GVPL program guide - January through March 2020

January through March 2020

Library programs & events

for kids, teens and adults

Be a Hummingbird Even the smallest creature can make a big impact Explore themes of environmentalism, responsibility and courage through GVPL’s Be a Hummingbird series, a curated collection of programs inspired by Haida author and artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’s book Flight of the Hummingbird.

The Book Flight of the Hummingbird is based on an Indigenous parable from the Quechuan people of South America and tells the story of a little hummingbird doing what it can to save its forest home from a great fire.

Yahgulanaas’s text is accompanied by his unique Haida manga art, a blend of the iconic style of the Indigenous people of Haida Gwaii and Asian manga.

To borrow Flight of the Hummingbird from the library, go to gvpl.ca/hummingbird

Our Programs Children’s Programs Little Hummingbird Storytime.....................................................................................5 Living Opera: Flight of the Hummingbird...........................................................7 Story Club: Flight of the Hummingbird.................................................................8 Spring Break: Herons, Hawks and Hummers.................................................11

Flight of the Hummingbird in Indigenous Languages...........................12 Storytime is a...Drag: Flight of the Hummingbird......................................12

Teen Program Teen Writing Contest.........................................................................................................13

Adult Programs The Dragons of Inaction.................................................................................................20 Herons, Hawks and Hummers....................................................................................23 Virtual Tours: Nature and the Environment....................................................23

Hummingbird on Stage Watch Flight of the Hummingbird come to life in a new opera presented by Pacific Opera Victoria and Vancouver Opera, playing March 19 to 22 in Victoria. pacificopera.ca

gvpl.ca/hummingbird

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Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

Kids Please note: The Saanich Centennial Branch will reopen this winter. Check gvpl.ca for updates.

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

January 14 to March 31 Tuesdays, 10:30–11:00 am Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room Tuesdays, 1:30–2:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room Tuesdays, 2:00–2:30 pm Central Branch – children's program area Wednesdays, 10:30–11:00 am Central Branch – Community Room Wednesdays, 11:30 am–12:00 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room Thursdays, 11:30 am–12:00 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room Fridays, 11:30-12:00 pm Bruce Hutchison – Arbutus Room

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.

January 14 to March 31 (no programs Monday, February 17 on Family Day) Mondays, 10:30–11:00 am Langford Heritage Branch – public space Tuesdays, 10:30–11:00 am Emily Carr Branch – public space (Due to the temporary closure of the Saanich Centennial Branch, Family Storytime has been relocated to the Emily Carr Branch.)

Oak Bay Branch – meeting room Wednesdays, 10:30–11:00 am Central Saanich Branch Esquimalt Branch – meeting room Nellie McClung Branch – community room sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch — Dr. Elmer Seniemten George M.S.M. Community Room

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

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Thursdays, 10:30–11:00 am Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room Central Branch – Community Room (program on March 26 is in the children’s area) Esquimalt Branch – meeting room Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room Fridays, 10:30–11:00 am Central Branch – Community Room Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room Oak Bay Branch – meeting room Saturdays, 11:15–11:45 am Nellie McClung Branch – community room February 5 to February 26 Wednesdays, 11:00–11:30 am Goudy Branch – public space

Stay and Play For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy social time and free play following Family Storytime. Drop-in.

January 14 to March 31 (no programs Monday, February 17 on Family Day) Mondays, 11:00 am–11:30 am Langford Heritage Branch – public space Tuesdays, 11:00–11:30 am Oak Bay Branch – meeting room Wednesdays, 11:00–11:30 am Nellie McClung Branch – community room Thursdays, 11:00–11:30 am Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room Fridays, 11:00–11:30 am Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room Oak Bay Branch – meeting room Saturdays, 11:45 am–12:15 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

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Sketchy Thursdays Everyone welcome. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and join Nate Davis for an evening of sketching. Open to all ages, skill levels and abilities. Drop-in.

Thursdays, 6:30–8:30 pm Central Branch – public space

Traditional Indigenous Storytime for Families For children and their families. Join Surrounded by Cedar Children and Family Services for a monthly storytelling group featuring traditional storytellers, art and songs. To register, contact counselling@sccfs.com.

January 11, February 8, March 14, 10:30–11:30 am Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room

Little Hummingbird Storytime For ages 3-5. Join us for a storytime based on the book The Little Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, and explore themes of environmentalism, kindness and bravery.

