Canton Public Library

Beginning or Intermediate English Language Learners are invited to read together and discuss short articles, etc., in English with a tutor. Currently, we're meeting at 1pm on Fridays. Please see the English Language Learner Program page for more information, and sign up to get the Zoom link here.

Upcoming sessions

Friday, September 25 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

Friday, October 2 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

Friday, October 9 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

Friday, October 16 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

Friday, October 23 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

Friday, October 30 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

Friday, November 6 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

Friday, November 13 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

Friday, November 20 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM — Offsite

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Critique or Compliment

June 15, 2020 | Library Soup

Reading book reviews are a great way to find new titles to read, but have you ever considered writing them yourself? Sharing your critiques and compliments of books are a great way to help others evaluate whether they’re worth reading or not. Glowing reviews also help great books that just don’t happen to have a lot of marketing going into their publications, get more attention.

Anyone can write a book review, but there is an art to writing a good one that really tells others if a book is a good fit for them. Good book reviews are not too long, but at the same time get at what struck you most about the book. Book review readers want to know more than that you enjoyed it and would recommend it. You want to summarise the main themes of the book and pick out what you thought stood out to you the most (and whether it was good or bad). Compare it to other similar books.

Get some more ideas on how to format your book reviews here:

BOOK RIOT's "How to Write a Book Review"

Grammarly's "How to Write a Book Review"

What are some places you can share your book reviews?

The most common book review websites are Amazon.com and Goodreads.com, but who says you have to only leave your book reviews on sites people go to looking for reviews? Why not post them on Facebook or Instagram and see what your friends think? Maybe they’ll have some book review ideas to give back to you!

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READ: Visit a Little Free Library

June 12, 2020 | Library Soup

Many people love the library because they not only enjoy books, but they love the exchange of books. It’s about more than just saving money. It’s also about sharing stories and information that anyone can benefit from and the serendipity of encountering a title you didn’t know you wanted to read until you happened to stumble upon it. You can get the same feelings of community and literary chance when you stumble upon a Little Free Library as well!

Little Free Libraries are outdoor public bookcases that homeowners and organizations like to put up to facilitate this kind of sharing. There is an official website where you can order a Little Free Library for your neighborhood and a map where you can find the Little Free Libraries in our community. For crafty folks, there are also plans you can follow to build your own Free Little Library from scratch..

Visiting a Free Little Library is always fun because you never know what you’re going to find! Drop off a book you no longer need and think someone else may enjoy, and pick up something new and unexpected!

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READ: Bookish Podcasts

June 12, 2020 | Library Soup

If you like talking about books, have you considered checking out book podcasts? These serial audio programs are a great way to get book recommendations and find out what’s new (or under-appreciated) in your favorite genres. Book podcasts are also a great way to spend time immersed in literary contemplation while you multi-task. Here are some to get you started:

What Should I Read Next?

This is a question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point and this podcasts helps listeners pick their next read.

SFF Yeah!

This is a great podcast for people who love science fiction and fantasy fiction.

Read or Dead

There are many underappreciated mysteries and thrillers out there and this podcast unearths them for your reading pleasure.

Hey YA!

Young Adult fiction isn’t just for teens and this one shows you just how broad and fun this genre can be for everyone.

Getting Into Comics

Learn more about the world of comic books and find out which ones may be right for you.

When in Romance

This biweekly show is dedicated to romance novel news, gushing, and book recommendations.

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READ: Get a Reading Buddy

June 12, 2020 | Library Soup

It’s been well established that children benefit from being read to by the adults in their lives. It helps them build stronger vocabularies, increase attention span, improves cognition, and it promotes bonding. Brain scans have shown that hearing stories strengthens the part of the brain associated with visual imagery, story comprehension, and word meaning.

Once children become fluid readers, they can still benefit from being read to regularly, but they can also gain from doing the reading aloud themselves. It’s a wonderful activity to read with a parent, but why just leave it there? Sharing a story with someone is a great way to stay connected and get your reading practice in.

Who are some other people kids can read to?

Grandparents

Friends

Siblings

Pets

What should you read though? Some books work better than others read out loud, but for kids reading something they’re already familiar with will give them a reading confidence boost. They’ll also enjoy reading books that they’ve already had read to them.

And if you’re looking for ideas, here are Scholastic’s 100 Best Read-Aloud Books.

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ELL Conversation Groups

Adults

Education

Library Soup

Practice speaking English in an informal setting with Community Literacy Council volunteers online. Currently, we're meeting every Friday at 10am on Zoom, and breaking out to smaller Zoom tables. Please see the English Language Learner Program FAQ for more information, and sign up to get the Zoom link here.

Upcoming sessions

Friday, September 25 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

Friday, October 2 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

Friday, October 9 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

Friday, October 16 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

Friday, October 23 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

Friday, October 30 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

Friday, November 6 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

Friday, November 13 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

Friday, November 20 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM — Offsite

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Adult Writers' Group

Adults

Library Soup

The Canton Adult Writers’ Group is for aspiring and experienced writers of all genres. We meet twice a month virtually (second and fourth Tuesdays at 7pm) to discuss our works in progress, give each other constructive feedback, and discuss the ins and outs of the writing and publishing process. If you’re looking for motivation to make writing a regular habit, come join us! Email Kristy at cooperk@cantonpl.org for information on how to join us virtually.

Upcoming sessions

Tuesday, September 22 - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Tuesday, October 13 - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM — Offsite

Tuesday, October 27 - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM — Offsite

Tuesday, November 10 - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM — Offsite

Tuesday, November 24 - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM — Offsite

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Advanced ELL Book Club

Adults

Book discussion

Library Soup

Advanced English Language Learners read and discuss books in English virtually. Currently, we're meeting at 1pm on Fridays. Please see the English Language Learner Program page for more information, and sign up to get the Zoom link here.