GVPL Program Guide | Winter 16/17

December 2016 through February 2017

Library programs for kids, teens and adults

Kids Baby Time For babies 0-15 months and caregiver. Learn songs, rhymes and fingerplays to use with your baby every day. Drop-in.

Mondays, January 16-May 15, 10:30-11:00 am Central Branch Oak Bay Branch Tuesdays, January 17-May 16, 10:30-11:00 am Juan de Fuca Branch Wednesdays, February 1-22, 11:00-11:30 am Goudy Branch Wednesdays, January 18-May 17, 11:30 am-12:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch Thursdays, January 19-May 18, 11:30 am-12:00 pm Saanich Centennial Branch Fridays, January 20-May 19, 10:30-11:00 am Esquimalt Branch Fridays, January 20-May 19, 11:30 am-12:00 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch

Toddler Time For toddlers 16-35 months and caregiver. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and puppets, chosen with care for your terrific toddlers. Drop-in.

Thursdays, January 19-May 18, 10:30-11:00 am Central Branch

Family Storytime For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes and puppets. Drop-in.

Mondays, January 16-May 15, 10:30-11:00 am Langford Heritage Branch Nellie McClung Branch Tuesdays, January 17-May 16, 10:30-11:00 am Oak Bay Branch Saanich Centennial Branch Wednesdays, January 18-May 17, 10:30-11:00 am Central Saanich Branch Esquimalt Branch Thursdays, February 2-23, 9:30-10:00 am Emily Carr Branch Thursdays, January 19-May 18, 10:30-11:00 am Bruce Hutchison Branch Juan de Fuca Branch

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Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

Fridays, January 20-May 19, 10:30-11:00 am Central Branch Juan de Fuca Branch Oak Bay Branch Saturdays, January 21-May 20, 11:00-11:30 am Saanich Centennial Branch

Christmas Storytime For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Ho, Ho, Ho! Enjoy a festive storytime, craft and tasty holiday treat. Drop-in.

December 7, 10:30-11:30 am Central Saanich Branch December 8, 10:30-11:30 am Bruce Hutchison Branch Juan de Fuca Branch December 9, 10:30-11:30 am Juan de Fuca Branch Nellie McClung Branch December 10, 11:00 am-12:00 pm Saanich Centennial Branch

Wonderful Wintry Weather For ages 3-5. Celebrate wintry weather with tales of snow and forest friends. Enjoy songs, rhymes and a paper craft. Registered.

December 13, 10:30-11:30 am Oak Bay Branch December 15, 10:30-11:30 am Esquimalt Branch December 17, 10:30-11:30 am Central Branch

Christmas Crafts Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. ‘Tis the season of sparkle and trim. Make holiday-themed crafts and spread your Christmas spirit. Supplies provided. Drop-in.

December 16, 10:30-11:30 am Esquimalt Branch

Giggles and Wiggles For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Little listeners with extra energy will enjoy action-filled stories, songs and rhymes followed by free play and stations. Drop-in.

January 19 and February 16, 10:30-11:00 am Nellie McClung Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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January 25 and February 22, 10:30-11:00 am Juan de Fuca Branch

Lego at the Library For ages 7-10. Listen to stories and have fun with the library’s Lego.

Registered.

January 19, 3:30-4:30 pm Esquimalt Branch February 17, 3:30-4:30 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch February 24, 11:00 am-12:00 pm Saanich Centennial Branch

Community Connections for Parents: Island Health Nurse Join us after Baby Time to learn about baby care and other child development topics. Drop-in.

January 23 and February 20, 11:00-11:30 am Central Branch January 24 and February 21, 11:00-11:30 am Juan de Fuca Branch January 26 and February 23, 12:00-12:30 pm Saanich Centennial Branch

FAMILY LITERACY WEEK: JANUARY 23-29 Create Storytelling Discs For young children and accompanying adult. Decorate a set of storytelling discs, then use them as inspiration to invent stories to share with the group. Supplies provided. Registered.