This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2). Registered.

January 15, 10:30–11:30 am Langford Heritage Branch – public space February 6, 10:30–11:30 am Oak Bay Branch – meeting room March 7, 10:30–11:30 am Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room

Symphony Storytime For ages 3-5. Listen to stories told through music with two Victoria Symphony musicians and their puppet friend, Kathy Cadence.

Sing along and try some child-sized instruments. Registered.

January 21, 10:30–11:15 am Esquimalt Branch – meeting room

Family Literacy Week January 26–February 1 To raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in literacy-related activities as a family, Canada celebrates Family Literacy Day each year on January 27.

GVPL expands the fun to a whole week of activities.

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

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Once Upon a StoryWalk Everyone welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Join us for a StoryWalk, where 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 a craft. Rain or shine; please dress appropriately. Drop-in.

This program is presented in collaboration with West Shore Parks and Recreation and is part of Your Literacy Connection Westshore’s Family Learning Tour. Gift bags generously provided by the 1000 x 5 Children’s Book Recycling Project (limited age ranges; while supplies last).

January 25, 11:00 am–1:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

Discovery Lab For ages 3-5 and accompanying adult. Imagine, create and build using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning. Listen to stories and apply your knowledge during hands-on activities. Registered.

January 28, 10:30–11:00 am Central Branch – Community Room January 28, 10:30–11:30 am Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room January 31, 10:30–11:30 am Nellie McClung Branch – community room

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 alphabet art with an ABC-inspired collage. Registered.

January 28, 10:30–11:30 am Esquimalt Branch

Story Starters For young children and accompanying adult. Make and play with a storytelling disc and take your imagination to new heights. Registered.

January 30, 10:30–11:30 am Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

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Celebrate Lunar New Year: Which Zodiac Animal Are You? For ages 5-12. Celebrate Lunar New Year with zodiac stories, Chinese lion dancing and a craft based on your zodiac animal (the year you were born). In the tradition of the holiday, we encourage you to wear red.

Presented in partnership with Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club. Registered.

January 25, 2:30–3:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

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 29, February 26, March 25, 11:00–11:30 am Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

Spanish-English Storytime For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy a bilingual storytime and craft, and learn simple Spanish language songs and phrases. Registered.

February 8, 10:30–11:30 am Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room

Living Opera: Flight of the Hummingbird For ages 8-12. Living Opera is a fun and engaging introduction to opera for kids that incorporates singing, storytelling and music-based learning.

Presented in partnership with Pacific Opera Victoria. This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2). Registered.

February 8, 10:30-11:30 am Central Branch – children’s program area

Discovery Lab For ages 3-5 and accompanying adult. Imagine, create and build using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning. Listen to stories and apply your knowledge during hands-on activities. Registered.

February 8, 11:00 am–12:00 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room

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

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Story Buddies: Tween Volunteers For ages 10-12. Tweens are paired with children to write and illustrate an original storybook. Together, Little Buddies and Big Buddies will use their imaginations and produce a special keepsake of their reading journey.

We provide Big Buddy training and, upon completion, a certificate for volunteering. Registered.

February 8, 3:00–4:30 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

Story Buddies: Little Buddies For ages 4-6. Children are paired with tweens to write and illustrate an original storybook. Together, Little Buddies and Big Buddies will use their imaginations and produce a special keepsake of their reading journey.

Registered.

February 8, 3:30–4:30 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

Story Club: Flight of the Hummingbird For ages 9-12. Enjoy books, games, crafts and light group discussions.

During this special series, the club will listen to and read stories about courage, perseverance and resilience inspired by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’s book Flight of the Hummingbird. Attend one, two or three sessions at the branch of your choice. Rice crackers and fruit will be provided. This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2). Registered.

February 12, 3:30–4:30 pm February 19, 3:30–4:30 pm February 26, 3:30–4:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room February 20, 3:30–4:30 pm February 27, 3:30–4:30 pm March 5, 3:30–4:30 pm sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch — Dr. Elmer Seniemten George M.S.M. Community Room

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, 11:00 am–12:00 pm Goudy Branch – public space

Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

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Pro-D Day: Imaginary Cities For ages 10-12. Join art teacher Sandi Henrich for a fun hands-on art workshop using drawing and watercolour techniques to create an imaginary city or landscape. Registered.

