its first catalog almost (gasp!) 30 years ago, our message and values attracted a community of people who were decidedly noncomformist. From vegans to homeschoolers, homesteaders to tree-huggers, our customers back then didn’t exactly swim with the mainstream.”

Under the Chinaberry Tree founder Ann Ruethling explains that her original motivation for the catalogue was to give her child “wonderful, uplifting reading experiences that would color her whole life in a positive way and help her to grow into a caring, gentle person”.

If you are interested in children’s literature – or have a child in your life who is in need of an inspiring gift – check out Under the Chinaberry Tree. While you are reading the website, don’t miss the related Dear Friends and Musings pages, and their fabulous weblog for the Chinaberry community.

What do you think about this topic? Let us know by leaving a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!

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Under the Chinaberry Tree: Books and Inspirations for Mindful Parenting