Card Stamping Workshops at Haldimand County Public Library

Jump into summer and spread some cheer by creating your very own greeting cards at the Haldimand County Public Library.

Join Annette Ball from Stampin With the Bee’s to make three beautiful cards to send to your family and friends. All supplies will be provided. The cost of the program is $10 with all proceeds being donated to the library.

Workshops are scheduled as follows:

Jarvis Branch: Monday, July 17 at 6 p.m.
Cayuga Branch: Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m.
Hagersville Branch: Wednesday, July 19 at 6 p.m.

Registration is required. To register, visit any library branch or call 289-674-0400.

For more information on the Card Stamping Workshops, visit HaldimandLibrary.ca, email kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call your local branch at 289-674-0400.

For anyone who’s ever wanted to try their hand at Dungeons & Dragons, the Haldimand County Public Library is bringing the popular role-playing game to their Dunnville branch.

This summer, youth aged 14-17 can sign up to learn the basics of Dungeons & Dragons from an experienced Dungeon Master who will lead participants through an adventure deep into the Lost Mines of Phandelver and assist with campaigns.

Campaigns will run on July 8th and August 5th from 1:30pm -4:30pm.

There is no cost to participate and no experience is necessary. Registration is required and spaces are limited. Please call or visit the Dunnville Branch to register 289-674-0400 ext. 3.

Starting Monday, June 19, registration for Haldimand County Public Library’s summer programs opens at all six Haldimand Library branches. This year’s theme is “Check it Out!” and offers the chance for children to explore through themed parties, Storytimes, crafts and more.

The programs are open to children aged 3-12, with in-person registration required. Program dates, times and costs are available at local branches and will be available on the library’s website in early June.

In addition to registered programs, the Library is also offering free summer reading clubs for children and teens. Children aged 12 and under can participate in the Junior Reading Club while teens 13-18 can sign up for the Teen Summer Reading Club.

Participants in both clubs will receive a ballot for every print or digital library book they read throughout the summer, entering them into draws for a chance to win cash and other prizes. Draw dates for these prizes can be found at each branch.

Along with the cash prize draws, Junior Reading Club participants will also get to choose a special prize from the library treasure chest for every 15 library books they read.

The library will also be hosting a special children’s event, Club Rex! This hands-on presentation will teach children about dinosaurs, other prehistoric creatures and the world they lived in. A Club Rex! session will take place this summer at all Haldimand County Public Library branches. This is a free program, open to everyone. Times and locations can be found at your local library branch or on the library website. Registration is required and parents or guardians are asked to stay in the library.

For more information on summer programs and clubs, visit your local Haldimand County Public Library branch or check out the library website www.haldimandlibrary.ca.

Upcoming programs at Haldimand County Public Library

Check out the exciting programs Haldimand County Public Library has coming up  in June.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) / Old Age Security (OAS) Benefits and My Service Canada Account Workshop

Haldimand County Public Library has partnered with Service Canada to offer an informative, in-person workshop about the Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits. Information includes topics such as eligibility requirements, how to calculate your payment, how to apply, when to apply, survivors’ benefits, child benefits, and more. This workshop will be held at the Dunnville Branch on Tuesday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m.

At the end of this workshop, a Service Canada representative will answer questions about the My Service Canada Account. Please note that anyone wishing to obtain a Personal Access Code (PAC) to access their My Service Canada Account (MSCA) that day will need to know their SIN and have photo ID.

Climate change presentation

Join representatives from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) at the Dunnville branch on Thursday, June 8 at 1 p.m. as they share information about climate change, its local impact, and what is being done to protect our local watershed.

Registration is not required, but is preferred. Register in person at the Dunnville Branch or by phone at 289-674-0400 ext. 3.

One Book One Haldimand 2023 selection now available

Join fellow Haldimand County readers by participating in this year’s One Book One Haldimand!

One Book One Haldimand is an annual, community-wide reading program which encourages individuals across Haldimand County to read a selected Canadian title and join the author and other community members for an evening of exciting discussion.

This year’s selection is Copperhead Road, written by local Haldimand author Brad Smith.

Copies of Copperhead Road are available at your local Haldimand County Library branch in print format and from the library’s CloudLibrary and Libby digital services in e-book and e-audio formats. Call 289-674-0400 to reserve a copy.

Author Brad Smith will be visiting the Dunnville Branch of the Haldimand County Public library on Thursday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m. for a short reading and Q&A facilitated by library staff. Everyone is welcome. Library membership is not necessary to join the discussion.