February 14, 2:00–3:00 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room

Pro-D Day: Science Exploration of Harry Potter’s World For ages 5-12. Learn wizarding skills! Make water disappear, explore a secret map, play with a magic wand and experiment with amazing potions. Presented by Mad Science. Registered.

February 14, 2:00–3:00 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

Pro-D Day: Soil Superstars For ages 5-8. Unearth the ways soil is part of the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the homes we live in. Meet real live worms. Presented by the Compost Education Centre. Registered.

February 14, 2:00–3:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Pro-D Day: Magical Science Fiction For ages 5-12. Join us for a magic show where you’ll discover the roots of science in science fiction, including Martian ice, bubbles and reflections. Presented by Mad Science. Registered.

February 14, 2:00–3:00 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Discovery Lab: Dinosaurs in the Library For ages 3-5. Roar! It is time for a dinosaur storytime complete with stories, crafts and dino-mite STEAM- (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) based activities. Registered.

February 20, 10:30–11:30 am Oak Bay Branch – meeting room March 7, 11:00 am–12:00 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room

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.

February 21, March 27, 3:30–4:30 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room

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

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Musical Storytime For ages 3-5. Take part in music-making and storytelling in this action-packed session led by Julie Ryning, early childhood music educator at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Registered.

February 22, 10:30–11:30 am sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch — Dr. Elmer Seniemten George M.S.M. Community Room

Unicorn Party For ages 3-5. This unicorn storytime is almost too good to be true.

Join us for magical stories, crafts and activities. Registered.

February 25, 10:30–11:30 am Esquimalt Branch – meeting room

Starry Nights and Space Flight For ages 3-5. Explore space through stories, songs and rhymes. Create a craft that is out of this world. Registered.

March 2, 2:00–3:00 pm Central Branch – Community Room

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 and preschoolers who thrive on routine. Parent and caregiver participation is required. Registered.

March 12, 11:15–11:45 am Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Spring Break: Pre-Coding Games for Kids For ages 5-8. Explore the basics of computational thinking and simple coding concepts with hands-on group activities including Robot Mouse, Robot Turtles board game and ScratchJr Coding Cards. Generously funded by Science World and CanCode. Registered.

March 16, 10:30 am–12:00 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room March 18, 2:30–4:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

Spring Break: A Salmon's Sky View For ages 8-12. Join award-winning author and illustrator Carol McDougall for a salmon art workshop using ink and watercolour, following a reading of her book A Salmon's Sky View. Registered.

March 16, 2:00–3:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room March 17, 2:00–3:00 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

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Spring Break: Dog Man Saves the Day For ages 8-12. Embrace your inner WOOF! Come practice your crime fighting skills and enjoy Dog Man-inspired stories, activities and crafts.

Registered.

March 18, 3:30–4:30 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room March 27, 11:00 am–12:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Spring Break: Grossology For ages 6-9. Get gross! Learn about things that are slippery, green and smelly and take home something gross. Registered.

March 19, 2:00–3:00 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room

Spring Break: Story Buddies: Tween Volunteers For ages 10-12. Tweens are paired with children to write and illustrate an original storybook. Together, Little Buddies and Big Buddies will use their imaginations and produce a special keepsake of their reading journey. We provide Big Buddy training and, upon completion, a certificate for volunteering. Registered.

March 20, 10:30 am–12:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Spring Break: Story Buddies: Little Buddies For ages 4-6. Children are paired with tweens to write and illustrate an original storybook. Together, Little Buddies and Big Buddies will use their imaginations and produce a special keepsake of their reading journey. Registered.

March 20, 11:00 am–12:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Spring Break: Herons, Hawks and Hummers For ages 6-12. Take flight as we explore various types of birds and how their habitat, characteristics and behaviours differ from one another.

Presented by Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2). Registered.

March 20, 2:00–3:00 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room

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

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Spring Break: Youth Leadership Program For ages 9-14. Work together in this week-long series to learn communication and leadership skills through practical experience and fun exercises with a distinguished Toastmaster. Registered.

March 23 to 27, 3:00–4:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Spring Break: Wrigglers at Work For ages 5-8. Join the Compost Education Centre for hands-on activities with wriggling, wiggling worms, and learn the dos and don’ts of composting with the help of our squirmy friends. Registered.

