Adults

Please note that this program is now going to be held via Zoom rather than at the Parkgate Branch. Please email Moira at myhillm@nvdpl.ca if you would like the Zoom link.

The ocean encircles the globe, forming the largest interconnected ecosystem on earth. It provides a huge range of services on which we rely; food, energy, transportation, environmental resilience, but also immaterial benefits such as beauty, cultural identity, and recreation that enhance our sense of well-being. The pivotal role of the ocean in stabilizing climate, enabling a just distribution of economic prosperity and allowing for sustainable management and good governance of human activities is recognized in Goal 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that focuses on the Ocean.

The course will provide  a knowledge base that brings to you to the science and fascination of the ocean. Marine scientists have teamed up with economists, lawyers and philosophers to bring you a holistic view of how the ocean functions, how human interactions with the ocean can be understood, and what solutions are available to support both sustainable use and stewardship of our blue planet.

Whether you are looking to upgrade your education, are professionally involved in ocean issues or seek to know more about your local coastline, the fish you eat or the climate that the ocean regulates; we invite you to join us on this voyage of discovery.

You can expect to learn:

• The physics, biology, chemistry and the geology of the ocean
• How human interactions with the ocean impact its resilience
• The rules and regulations governing ocean use and related economics of ocean ecosystems
• Sustainable solution options for natural resource use, habitat protection, fisheries, and coastal systems

This NVDPL program is related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14:

To learn more about the MOOC, visit https://oceanmooc.org/

Want to know more about MOOCs? Attend An Introduction to MOOCs

Registration required. Register online, call 604-929-3727, ext. 8166, or email leev@nvdpl.ca for more information.

Meetings will take place over Zoom.

Looking to start, improve, or join a book club? Head to Book Club Boot Camp to get in tip-top reading shape for the fall, just in time to join us at an upcoming Book Club!

PART 1

• Wednesday, September 8 | 7:00pm-8:30pm
  Register here. 
  OR
• Thursday, September 9 | 10:00am-11:30am
  Click "Register" above to sign-up. 

This session will introduce you to some book club best practices to select books that will inspire conversations, manage member expectations, and explore the world of books. Learn about structuring your time, finding available books, selecting questions for discussion, and more. There is no obligation to participate in Part 2, but if you'd like to meet other like-minded people who may be interested in forming a book club, we encourage you to do so! 

PART 2

• Wednesday, September 15 | 7:00pm-8:30pm for evening meetings
  Register here. 
  OR
• Thursday, September 16 | 10:00am-11:30am for daytime meetings
  Register here. 

This session is a big experiment in match-making to help readers looking for book clubs and book clubs looking for readers. Using Zoom break-out rooms, groups of like-minded folk who may be well-suited to read together will be connected with each other. Participants will be sent a questionnaire in advance to detail their book club or reading interests.