January 24, 10:30-11:30 am Esquimalt Branch January 28, 10:30-11:30 am Bruce Hutchison Branch

Fun with ABCs For young children and accompanying adult. A is for apple, alligator and astronaut–how awesome! Practice your ABCs with alphabet stories, then create an ABC-inspired collage. Supplies provided.

Registered.

January 25, 10:30-11:30 am Central Branch Oak Bay Branch

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Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

Make a Story Cube For young children and accompanying adult. Enjoy a farm-themed storytime, and make an Old MacDonald story cube. Supplies provided.

Registered.

January 25, 10:30-11:30 am Saanich Centennial Branch January 27, 10:30-11:30 am Nellie McClung Branch

Little Lego at the Library For ages 4-6; parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

Listen to stories and have fun with the library’s Lego. Registered.

January 27, 3:30-4:30 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch

Collection Launch

Everyone welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Join us for the launch of GVPL’s StoryWalk® collection.

Individual pages of a storybook, mounted on sign posts, are placed outdoors in a circuit. Children follow the narrative by visiting each sign post in sequence. After the StoryWalk®, join us at the branch for nature-inspired activities. Rain or shine; please dress appropriately. Drop-in.

This program is run in collaboration with West Shore Parks and Recreation and is part of Your Literacy Connection Westshore’s Family Learning Tour.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition (VBPC) and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.

January 28, 10:00 am-1:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch

Westshore Family Learning Tour Everyone welcome. Celebrate Family Literacy Week with activities at the library. This program is part of Your Literacy Connection Westshore’s Family Learning Tour. Drop-in.

January 28, 10:00 am-2:00 pm Goudy Branch Langford Heritage Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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Chinese New Year: Mandarin Seeds For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy a fun and interactive storytime in Mandarin and make a craft for Chinese New Year. Registered.

January 28, 10:30-11:15 am Nellie McClung Branch

Chinese New Year: Lantern Making Everyone welcome; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Create a beautiful paper lantern in celebration of Chinese New Year. Drop-in; while supplies last.

January 28, 11:30 am-12:30 pm Esquimalt Branch January 28, 2:00-3:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch January 29, 2:00-3:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch

French Storytime For ages 5-8 and parents or caregivers. Enjoy a French language storytime with Canadian Parents for French (CPF), and learn about GVPL’s French resources to support emergent readers. Perfect for French Immersion families. Coffee and cookies provided. Registered.

February 4, 10:15-11:00 am Nellie McClung Branch February 18, 10:15-11:00 am Oak Bay Branch

Story Club For ages 6-9. Listen to stories, talk about your favourite books, and enjoy fun activities. Snacks included. Registered.

Thursdays, January 26, February 23, March 30, April 27 3:30-4:30 pm Central Branch Mondays, February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1 3:30-4:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch

Pyjama Storytime For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Put on your PJs, and cuddle up for bedtime stories at the library. Bring along your favourite stuffie. Registered.

February 8, 6:30-7:00 pm Langford Heritage Branch

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Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

Be My Valentine For ages 3-5. Wear Valentine’s Day colours and enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and a fancy Valentine craft. Registered.

February 14, 10:30-11:30 am Esquimalt Branch

Sensory Storytime: Pete the Cat For ages 3-5; maximum of 2 children per accompanying adult.

This program features sensory-rich stories, movement and songs appropriate for preschoolers with autism or sensory processing issues or preschoolers who thrive on routine. Parent and caregiver participation is required. Registered.

February 15, 10:30-11:15 am Central Branch

Coding with Scratch For ages 7-9. Join kids’ coding enthusiast Valérie Losier to learn the basics of programming with Scratch, a programming language designed for children. Participants will build a simple animated game or video. Registered.

February 24, 10:00 am-1:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch

Everyday Art for Families For ages 4-8; maximum two children per accompanying adult (required). Learn how you can create a family art space in your home.

Explore different art materials, and create a take-home project with artist Shantael Sleight. Registered.

February 24, 1:30-3:00 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch

Books and Ballerinas For ages 5-8. This storytime will make your heart dance! Join real-life ballerinas from the Victoria Academy of Ballet for a story and craft, followed by a photo op (bring your own camera). Registered.