March 25, 2:00–3:00 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room

Spring Break: Pico’s Puppet Palace For ages 5-12. A special guest is coming to town, and he has a story to tell.

Join Pico’s Puppet Palace for an interactive and fun puppet show. Registered.

March 26, 10:30–11:30 am Central Branch – Community Room March 26, 2:30–3:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

Flight of the Hummingbird in Indigenous Languages For children and their families. Join us for a retelling of Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas's Flight of the Hummingbird in Indigenous languages.

No previous language knowledge required. This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2). Registered.

March 21, 10:30–11:30 am Central Branch – Community Room

Storytime is a...Drag: Flight of the Hummingbird For children and their families. Join us for a retelling of Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas's book Flight of the Hummingbird in a drag performance with colourful costumes, makeup and a glittery craft. Presented by Staches and Lashes Collective. This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2). Registered.

March 28, 2:30–3:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

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Teens Please note: The Saanich Centennial Branch will reopen this winter. Check gvpl.ca for updates.

Teen Writing Contest For grades 7-12. This contest runs from January 2 to February 27.

This year’s contest focuses on writing inspired by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas’s Flight of the Hummingbird, which challenges each of us to do what we can, bit by bit, to make the world a better place. Enter your original poem, short story or other creative writing up to 1500 words. If your entry is selected by the judging panel, you will win a gift certificate to a local bookstore, up to $100 for first prize. For details, contest rules and online entry form, see gvpl.ca/contests.

Entry deadline: February 27 This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2).

DigiLab Advisory Group For ages 13-18. Recommend new equipment for the DigiLab and start planning a program, all while logging volunteer hours and developing leadership skills. The DigiLab Advisory Group meets once a month from September to June. Registered.

January 3, 4:00–5:30 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room February 7, 4:00–5:30 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room March 6, 4:00–5:30 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room

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

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Sketchy Thursdays Everyone welcome. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and join Nate Davis for an evening of sketching. Open to all ages, skill levels and abilities. Drop-in.

January 9 to March 26, 6:30–8:30 pm Central Branch – public space

DigiLab: Volunteer Training Session For ages 13-18. Develop leadership skills, earn volunteer hours, and use your creativity and tech skills to inspire your peers. In this session, you’ll learn how to develop and lead a DigiLab program using our tech tools and craft kits. To lead a DigiLab program, you must attend a training session and complete a Teen Volunteer Referral Form. Registered.

January 17, 4:00–5:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

DigiLab: Tech Time For ages 13-18. Create and innovate with DigiLab’s tech toolkit, including Alienware laptops and Spheros. By teens, for teens. Registered.

January 24, 4:00–5:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

DigiLab: Intro to Arduino For ages 13-18. Design the control panel for a spaceship. Program a door to open with a series of taps. Fashion a crystal ball to answer your tough questions. Do all this and more with Arduino, an open-source platform that teaches coding and electronics through easy-to-use hardware and software. Find inspiration in some ready-made Arduino projects and then learn to make your own in this two-part program. By teens, for teens. Registered.

February 21, 4:00–5:30 pm February 28, 4:00–5:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Spring Break: DigiLab: Gamers Unite!

For ages 13-18. Gather ‘round an old-fashioned board game, or play computer games among friends. By teens, for teens. Drop in.

March 20, 3:30–5:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

DigiLab: Tech Time For ages 13-18. Create and innovate with DigiLab’s tech toolkit, including Alienware laptops and Spheros. By teens, for teens. Registered.

March 27, 4:00–5:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

14 Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

Adults Please note: The Saanich Centennial Branch will reopen this winter. Check gvpl.ca for updates.

One-on-One: Getting Started with Computers & Devices Sign up for a 30-minute session and get help with computer or device basics, setting up an email account, using the Internet and exploring GVPL’s digital collections. Weekly sessions are offered at most branches; dates and times vary. We also offer sessions in Mandarin at the Central Branch. Register at gvpl.ca/one-on-one.

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. Drop-in.

Tuesdays, 5:45–8:45 pm Central Branch – second floor meeting room

Victoria Chess Club at the Library Enjoy competitive games of chess with players from the Victoria Chess Club. Drop-in.

