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July 9 9 LIBRARY NEWS (HAHUS-COMING SOOH! Some time this summer you will be seeing big changes in the main hall of the Library. We are going to be reorganizing the area where you check out books. We currently have different locations for checking out, paying fines and returning books and getting a new card. This is very labour- intensive for staff and frustrating for patrons as they are sent from desk to desk. The design of the checkout island has proved to be very uncomfortable for staff and has resulted in some staff injuries. The new computer system, which we will be installing in the next six months, is much more flexible. We will be removing the island to make way for some public catalogue terminals close to the front door. The circulation area will be changed to one large desk with a number of computers that can be used for any of the things staff do for you at the three existing locations. We are working with the architect to make sure we reuse as much of the existing counter as possible. All of the lighting will be moved and reused and we will be doing the wiring we need for the new computer system. We will try to make the changes with as little disruption as possible but this type of work is always messy. Staff will be getting used to new workflow patterns. Please bear with us. We think you will like the end results. REFERENCE SE That time of year â€" allergies. Reference might have the key with its new title Dietary Management of Food Allergies & Intolerances: A Comprehensive Guide, now in its 2"*^ edition, written by medical microbiologist and nutritionist Janice Vickerstaff Joneja and published here in Vancouver. This book, though complex, is presented in a format accessible to the layperson. It begins with definitions and descriptions of various types of allergies and reactions. From here the author takes us through the various food-type sensitivities and reactions with distinct sections for adults and children. Finally, she concludes with therapies and diets for specific conditions. For years I thought pidgin English was a corruption of pigeon, but I could not, for the life of me, understand what it had to do with this bird. However, a brief survey of some reference texts concluded that the term derived from the way English speakers understood the Chinese pronunciation of “business,” probably bidginess or bidgin. Hence, it was the English who corrupted it to pidgin (pigeon). The term was often used in trade and commerce along the coast of China beginning around the 16‘^ century when the Europeans began trade there. Pidgin or “trader’s language” has a greatly reduced vocabulary and simplified grammar, minimized specifically to deal with commercial transactions between people who had no language in common. These languages are not creolised until they have become more established with a larger vocabulary and more fixed grammar. Despite the Chinese origin of the term, the pidgins did not originate in the Far East but likely in Africa and possibly the Caribbean, thus destroying another myth that English was the basis of pidgin. In these cases Spanish and Portuguese compounds might have been prevalent; in fact, the first recorded pidgins were Italian- and French- based between European merchants and traders of the Middle East during the Crusades. WEST VANCOUVER MEMORIAL LIBRARY 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC.V7V 1J8 Tel: (604) 925-7400 Library Hours: (604) 925-7401 Fax: (604) 925-5933 Modem Acc.: 925-7409 URL: WWW wvml.jcslacs.hc ca/slart/ IN THE GALLERY ... “A Surface of Silk,” paintings by Helena Buchan, and “Faces Through an Assortment of Media” by Robert D. Garriock, will be on display July 5 - July 31,1999. Helena works directly on her silk canvases placing lines, shapes, forms, colours and textures to create a flowing design. “My desire is to paint pictures that are beautiful and unique.” Robert has studied Fine Arts for many years. He has worked in oil, pencil and watercolour, and continues to explore mixed medium, favouring watercolour. Reception, artists in attendance, July 5, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Most works are for sale. JULY ... lazy days and carefree outdoor living ... enjoy the summer sun with picnics by the sea or feasts in the park ... take tea on the lawn or dine on the patio ... wherever you tote a picnic basket or however simply or elaborately you may serve at home, your library has just the book to help make summer outdoors a special pleasure. PICNICS AND PATIOS... (641.53 SMI) SMITH, MICHAEL The Afternoon Tea Book The history and folklore of tea along with traditions and social aspects, recipes and how to brew the perfect cup. Charmingly illustrated. (641.578 PIC) PICKFORD, LOUISE Picnics: Outdoor Dining For The Patio. Park And Beach Recipes and photographs of easy-to-prepare interesting dishes suitable for the most casual or elegant outdoor meal. (641.578 RED) REDINGTON, CATHERINE Perfect Picnics By the river or under a tree ... delectable recipes and watercolour illustrations.