February 24, 1:30-2:15 pm Oak Bay Branch

Acting Out! All Over the World For ages 8-12. Express your creativity through improv, theatrical silliness, puppets, costumes and music in this lively acting program with Jennifer Callioux. Registered.

February 24, 2:00-3:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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Mad Science: Space Phenomena For ages 5-12. Explore the farthest reaches of our solar system in this “mad� planetary tour. Probe the mysteries of meteors and watch comets form as you learn about space events. Registered.

February 24, 2:00-3:00 pm Central Branch

Soil Superstars For ages 6-9. Unearth the ways soil is part of the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the houses we live in. Hang out with worm friends and learn about the important work they do making healthy soil. Presented by the Compost Education Centre.

Registered.

February 24, 2:00-3:00 pm Esquimalt Branch

Mandarin Seeds For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy a fun and interactive storytime and craft in Mandarin. Registered.

February 25, 10:30-11:15 am Nellie McClung Branch

Reading Buddies Reading Buddies matches students in Grades 1-4 with a volunteer teen Big Buddy for an eight-week program of reading practice and literacy-based activities. Available in English and French.

English Little Buddies For Grades 1-4. Registered.

Saturdays, February 18-April 8, 2:00-3:00 pm OR 3:30-4:30 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch Nellie McClung Branch Saturdays, February 18-April 8, 2:00-3:00 pm Central Branch

French Little Buddies For Grades 1-4. Registered.

Saturdays, February 18-April 8, 3:30-4:30 pm Central Branch

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Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

Teens Teen Writing Contest For Grades 7-12. Submit your original poem, short story, or something in our “random” category. Write something new, or polish something written for a school assignment. A winner and two runners-up per category will receive a gift certificate to the store of their choice. For details, contest rules and online entry form, see gvpl.ca/teenwritingcontest. For more information, email teens@gvpl.ca. Contest runs January 27 to March 27.

TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Reading Buddies: Teen Volunteers For ages 13-18. If you like working with children, enjoy reading, are fluent in English or French, and want to help emerging readers, we need you. We provide training and, upon completion, a reference letter outlining your volunteer hours. Registered.

First-time Volunteers: please complete the Teen Volunteer Referral Form, available at gvpl.ca/teenvolunteers, and register for a Reading Buddies Training Session: the training is required for first-time Reading Buddies volunteers. Please bring your completed Teen Volunteer Form to training.

Note: Don’t forget to register for your volunteer sessions, too.

Volunteer Training for First-time Volunteers February 11, 10:15-11:30 am Central Branch February 11, 1:00-2:15 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch February 11, 3:30-4:45 pm Nellie McClung Branch

English Big Buddies Saturdays, February 18-April 8, 1:45-3:00 pm OR 3:15-4:30 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch Nellie McClung Branch Saturdays, February 18-April 8, 1:45-3:00 pm Central Branch

French Big Buddies Saturdays, February 18-April 8, 3:15-4:30 pm Central Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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DIGILAB DigiLab Training Session For ages 13-18. Learn to lead a DigiLab program. Earn volunteer hours and use your creativity and tech skills to inspire your peers. To lead a DigiLab program, you must attend a training session and complete a Teen Volunteer Referral Form. Registered.

January 12, 7:00-8:30 pm Central Branch

Tech Night For ages 13-18. Create and innovate with DigiLab’s tech toolkit, including Alienware laptops and Spheros. Registered.

January 20, 7:00-8:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch

Explore VR For ages 13-18. Climb a peak in Utah or attend a lantern festival by moonlight. Do all this and more with Google Cardboard’s do-it-yourself virtual reality headset and a smartphone. Registered.

February 2, 4:00-5:30 pm Oak Bay Branch

Green Screen For ages 13-18. Calling all future film producers, serious actors and stand-up comedians: the DigiLab green screen is ready for your closeup. Plan and produce your own green screen video and choose almost any setting as your backdrop with the click of a few buttons. Registered.

February 9, 4:00-7:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch

Maker Night For ages 13-18. Create, build and fabricate with DigiLab’s maker tools and supplies, including Perler beads, a button maker and our new 3D printer. Registered.