Wednesdays, 6:00–8:45 pm Central Branch – public space

Victoria Writers' Society Meeting Join the Victoria Writers’ Society for their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. January's meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8. Drop-in.

January 8, February 5, March 4, 7:00–8:45 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Sketchy Thursdays Everyone welcome. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and join Nate Davis for an evening of sketching. Open to all ages, skill levels and abilities. Drop-in.

Thursdays, 6:30–8:30 pm Central Branch – public space

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

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Monthly Dinner with Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour Join the Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC) for a meal and conversation. SNIWWOC programming is developed and delivered by women, is committed to the empowerment of women, and addresses the social, cultural and political realities of racialized women. Visit sniwwoc.ca to learn monthly topics. For more information, accessibility requests, bus tickets or dietary restrictions, email info@sniwwoc.ca. Drop-in.

January 9, February 6, March 5, 6:30–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

The ID Project Lost your ID? Can't afford to replace it? We can help with applications for birth certificates and status cards. Come to the ID Clinic to get help replacing your ID. Space is limited. Registration begins at 9:00 am in person at the Central Branch on the day of the program. The ID Project is supported by Pro Bono Students Canada (UVic Chapter), the Downtown Service Providers Committee of Victoria and the Constituency Office of Carole James, MLA. January 10, February 7, March 6, 10:00 am–1:00 pm Central Branch – study room #3

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 continuingstudies.uvic.ca for lecture topics and schedules. Registered.

January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 28, March 6, 13, 27, 12:30–1:45 pm Central Branch – Community Room

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. Presented by AIDS Vancouver Island.

January 11, February 8, March 14, 2:00–4:00 pm Central Branch – second floor meeting room January 30, February 27, March 26, 6:00–8:00 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Newcomer Programs Newcomers to Canada are invited to try any of our programs, including English language learning classes and casual conversation groups. GVPL works closely with partner organizations such as the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) and the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA).

16 Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

Community Connections: Settlement and Integration for Newcomers Join staff from Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society to learn about the BC Settlement and Integration Services Program. Topics include housing, employment, social services and English language training. Presented in partnership with Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society. Funded by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology. Drop-in.

January 13 to March 30 (no program Monday, February 17 on Family Day) Mondays, 12:00–2:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – public space January 15 to March 25 Wednesdays, 1:00–3:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – public space January 24, February 14, 28, March 13, 27 Fridays, 9:30–11:30 am Central Branch – rotunda

English as a Second Language Classes Newcomers to Canada will learn English in weekly ESL classes, part of BC Settlement and Integration Services. For more information on program eligibility and to register, please contact 250-361-9433. Presented in partnership with the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society. Funded by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology.

January 14 to March 20 Tuesdays, 1:00–3:00 pm OR 3:00–5:00 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room Thursdays, 1:00–3:00 pm OR 3:00–5:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – community room Fridays, 1:00–3:00 pm OR 3:30–5:30 pm OR 6:00–8:00 pm (no program from 1:00–3:00 pm on Friday, February 14) Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Beginner ESL Conversation Class Join us for an eight-week beginner ESL conversation class. Presented in partnership with the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society.

Registered.

January 15 to March 4 Wednesdays, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room February 5 and March 4 will be held in the second floor meeting room

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

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Discover Canada: ESL Conversation Club Practice your English skills in a fun and casual setting. Learn about Canada and make new friends at this weekly session suitable for intermediate levels and up. Presented in partnership with the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria. Registered.

January 16 to March 5 Thursdays, 7:00–8:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Money Basics for Newcomers Join us to learn about the banking and credit system in Canada as well as how to avoid debt and scams. Presented by the Credit Counselling Society. Registered.

March 3, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

City of Victoria's Witness Reconciliation Program Victoria Councillor Marianne Alto will speak about the City of Victoria's Witness Reconciliation Program, in which the City is making the culture, history and modern reality of local Indigenous Peoples from the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations become present and apparent throughout Victoria. Registered.

January 14, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

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

Reading will be emailed in advance of the program. This is a monthly program from January to May and September to December. Registered.

January 15, February 19, March 18, 1:30–2:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Book Club Startup Join a book club startup and attend monthly meetings with other book lovers. Members will choose their own book titles and will moderate their own discussion, with a little help from library staff to get started.

