Life can feel like an endless uphill battle for families in the titular Toronto neighbourhood where addiction, poverty and job insecurity are common. Bing, Sylvie and Laura are three young children variously dealing with abuse and neglect, mental illness and precarious housing. But the friendship and stability formed through their participation in a local drop-in reading programme stands in contrast to the various struggles they experience in a system destined to fail them.

Co-directors Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson’s documentary-like shooting style captures Scarborough and its residents with sensitive attention to detail that celebrates the bonds formed amid their diverse struggles. Adapted for the screen by Catherine Hernandez from her own hit novel, Scarborough is a profoundly humane and authentic portrait of a community, and the resilience of young people coming of age on the margins.   

2021. 136 min. 14A.

TBased on the true story behind author A.A. Milne's beloved character, Winnie the Pooh, this is a tale of the remarkable friendship between a Canadian soldier and the cub that stood as a symbol of friendship and hope in a world plagued by war.

It was during the early days of World War I that veterinarian Lieutenant Harry Colebourn (Michael Fassbinder) purchased a small bear cub and named her Winnie after his hometown of Winnipeg. As the specter of war looms heavy in the conscience of the citizens and children of London, Winnie becomes the star attraction at the zoo. When a man named A.A. Milne brings his young son to visit the zoo, the story of the bear and her friendship with a far away soldier inspires him to create one of the most beloved characters in the history of children's literature.

2004. 90 min. Not Rated (family-friendly). English.

Each month we'll feature a new spice and make it available in a small FREE take-home kit, which will include:

a small sample of the spice, a brief history of the spice, recipes, and links to our library databases.

Then join us for a Spice Club Chat!  We will be hosting an in branch chat every other month to discuss the spices, and to share your opinions, experiences and love (or not) of those spices.

Spice kits will be available for pick up on the 1st Thursday of the Month.  

Registration is required.

Join us to discuss books from the science fiction and fantasy genres each month.  All are welcome.  Registrants are responsible for securing a copy of the book to read or listen to.

This month's book is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. 

Please register one spot for each adult in attendance. Each registrant must have their own individual Library card in order to register. If you need a Library card get one here: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/getacard