February 16, 7:00-8:30 pm Saanich Centennial Branch

DigiLab Drop-in For ages 13-18. Explore your artistic side with crafting supplies, and try out cool new tech, like filmmaking equipment and Makey Makey kits.

Drop-in.

February 24, 3:30-5:00 pm Central Saanich Branch

10 Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

Adults Emerging Local Authors Collection Calling all local writers of poetry, fiction and non-fiction: the library is accepting applications for the 2017 Emerging Local Authors Collection. This is an opportunity for the library to highlight the rich literary talent in our community, and to connect readers with new authors in Greater Victoria. Visit gvpl.ca/emerginglocalauthors for details.

Application deadline is January 13, 2017.

Choirs in the Courtyard Enjoy a seasonal sampling of Victoria’s choirs in the Central Branch courtyard, one of the city’s sweetest acoustic spots. Performances take place between 12:00-2:00 pm; please check the calendar at gvpl.ca for exact times and the list of choirs. Drop-in.

December 1-12, 12:00-2:00 pm Central Branch

Victoria Seed Library Work Bee Help sort and catalogue the seed returned throughout the 2016 season. We’ll share food and stories from our gardens and ready the seed collection for the spring. We’ll also accept seed returns. Drop-in.

December 1, 5:00-8:00 pm Central Branch

Victoria Chess Club at the Library Enjoy competitive games of Chess with players from the Victoria Chess Club every Wednesday evening on the first floor. Drop-in.

Wednesdays, 6:00-8:45 pm Central Branch

Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week In recognition of Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week, GVPL presents an exploration of HIV in today’s world featuring HIV positive speakers, Elders, art and activities. Presented by AIDS Vancouver Island.

Refreshments provided. Drop-in.

December 2, 3:00-5:30 pm Central Branch

Tobacco-Free Tuesday Contest Learn about the Tobacco-Free Tuesday contest for that extra nudge toward a smoke-free life. Sign up today at quitnow.ca/contest.

December 5, 11:00-3:00 pm Central Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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Scrabble at the Library How do you spell fun? S-C-R-A-B-B-L-E! Enjoy three competitive games of Scrabble with players from the Victoria Scrabble Club every Tuesday evening in the second floor meeting room. Drop-in.

Tuesdays, 5:45-8:45 pm Central Branch

Chess at the Library Need a Chess mate to put in checkmate? Drop in for weekly Chess games in the library. Sets are available to borrow from the Information Desk. Drop-in.

Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 am Central Branch

Canadian Council of the Blind: Get Together with Technology This program helps those who are visually impaired learn to use low-vision and blindness-related technology, like Zoomtext and JAWS, as well as online sites like Facebook and Twitter. First Wednesday afternoon of the month. Drop-in.

Wednesdays, December 7, January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, 1:00-3:30 pm Central Branch

Queer Abilities Drop-In A drop-in group for anyone in the LGBTQ2+ community living with a disability. Meets in the second floor meeting room. Presented by AIDS Vancouver Island. Drop-in.

Wednesdays, December 7, January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, 5:00-6:30 pm Central Branch

Victoria Writers’ Society Meeting Join the Victoria Writers’ Society for their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. Drop-in.

Wednesdays, December 7, January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, 7:00-8:45 pm Central Branch

Tips, Tricks and Tools to Manage Your Arthritis Take control of your arthritis and learn about tools, gadgets and techniques to help make daily tasks easier. Presented by the Arthritis Society. Registered.

December 10, 10:30 am-12:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch

12 Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

Cookies and Crafts Open House To celebrate the holidays, and to thank you for supporting your library, each branch will have free, festive refreshments for all and crafts for kids. Come in for a treat and a chat! Drop-in.

December 10, 2:00-4:00 pm All Branches

‘Tis the Season Join us for a lovely evening as we read some of our favourite Christmas stories and poems and sing beloved carols. Enjoy a mug of hot apple cider and a cookie, too. This is a family celebration with stories for all.

Drop-in.