Registered.

January 16, February 20, March 19, 2:00–3:30 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room January 21, February 18, March 17, 7:00–8:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

18 Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

Conversations for a One Planet Region Join a group of community members for a presentation and discussion that explores the environmental, social and economic issues related to the concept of a One Planet Region, an initiative to make sustainable living a reality. Drop-in.

January 16, February 13, March 12, 5:00–7:00 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program is a peer-led, patienteducation program offered over six weeks by the University of Victoria Institute on Aging and 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.

January 18 to February 22 Saturdays, 10:30 am–1:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room March 18 to April 22 Wednesdays, 6:00–8:30 pm sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch — Dr. Elmer Seniemten George M.S.M. Community Room

Wednesday Book Club 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.

January 29: Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver February 26: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo March 25: Sapiens by Yuval Harari 2:00–3:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

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

January 29, February 26, March 25, 7:00–8:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

Victorian Book Club Enjoy reading and discussing classic Victorian novels by authors such as the Brontës, Charles Dickens and others, with archivist Caroline Duncan.

Registrants will be contacted ahead of time about book titles for discussion. Registered.

January 30, February 27, March 26, 6:30–7:30 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

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

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Black History Month Kick-Off February is Black History Month and you're invited to drop by and chat with members of the BC Black History Awareness Society, African Arts and Culture Society and African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island. Find out more about black history in B.C. and local events happening throughout February. Drop-in.

February 1, 12:00–2:00 pm Central Branch – rotunda

Black History Month: Regional Black Canadians Forum Join the African Arts and Culture Society for a community forum focused on the International Decade for People of African Descent. The forum will address ownership and wealth; media representation; identity in the arts; health, justice and community safety; migration; and inclusion, education and housing. To register please email vaccsociety@gmail.com.

February 6, 9:30 am–5:00 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Black History Month: Tales From Afar For children and families. Enjoy African folktales in celebration of Black History Month. Listen to stories, watch a shadow puppet play and create a colourful craft. Registered.

February 8, 2:30–3:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Black History Month: World Music Concert In celebration of Black History Month, we invite you to join us for an evening of music and poetry. Admission by donation. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Presented in partnership with the BC Black History Awareness Society and the Belfry Theatre. Drop-in.

February 17, 7:00–8:30 pm Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Ave

The Dragons of Inaction: Why We Don't Do What We Should We all have intentions to improve ourselves and the world, but we don't always act on those intentions. Why not? Join Robert Gifford, a professor with the University of Victoria Speakers Bureau, to find out what holds us back. This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2).

Registered.

February 4, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

20 Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

Get Together With Technology – Canadian Council of the Blind This program helps those who are visually impaired learn to use lowvision and blindness-related technology, like Zoomtext and JAWS, as well as online sites like Facebook and Twitter. Join us for the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. Drop-in.

February 5, March 4, 1:00–3:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Love and Chocolate Join City of Victoria Poet Laureate John Barton and other local writers for a delicious afternoon of readings about love and chocolate. Tea and chocolates will be served. Registered.

February 15, 2:00–3:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Seniors' Resource Information Session Connect with other seniors and learn about resources, programs and services to support quality of life and reduce isolation. Participants will receive a resource package. Presented by Silver Threads Services and James Bay New Horizons. Registered.

February 19, 1:00–2:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room March 12, 1:00–2:30 pm Bruce Hutchison Branch – Arbutus Room

Repair Café Have an alarm clock that won't buzz or a pair of pants that needs mending? Don't toss it! Bring it to the Repair Café where you can get help fixing household items. Drop-in.

February 22, 9:30 am–12:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

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

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Freedom to Read Week, February 23–29, 2020 What does “Freedom to Read” mean to you? In Canada, freedom of expression and access to information are part of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, entrenched in our Constitution. This February, GVPL joins readers, writers, publishers, librarians, educators and booksellers across the country to contemplate the power of language in all its forms. Drop by and check out displays at GVPL branches.

Victoria Seed Library Created by LifeCycles Project Society and GVPL, the Victoria Seed Library offers a way for hobby and beginner gardeners to share seeds and other gardening resources.

Victoria 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 will 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 Seed Swaps. Registered.