For further information on library programming, please contact Katrina Krupicz, Community Outreach/Inreach Coordinator, Haldimand County Public Library at 905-318-5932 ext. 6552,  or by email at kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

The Haldimand County Public Library would like to thank everyone who submitted a poem to its 10th Annual April Poetry Contest. This year’s contest was a tremendous success with submissions received from individuals across the County.

This year’s theme—Kindness—encouraged entrants to express through poetry how kindness, or goodwill, empathy, tolerance, helpfulness and philanthropy has impacted them, their community, or how they approach the world.

An awards ceremony and poetry reading will be held at the Caledonia Branch on Wednesday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. All members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Library would like to extend a special thank you to their local sponsors, whose generous donations helped make this contest possible: The Selkirk Lions, The Caledonia Lions, The Women’s Institute-Haldimand District, and The Friends of the Dunnville Library.

2023 Winners

Primary (Kindergarten – Grade 3)

1st – Freya J.
2nd – Gemma M.
3rd – Makhai L.

Junior (Grade 4 – Gr. 6)

1st – Rocco C.
2nd – Faryn L.
3rd – Griffin H.

Intermediate (Grade 7 – Grade 10)

1st – Madelyn M.

Senior (Grade 11 – Grade 12)

1st, 2nd & 3rd – Anna D.

Adult (18+)

1st – Odeyne W.
2nd – Ulrike B.
3rd – Deborah B.

Haldimand County Public Library has something for everyone with three exciting upcoming programs this May.

Spring card-stamping workshop

Hosted by Annette Ball from Stampin With the Bee’s, attendees of this program will make three beautiful spring cards to send to loved ones. The registration fee is $10 and can be done at any library branch or by calling (289) 674-0400. See the schedule of workshops below.

• Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m., Jarvis Branch
• Tuesday, May 2 at 6 p.m., Cayuga Branch
• Wednesday, May 3 at 6 p.m., Hagersville Branch

Hagersville Branch Knitting Club

The Hagersville Branch of the Haldimand County Public Library invites anyone interested in knitting or crocheting to participate in a fun, relaxing weekly social club. The Knitting Club will run every Thursday, beginning May 4, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Attendees are asked to bring their current project and/or supplies and share in the hobby of knitting, crocheting or other yarn crafts with fellow yarn enthusiasts. The club is open to everyone, regardless of skill level. No registration is required.

Resume finessing workshop

In partnership with Nichole Morgan, a professional career coach with over five years of experience in Human Resources and Recruitment, the Library is offering a free resume-finessing workshop to help individuals perfect their resumes.

The course will teach adults how to craft an interview-securing resume and present a favourable first impression.⁠ Participants will learn how to:

• Align relevant skills and experience with the employer’s needs⁠
• Communicate one’s career story and update one’s qualifications
• Identify top accomplishments⁠
• Tailor a resume to the position sought
• Properly format a resume
• Address employment gaps (if any)⁠

The workshop will be offered to all adults at the Caledonia Branch on May 10 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required and can be done in the branch or by phone at (289) 678-0400, ext. 1. All participants are asked to bring a copy of their current resume.

Haldimand County Public Library invites residents of all ages to get creative and participate in its 10th annual poetry contest, to be held throughout the month of April.

This year’s theme is Kindness. The Library encourages entrants to express through poetry how kindness, or good will, empathy, tolerance, helpfulness and philanthropy has impacted them, their community, or how they approach the world.

Entry forms and a full list of rules and submission details can be found on the library’s website or at any library branch. Submissions can be made in person at any branch or can be submitted online.

Submissions will be accepted during the month of April and entered to win cash prizes in one of the following categories:

• Primary – Kindergarten to Gr. 3
• Junior – Gr. 4 to Gr. 6
• Intermediate – Gr. 7 to Gr. 10
• Senior – Gr. 11 – 12
• Adult – age 18+

Judging will take place at the beginning of May by a library-chosen panel. First, second and third-place prizes will be awarded in each category. First prize will receive $50, second prize will receive $35 and third prize will receive $20. Winners will be announced in mid-May with an awards ceremony to follow.

Individuals with further questions about the 10th Annual April Poetry Contest may call or visit their local library branch. Branch hours and contact numbers can be found on Haldimand County Public Library website.

The Haldimand County Public Library is hosting activities at all branches over March Break. Participants can take part in craft sessions, Storytimes, LEGO clubs and parties. Registration is required and can be done at any branch.  For more information, please call 289-674-0400 or visit your local branch.