December 15, 7:00-8:00 pm Saanich Centennial Branch

Deans’ Lecture Series Research shapes the way we live and think. Meet distinguished members of the faculties of the University of Victoria and learn about their research interests. Check the calendar at gvpl.ca for lecture topics. To register, call UVic’s Continuing Studies Department at 250-472-4747.

Fridays, January 13-April 21, 12:30-1:45 pm Central Branch

Clean Living Series Join holistic nutritionist Hillary Krupa to learn about common areas of toxin exposure. She will focus on what chemicals to watch for, why, and how to select cleaner and safer alternatives. Registered.

Clean Food January 10, 7:00-8:30 pm Central Branch

Clean Home & Body January 17, 7:00-8:30 pm Central Branch

Computer Mouse Basics Learn the basic mouse and keyboard skills required for all our hands-on computer classes. Note: Unless you have already “tamed” your mouse, this session or equivalent training or experience is a prerequisite for all other computer classes. Registered.

January 18, 2:00-3:30 pm Central Branch January 20, 10:30 am-12:00 pm Saanich Centennial Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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WordsThaw Prequel: Writers and the World As a prequel to WordsThaw, The Malahat Review’s fifth annual spring symposium, City of Victoria’s Poet Laureate Yvonne Blomer hosts an evening of poetry inspired by the environment we live in and the political world we’ve made. Readings by Patricia Young, David Leach, Garth Martens and Philip Kevin Paul. Registered.

January 19, 7:00-8:30 pm Central Branch

Monday Book Club at the Central Branch Join us for a monthly book discussion group featuring titles chosen from different genres and available in multiple formats: ebook, e-audiobook, books on CD, and print. Read or listen to a pre-selected book at home, discuss it at the monthly meeting, and hear about other titles to enjoy. Registered.

Mondays, January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 29, 2:00-3:30 pm Central Branch

Westshore Writers’ Group Writers of all levels and genres are welcome to meet and discuss the craft of writing. Drop-in.

Wednesdays, January 25, February 22, 7:00-8:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch

South Island Gender Variant Drop-In A drop-in group for trans, gender queer, two-spirit and gender variant individuals on the South Island. A safe place to come together, share and support each other. Meets in the Group Study/Meeting Room in the far corner of the library. Presented by AIDS Vancouver Island. Drop-in.

Thursdays, January 26, February 23, March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29, 6:00-7:30 pm Central Branch

The Library is Sherlocked Pull out your deerstalker hat and get ready to return to 221B Baker Street with an evening of Sherlock Holmes trivia, button making and other activities inspired by the mind palace of our favourite detective.

Registered.

January 26, 7:00-8:15 pm Central Branch

Introduction to Twitter Join us for a demonstration of this popular social networking service.

Registered.

January 27, 10:00-11:30 am Central Branch

14 Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

Black History Month Kick-Off Kick-off Black History Month at the library. Enjoy music, cultural information and snacks available for purchase in the courtyard. Chat with members of the BC Black History Awareness Society, the Victoria African and Caribbean Cultural Society, the African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island and the Victoria African & Caribbean Students Association. Drop-in.

January 28, 12:00-3:00 pm Central Branch

Watercolour on Masa Paper: Chinese New Year Join professional wildlife, pet and mural artist Richard Wong in a painting workshop inspired by Chinese New Year and the Year of the Rooster. No experience necessary. Supplies provided. Registered.

January 28, 10:30 am-12:00 pm Oak Bay Branch January 28, 2:30-4:00 pm Esquimalt Branch

Internet Basics 1 Learn the basics of searching the Internet. Suggested prerequisite: Computer Basics 1 & 2 or equivalent training or experience. Registered.

February 1, 10:00-11:30 am Central Branch

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP) is a peer-led patient education program offered over six weeks by the University of Victoria Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health and Self-Management BC. The program uses group facilitation to provide information and teach practical skills on managing chronic pain issues. Register by email at selfmgmt@uvic.ca or call 1-866-902-3767.

Thursdays, February 2-March 9, 1:00-3:30 pm Central Saanich Branch

Budget-Friendly Canadian Travel Join presenter Steve Zussino for tips on budget-friendly travelling.

