Haldimand County Public Library offering Crafternoons, financial wellness workshops, March Break programs and more

Haldimand County Public Library is offering a variety of programs for all ages in the coming weeks. For programs requiring registration, anyone interested may sign up at the library branch where the activity is scheduled.

For pre-school & school-aged children

• In addition to favourites like Books and Blocks, LEGO Club and StoryTimes, the library is pleased to offer a new program, Stay and Play, for kids and their caregivers. Stay and Play sessions feature songs, stories and fingerplays presented by library staff, along with social time for caregivers. Stay and Play sessions take place at Cayuga and Caledonia library branches. Registration is not required but encouraged as spaces are limited.
• All library branches are hosting fun, creative & educational activities throughout March Break! Kids will enjoy making crafts, playing games, listening to stories and meeting new friends.  Registration for all March Break programs opens Monday, February 10, 2025 and may be completed in-person at the library. Program fees range from $0 to $4.
• Paws to Read is once again being offered at most branches in partnership with Therapeutic Paws of Canada. This 4-week long program is designed to help children who would benefit from extra practice with their reading. Each week, a trained therapy dog provides children with non-judgmental, undivided attention while children read aloud, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. This program is free and registration must be completed in-person at the library branch. Parents are encouraged to register early as spots fill quickly.

For teens

• Teens aged 13 to 17 are invited to the Caledonia branch for a free Journaling for Teens workshop on Thursday February 20th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Participants will learn how to get started journaling, tips and techniques, how to overcome writer’s block and how to express themselves in a new, authentic and rewarding way. Everyone is welcome, whether novice or experienced. Registration may be completed in-person at the Caledonia branch or by phone. Participation is free but attendees  are asked to bring their own pen and notebook/journal.
• Youth aged 11-17 are invited to join the Caledonia Library’s Dungeons and Dragons group on Sunday afternoons from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome, from beginners who have never heard of the game to devout fans who have played countless times. There is no cost to participate, however, registration is required and may be completed in-person at the Caledonia branch or by phone.

For adults

• One of the library’s most popular programs, Crafternoons, is back for 2025. Each month, creatives and art-lovers will create whimsical creations and connect with others who enjoy making things. February’s craft is a ‘Melted Wooden Snowman’ and March’s is a ‘No-Sew Bunny’. Crafternoons are offered at all library branches and the cost to participate is $2. Registration is required and can be completed in-person at the  library branch. Please note that this is an adults only activity.
• The Friends of the Caledonia Library are welcoming adult members of the community to participate in their Silent Book Club on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. A Silent Book Club has no assigned readings or pressure to complete a book by a certain date. Instead, participants bring their own book or borrow one from the library, chat with others before the meeting and silently read their book of choice for an hour. Afterwards, members are welcome to stay and enjoy some relaxing, social time  by the library fireplace.
• The library is hosting a number of free financial information sessions and workshops specially curated for individuals, families and seniors looking to enhance their knowledge of federal programs and services. Representatives from Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency will be presenting the following sessions: the Canadian Dental Care Plan, Benefits for Families with the CRA, Programs for Newcomers and Temporary Foreign Workers, Pension Perspectives and Be Scam-Smart. Registration is not necessary. For a list of the dates, times and locations for each of these information sessions please visit your local library branch or look on the library website.
• Service Canada representatives will be on-site at library branches on various days through February and March offering free drop-in clinics where individuals can get 1-on-1 assistance applying for or accessing Service Canada programs and benefits. Individuals may view the drop-in schedule at www.haldimandlibrary.ca and simply choose a date that works for them. Participants should bring photo I.D. and know their Social Insurance Number in order to gain access to their Service Canada file.

For more details regarding these or other library programs and services, please visit your local Haldimand County Public Library branch or www.haldimandlibrary.ca.