Cayuga Branch

• Piggy Tissue Box Craft – Thursday, Mar. 16, 1-2 p.m., $2 (Ages 5+)
• Spring Bird Storytime – Friday, Mar. 17, 11-11:45 a.m., $1 (Ages 3+)

Hagersville Branch

• Let’s Welcome Spring Storytime – Wednesday, Mar. 15, 10:30-11:15 a.m., $1 (Ages 3+)
• Piggy Bank Craft – Thursday, Mar. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m., $2 (Ages 5+)

Selkirk Branch

• For the Birds Party – Monday, Mar, 13, 2-4 p.m., $4 (Ages 3+)
• Let’s Welcome Spring Storytime – Tuesday, Mar. 14, 11-11:45 a.m., $1 (Ages 3+)
• LEGO Club – Saturday, Mar. 18, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., FREE (Ages 3+)

Dunnville Branch

• Piggy Bank Craft – Monday, Mar. 13, 10:45-11:15 a.m., $2 (Ages 3+)
• Juggling Ball Make and Learn – Monday, Mar. 13, 12:30-1:15 p.m., $2 (Ages 7+)
• For the Birds Party – Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2-4 p.m., $4 (Ages 3+)
• Let’s Welcome Spring Storytime – Friday, Mar. 17, 11-11:45 a.m., $1 (Ages 3+)
• LEGO Boat Races – Friday, Mar. 17, 2:30-4 p.m., FREE (Ages 6+)

Jarvis Branch

• Let’s Welcome Spring Storytime – Monday, Mar. 13, 1-1:45 p.m., $1 (Ages 3+)
• Piggy Bank Craft – Thursday, Mar. 16, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., $2 (Ages 5+)
• For the Birds Party – Thursday, March 16th, 2-4 p.m., $4 (Ages 5+)

Caledonia Branch

• LEGO Club – Monday, Mar. 13, 2-3 p.m., FREE (Ages 3+)
• Let’s Welcome to Spring Storytime – Wednesday, Mar. 15, 10:30-11:45 a.m., $1 (Ages 3+)
• For the Birds Party – Friday, Mar. 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $4 (Ages 3+)

The Haldimand County Public Library has some exciting programs coming up for the community.

For further information on library programming, please contact Katrina Krupicz, Community Outreach/Inreach Coordinator, Haldimand County Public Library at 905-318-5932 ext. 6552,  or by email at kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Author visit with Lisa Sherk

Local author Lisa Sherk will be at the Dunnville branch of the Haldimand County Public Library on Thursday, Mar. 2 at 6 p.m. to share her first book of poetry entitled The Looking Glass: Glimpses of Life Through Poetry. Featuring rhyming and free verse poetry, The Looking Glass explores the themes of grief, loss, spirituality, and connectivity. No registration is required.

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

In partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency, the Library is offering free income tax filing services by trained volunteers as part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. This tax program will be offered by drop-off only, at the Caledonia, Jarvis, Cayuga, Hagersville, and Selkirk branches. The free tax clinics will run from March 1 to April 14, 2023.

To be eligible for this free tax filing service, participants must be:

• Single, with an annual income of $30,000 or less;
• Married couple, with a combined annual income of $40,000 or less;
• Single adult with dependents, with an annual income of $35,000 or less (plus an additional $2,500 per dependent);
• Individual with less than $1,000 investment income.

Once participants drop off materials and complete the necessary forms, all materials will be delivered to a volunteer by library staff. Upon completion of the tax files, participants will be called back to the library to pick up their completed forms. If any questions should arise during the process, a volunteer will contact participants by phone.

Red Cross babysitting course

Registration is now open for the Red Cross Babysitting course offered by the Haldimand County Public Library. Open to youth aged 11 to 17, the course will be offered at all local branches and will run over two or five days depending on the format.

The cost of the course is $40 per person and registration must be completed in person at the library branch. The maximum number of participants in each course is 12 to best ensure student safety and success. Participants will be required to attend all sessions at the branch and demonstrate a responsible and mature attitude in order to receive their certificate of completion.

The dates, times and locations of the upcoming, in-person babysitting courses are:

• Dunnville Branch – May 8-12, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. (five-day course)
• Caledonia Branch – June 19-May 23, 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. (five-day course)
• Selkirk Branch – July 10-11, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (two-day course)
• Jarvis Branch – July 20-21, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (two-day course)
• Hagersville Branch – August 10-11, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (two-day course)
• Cayuga Branch – August 14-15, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (two-day course)

The Red Cross Babysitting course is a nationally recognized program and is designed to help participants develop self-assurance, knowledge and skills required not only for babysitting duties but also when at home. Topics covered in the course include caring for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children as well as creating safe environments and how to handle emergencies.

Visit www.haldimandlibrary.com or connect on Facebook for information on branches, programs, and collections.