This article has been updated to reflect that the Jan. 10 lecture is now sold out.
The Halton Hills Public Library (HHPL) is helping patrons start the new year with some learning.
Between January and April, the library will be putting on five lectures, with subjects ranging from history to environmentalism and adventure.
All except one of the presentations will take place at the John Elliot Theatre. Free tickets can be acquired on its website.
Halton Hills: The Sum of its Parts - Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. (sold out)
In 1974, Acton, Georgetown, the local hamlets and countryside were married together to birth Halton Hills. Local historian Mark Rowe will be helping residents celebrate the half-century anniversary of their municipality with a lecture.
The same evening, Mayor Ann Lawlor will host a New Year's levee in the Cultural Centre (9 Church St.) to launch the anniversary celebrations at 6:30 p.m.
All are welcome to attend the levee portion of the event, however tickets for the lecture have been sold out. The Town says lecture seats may become available on the evening of the event, with attending ticket holders receiving first right of refusal.
A Story of Black History Told Through Art with Francesca Durham - Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
The education on our past will continue during Black History Month. Francesca Durham of the Halton Black History Awareness Society will be helping spotlight Black artists. In 2023, the Helson Gallery hosted the sixth annual Emancipation Art Exhibit, which celebrated Black art and artists. She will be relating how the exhibit exposed the world to their expressions of experiences.
The lecture will be on Zoom. People wishing to take part can register here.
Personal Awareness and Safety Tips with Nichelle Laus - March 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Empowerment through safety is the name of the game for Nichelle Laus. The former cop's goal at her lecture is to equip people with strategies that will help them take control of their own safety.
Bird-Friendly Communities with Brendon Samuels - March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Brendon Samuels is the bird guy in London, Ont. He's a PhD candidate at the University of Western Ontario. He works in the school's Advanced Facility for Avian Research, where he's coming up with ways to prevent bird window strikes.
Halton Hills was certified as a Bird-Friendly City in 2022 by Nature Canada, making it the 14th municipality to receive the honour. This was due to the Town's commitment to make the area safe for birds. Samuels' helpful tips will no doubt further this goal.
Journey North with John Dunn - April 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Adventurer and wilderness photographer John Dunn plans to take attendees of his talk along for a journey. He will be regaling his audience with stories and photos from his epic 400-day, 8,000-km trek from British Columbia to the northernmost tip of Canada.