Review Aeroplan, AIR MILESÂŽ and other rewards programs, and learn how to book hotels for less. Registered.

February 3, 7:00-8:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch

Exercising Control over Arthritis Learn techniques to stay active as a vital part of managing arthritis and maintaining joint mobility, muscle strength and cardiovascular health.

Presented by the Arthritis Society. Registered.

February 4, 10:30 am-12:30 pm Oak Bay Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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End Dyslexia Join Marlene Lewis, a registered speech-language pathologist, to learn about advances in neuroscience and technology that make it possible to end dyslexia quickly and with lasting results. Registered.

February 4, 2:00-3:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch

Artist Demonstration: Ken Faulks Ken Faulks is a professional visual artist and Canadian plein air painter who, for 30 years, has created both commercial art (illustration and graphic design) and fine art (showing oil paintings in galleries). Drop-in.

February 4, 2:00-3:00 pm Central Branch

Love, Poetry and Chocolate Join City of Victoria’s Poet Laureate Yvonne Blomer and other local poets for a delicious afternoon of poetry readings, personalized poems and chocolate. Registered.

February 5, 1:30-4:30 pm Central Branch

Booksmack Get Booksmacked! Come out for an evening of great book, music, audiobook and film recommendations with GVPL’s finest. A team of library staff members will speed review as many titles as they can throughout the evening. Bring your library card to sign out material on the spot. Drop-in.

February 6, 7:30-9:00 pm Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Ave

Internet Basics 2 Building on the skills you learned in Internet Basics 1, you will learn some tips and tricks for effective searching, and explore using browsers, search engines and directories in more depth. Suggested prerequisite: Internet Basics 1 or equivalent training or experience. Registered.

February 8, 10:00-11:30 am Central Branch

Victoria Seed Library Created by LifeCycles and GVPL, the Victoria Seed Library offers a way for hobby and beginner gardeners to share seeds and other gardening resources. Sign out the varieties that interest you, and then return seeds from your healthiest or tastiest crops. Prerequisite: Seed Library Member Orientation. Drop-in.

February 11, 10:00 am-1:00 pm February 25, 10:00 am-1:00 pm March 11, 10:00 am-1:00 pm Central Branch

16 Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

March 9, 5:30-8:30 pm Emily Carr Branch

Seed Library Member Orientation Learn how to borrow seeds from the Victoria Seed Library and how to dry seeds for return at the end of the season. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other seed savers and share resources, tips and techniques for backyard growing. This orientation is required to participate in the Victoria Seed Library. Registered.

February 25, 10:00-11:30 am March 11, 10:00-11:30 am Central Branch

Microsoft Word Basics Learn the basics of word processing with Microsoft Word 2007. Prerequisite: Computer Mouse Basics or equivalent training or experience. Registered.

February 10, 10:30 am-12:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch

Poems in the Mail Join poet Wendy Morton for an afternoon devoted to the love of written letters and the envelopes that hold them. Create collages on envelopes using old photographs, poem fragments, beautiful napkins and magazines. Registered.

February 14, 2:00-3:30 pm Oak Bay Branch

Aqua Vitae: A History of the Saloons and Hotel Bars of Victoria Join Glen Mofford for an afternoon of stories about the saloons and bars of the early days of Victoria and Saanich. Presented in partnership with Saanich Archives. Registered.

February 15, 1:00-2:30 pm Saanich Centennial Branch

Introduction to the Library Catalogue & Website Learn how to use the catalogue and discover how you can read, watch, listen and learn with digital content at gvpl.ca. Registered.

February 17, 2:00-3:30 pm Central Branch

Black History Month: Pioneering Families of BC Karen Hoshal, past president of the BC Black History Awareness Society and a descendant of the Alexander pioneer family, gives a visual and narrative account of BC’s black pioneers. Presented by the BC Black History Awareness Society. Registered.

February 17, 7:00-8:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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Repair Café Have an alarm clock that won’t buzz or a wheel that won’t spin? Don’t toss it! Bring it to the Repair Café where you can get help fixing household items. Drop-in.