February 29, March 28, 10:00–11:30 am Central Branch – Community Room

Victoria Seed Library: Seed Swap Sign out the varieties that interest you, and then return seeds from your healthiest or tastiest crops to share with others. Prerequisite: Victoria Seed Library Member Orientation. Drop-in.

February 29 to March 28 Saturdays, 10:00 am–1:00 pm Central Branch – rotunda

Victoria Seed Library: Pollinators of Southern Vancouver Island Join us to learn about the life cycles and habits of local pollinators.

Discover ways to create pollinator-friendly habitats in your yard or garden.

Presented in partnership with LifeCycles Project Society. Registered.

March 10, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

22 Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.

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

February 29, March 28, 10:00 am–1:00 pm Central Branch

Beekeeping Join John Esling, a professor emeritus with the University of Victoria Speakers Bureau, for an information session on beekeeping in Victoria.

Learn about the life of bees, hives and honey. Registered.

February 29, 1:30–2:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Making Cent$ of Money: Budgeting 101 Learn the seven steps to budgeting that will help you take control of your finances and gain peace of mind. Presented by the Credit Counselling Society. Registered.

March 3, 2:00–3:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

Herons, Hawks and Hummers Take flight as we explore various types of birds and how their habitat, characteristics and behaviours differ from one another. Presented by Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2). Registered.

March 5, 2:00–3:00 pm sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch — Dr. Elmer Seniemten George M.S.M. Community Room

Virtual Tours: Nature and the Environment Explore nature and the environment using a virtual reality (VR) headset in an open, hands-on learning environment. This program is part of the Be a Hummingbird series (see page 2). Registered.

March 11, 3:00–4:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

VIPIRG Conference: Health on the Fringes Health on the Fringes is a two-day conference that brings together students, academics and all those interested in emerging conversations about social and environmental justice. Join us for Saturday’s session at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Presented by the Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group. Drop-in.

To attend conference sessions at other venues, register at vipirg.ca/conference.

March 14, 10:00 am–6:00 pm Central Branch – Community Room

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

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Branches and Hours Bruce Hutchison Branch 4636 Elk Lake Dr at Saanich Commonwealth Place Monday, Friday, Saturday.......................................................................... 10:00 am-6:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.......................................................... 10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday.................................................................................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

Central Branch 735 Broughton St Monday, Friday, Saturday.............................................................................9:00 am-6:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.............................................................9:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday.................................................................................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

Central Saanich Branch 1209 Clarke Rd, Brentwood Bay Monday, Tuesday, Thursday................................................................... 10:00 am-9:00 pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday................................................................10:00 am-6:00 pm Sunday................................................................................................................................ 1:00-5:00 pm

Emily Carr Branch 101-3521 Blanshard St at Uptown Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday....................10:00 am-6:00 pm Thursday................................................................................................................ 10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday.................................................................................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

Esquimalt Branch 1231 Esquimalt Rd Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday.....................................10:00 am-6:00 pm Thursday, Friday...............................................................................................10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday................................................................................................................................ 1:00-5:00 pm

Goudy Branch 119-755 Goldstream Ave Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday.........................................9:30 am-5:30 pm Thursday, Friday.................................................................................................. 9:30 am-6:00 pm Sunday (year round)...................................................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

Juan de Fuca Branch 1759 Island Hwy Monday, Friday, Saturday.......................................................................... 10:00 am-6:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday..........................................................10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday................................................................................................................................ 1:00-5:00 pm

Langford Heritage Branch 102-1314 Lakepoint Way Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.......................... 10:00 am-6:00 pm Wednesday......................................................................................................... 10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday.................................................................................................................................1:00-5:00 pm Library vending machine …..................................................................................... always open

Nellie McClung Branch 3950 Cedar Hill Rd Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday..................................... 10:00 am-6:00 pm Thursday, Friday............................................................................................... 10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday.................................................................................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

Oak Bay Branch 1442 Monterey Ave at Monterey Rec. Centre Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday..................................... 10:00 am-6:00 pm Thursday, Friday............................................................................................... 10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday.................................................................................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

Saanich Centennial Branch 3110 Tillicum Rd at Pearkes Arena Check gvpl.ca for re-opening date.

sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch 385 Menzies Street Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday................................................................................................ 10:00 am-6:00 pm Wednesday......................................................................................................... 10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday.................................................................................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

24 Program registration begins January 2 at 10:00 am.