Upcoming winter programs at Haldimand County Public Library
Haldimand County Public Library has an exciting lineup of programs this winter for residents of all ages, including a children’s reading program, a youth babysitter course, and adult craft sessions. For more information on library programming, contact a local branch or visit www.haldimandlibrary.ca.
Paws to Read
In partnership with Therapeutic Paws of Canada, the Library is offering an exciting literacy program designed to help children who would benefit from extra practice with their reading. Registered children come to the library each week at a pre-scheduled time and read to a certified team of dog and handler.
Children are encouraged to pick a book or books they enjoy or think the dog will enjoy and spend their 15-minute session reading to the specially-trained dog. Paws to Read dogs provide undivided attention to the children increasing a child’s confidence and boosting self-esteem in those who struggle to read aloud.
The program will be available at the Caledonia, Cayuga and Jarvis branches. Sessions run over four weeks and must be at the same time each week. Registration is required and space is limited. Interested participants can call the branch they wish to participate at or register in person. For more information, visit the library’s website.
Crafternoons 2024
Registration is now open at the Jarvis, Cayuga, Hagersville, Dunnville and Caledonia branches for Crafternoons – an adult-only crafting program during which participants are shown how to make a pre-selected craft. The program runs from 1-2 p.m. and all materials are provided unless stated otherwise. The cost to participate is $2. Registration is required and can be done at the library branches.
The February Crafternoon sessions will be making cuddly Valentine’s Day creatures. For more information, visit the Crafternoons page on the Library website.
February session dates:
- Jarvis branch – Tues., Feb. 15
- Caledonia branch – Tues., Feb. 20
- Hagersville branch – Wed., Feb. 21
- Dunnville branch – Thurs., Feb. 22
- Cayuga – Fri., Feb. 23
2024 Red Cross Babysitting courses
Beginning February 1, Haldimand County youth aged 11-17 can register for March Break babysitting courses at the Cayuga and Dunnville library branches. The Red Cross course will run over two days from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Participants are required to attend both days and demonstrate a responsible and mature attitude to receive their certificate.
The cost of the course is $40 per person and registration must be completed in person at the library branch. Each course is limited to 12 people to ensure student safety and success.
The 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.
March Break session dates:
- Cayuga branch – Monday, Mar. 11 and Tuesday, Mar 12, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Dunnville branch – Thursday, Mar. 14 and Friday, Mar. 15, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Summer courses will also be offered with registration beginning on May 1. For more information, contact your local branch.