February 18, 9:30 am-12:30 pm Central Branch

Artist Workshop with Laura Eagle: From Chaos to Masterpiece Bring a “failed” watercolour painting and learn how to rework it into a mixed media masterpiece. If you do not have your own watercolour to bring, extras will be provided. Registered.

February 18, 2:00-4:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch

Computer Basics 1 This hands-on session is designed to introduce beginners of all ages to the workings of the computer. Suggested prerequisite: Computer Mouse Basics or equivalent training or experience. Registered.

February 20, 10:30 am-12:00 pm Saanich Centennial Branch

Indigenous Stories Book Club with Carmen Rodriguez de France Join Carmen Rodriquez de France, assistant professor of Indigenous education at the University of Victoria, for a book club focused on the works of Canadian Indigenous peoples. Explore their history, culture and ways of being, as expressed through their writings. Registered.

Mondays, February 20, March 6 and 20, 2:00-3:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch

Saanich Writers’ Circle Writers of all levels and genres are welcome to meet and discuss the craft of writing. Drop-in.

February 23, March 30, April 27, May 25, 2:00-3:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch

New Solutions for Condo & Small Claims Disputes: BC’s Civil Resolution Tribunal For disputes related to a strata property or small claims, BC’s new online Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) can help resolve problems quickly and fairly. Richard Rogers, executive director and Registrar of the CRT, will inform you about the new service and how you can use it.

Registered.

February 23, 7:00-8:30 pm Central Branch

18 Program registration is required unless noted as drop-in.

Master Gardeners at GVPL Questions about plants or pests? Save up your questions and drop by the rotunda of the Central Branch to speak with Master Gardeners from the Victoria Master Gardener Association. Kindly bring your specimens in a sealed bag. Drop-in.

February 25, 10:00 am-1:00 pm Central Branch

Author George Mercer: Wood Buffalo Drop by the rotunda to chat with local author George Mercer about his latest book, Wood Buffalo. The story features Mercer’s fictional hero, National Park Warden Ben Matthews, in a new adventure, this time set in Canada’s largest national park. Everyone welcome. Drop-in.

February 25, 11:00 am-12:15 pm Central Branch

Cancer: Thriving and Surviving This six-week course is for individuals who have completed their cancer treatments and wish to learn more about self-management.

Topics include fatigue, pain, communication strategies and healthy living. Adult family members may also wish to attend. Presented by the University of Victoria Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health and Self-Management BC. Register online at selfmanagementbc.ca; email selfmgmt@uvic.ca; or call 1-866-902-3767.

Saturdays, February 25-April 1, 1:00-3:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch

Retail Action Network Drop by the Retail Action Network table and meet with this non-profit group interested in providing information to retail, food service and hospitality workers of any age about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Drop-in.

March 4, 10:00 am-1:00 pm Central Branch

Author Susan Juby: Republic of Dirt: Return to Woefield Join local author Susan Juby, winner of the 2016 Leacock Medal for Humour, as she reads from her latest book, Republic of Dirt: Return to Woefield. Registered.

March 4, 11:00 am-12:00 pm Central Branch

Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

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IdeaFest: Cleaning and Monitoring the Earth As part of UVic’s IdeaFest, join Dr. Rodney Herring for a talk about nanotechnology and the environment. Nanotechnology was created to clean organics and ammonia from waste water, potentially benefiting earth by helping to clean our oceans and atmosphere. Drop-in.

March 9, 12:00-1:30 pm Central Branch

Gardening and Arthritis Gain professional tips and strategies to adapt your gardening environment, use appropriate tools and aids, protect your joints, and understand your limits. Presented by the Arthritis Society. Registered.

March 11, 10:30 am-12:30 pm Oak Bay Branch

Everyone has their own library story Many give because they have fond childhood memories of taking home stacks of books from the library.

Others donate because they believe the entire community benefits from a public library.

Your donation helps the library support literacy, lifelong learning and community enrichment for all.

Donating online is simple, go to gvpl.ca/donate Our charitable number is 11894 6979 RR0001 For more information call 250-940-4875 x 345 or email donate@gvpl.ca Greater Victoria Public Library 735 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 3H2