With the new year comes a slew of new Halton Hills Public Library programs for all ages.
Some of the programs are returning after a long hiatus, others are a merger between two favourites and most are completely new. A few are even vital to one’s quality of life.
For everyone
Managing Plastics in our Environment, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m.: Renowned environmentalist Sue Carson of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) will host a virtual lecture on how to reduce plastic use.
Carson will discuss how she reduced plastic waste in both her personal and professional life.
Environmentally-minded people who want to hear Carson speak can register with the library. Participants will then receive a Zoom link on the day of the lecture before 4 p.m.
Adults
Introduction to Cognitive Care Kits, Jan. 17 at 1:30 p.m.: January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and the HHPL is doing its part. Cognitive Care Kits help support the skills and abilities of people living with a cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or Huntington’s disease.
The kits contains an assortment of prepared games, puzzles, creative activities and books that are geared to exercise the mind, retain skills and encourage social engagement.
Those interested in learning more can register for the program at the Georgetown branch on the library’s website.
Alzheimer Society Social Café, Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m.: Caring for a loved one with cognitive decline can be a lonely and taxing experience. The library will be hosting a type of mix-and-mingle for those who want to share their experiences as care providers. The loved one they are caring for can come too.
“Socialization helps retain memories and helps maintain cognitive strength,” said HHPL marketing and communications specialist Dennis Roberts. “The care partner is going through a lot, too. So if they can speak with other people in the same situation, to give them hope, to give them that renewed energy and renewed strength and assistance in helping this individual, that helps to boost them.”
The social cafe at the Georgetown branch is a drop-in program, so no registration is required. However, the library asks that you call the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton Halton in advance to let them know you're coming. They can be reached at 289-837-2310, ext. 310.
Raising the Next Gen: Support for Modern Parents - Every Child Ready to Read, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.: Children's Services Librarian Dani Austin will be giving parents all the information they need about developing critical early literacy skills.
Attendees of the program at the Georgetown branch will learn how to use singing, talking, reading, writing and playing to nurture early literacy skills for young children.
Students
Study Skills Workshop, Jan 21 at 3 p.m.: It's not enough to study to learn a new skill. Studying is itself a skill and not everyone is good at it. Fortunately for those people, the HHPL can help them master even the most mundane discipline.
Participants will learn how to study and what to study. This workshop can go a long way to alleviate some of the dread caused by exams.
It's a drop-in program at the Georgetown branch, so no registration is necessary. Food and drinks will be provided. The program is geared towards high schoolers, but Roberts said middle school students will not be turned away.
Anime Club, Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m.: If you're looking to decompress after school, take part in the newly introduced Anime Club. Halton Hills’ anime enthusiasts can find other like-minded people to watch movies and shows, discuss manga and culture.
The club debuts on Jan. 24 at the Georgetown Branch and will carry on every fourth Tuesday per month thereafter.
Those interested should register on the library website.
Therapy Dogs Exam Cram, Jan. 24 and 25 from 5 to 6 p.m.: The exam cram is a popular staple of the HHPL. The local facility has also brought in therapy dogs to delight visitors in the past. For the first time, library staff will combine the two to help exam crammers de-stress while they study.
St. John’s Ambulance therapy dogs will be at the Acton branch on Jan. 24 between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. and at Georgetown the day after at the same time. No need to register.
