What's On Feb

WHAT’S ON

Celebrating

the Joy of Learning Programs, resources & more

February 2021

Welcome

Featured Services

Rose Savage Chair, Vaughan Public Library Board

We enter February with some restrictions in place on our lives, but I’m glad that you can still enjoy VPL resources from the safety and comfort of your home. This month we have some outstanding virtual programming available for you, including a Puppet Extravaganza, a Crime Scene Lab, and a Harry Potter Party. In addition, you may already know that VPL has an extensive collection of e-audiobooks, e-books and movies available via our website, but have you had a chance to explore some of the wonderful databases that we host online? You can research your family history through VPL’s access to ancestry.com, express yourself artistically through lessons on CreativeBug, and add to your skills with free access to Lynda.com courses.

As February is Black History Month, our programming will be placing special focus on issues of race in society. We have book clubs for all ages that will introduce readers to new works and ideas on the subject. We are also proud to launch our Racism and Discrimination Lecture Series this month with a discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion led by Agapi Gessesse of The Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity. This online series will continue for several months and will explore different facets of race, how we relate to others and our own response to these issues.

I hope that you can join us this month at one of our online programs or enjoy our online collection.

Please remember we still have contactless curbside pickup available and continue to take every precaution to serve you safely.

Best regards,

Rose

The Future of VPL This month we will be sharing our Strategic Plan, which shows how VPL plans to grow and change to meet the needs of our community. This Plan was developed after extensive consultation with the public, staff and Board and will be hosted on our website and distributed via VPL’s eNews and social media.

Surprise Me! Coming This Month We’re expanding our SURPRISE ME! Bundles to all ages!

Request a package via our curbside pickup page or when you pick up your holds and take home a mystery bag of items just for you! Our bundle options include children’s books, adult fiction/non-fiction, teen, movies, and more.

Surprise yourself today!

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 2

BHM Themed Book Clubs

BLACK HISTORY MONTH. A time to celebrate equity, courage, and strength.

Adult Book Club

Thursday, Feb 11 | 7 pm Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America

by Candacy Taylor

Adult Book Club

Thursday, Feb 25 | 7 pm Daughter of the Boycott: Carrying on a Montgomery Family's Civil Rights Legacy

by Karen Gray Houston

Teen Book Club

Monday, Feb 22 | 7 pm I'm Not Dying with You Tonight

by Kimberly Jones & Gilly Segal

Kids Book Club: Hooked on Books Tuesday, Feb 23 | 7 pm New Kid by Jerry Craft

SPECIAL LECTURE SERIES Reflecting on Racism & Discrimination: DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION Wednesday, February 10 | 7:00 See page 12 for more information about this event.

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 3

VIRTUAL FAMILY NIGHT

A Puppet Extravaganza

! s w e N g n i k a e Br The Puppets are

taking over

Zoom!

Join us for a virtual puppet event that the whole family can enjoy.

Local puppeteer Mike Harding will kick off the night with a fun-filled puppet show that will keep you laughing all night. VPL staff will continue the fun and lead you to exercise your own creative puppeteering skills.

Register on Eventbrite

Saturday, Feb 20 | 7 pm

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 4

Preschool

Virtual Baby and Preschool Activities

Virtual Little Explorers Storytime on Instagram

Check out our weekly online activities and monthly videos.

They can make learning at home with your little one lots of fun! For parents and children from infant to kindergarten.

This program features songs, action rhymes, stories, and early literacy activities that you can enjoy anytime on IGTV! Fun for the whole family.

New activities every Friday on our website Friday, Feb 12 | New video on YouTube & Instagram

Mondays | 9:30 am Wednesdays | 10:30 am

Virtual Baby Storytime

Virtual Mandarin Storytime 中文故事会

Enjoy weekly videos with songs, lap rhymes, and early literacy tips. For babies and their parent or caregiver.

Join us on Instagram and Youtube for fun songs and joyful rhymes in Mandarin and English! Suitable for the whole family.

No previous knowledge of Mandarin required.

Thursdays | New video on YouTube

Virtual Little Explorers Storytime These weekly videos feature songs, action rhymes, and early literacy activities that you can enjoy anytime! Fun for the whole family!

欢迎小朋友们和家人每周一收看中英双语故事会！ New video every Monday on YouTube & Instagram

OUR DIGITAL LIBRARY

Tuesdays & Saturdays | New video on YouTube

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

by Sonia Sotomayor

Luna's Yum Yum Dim Sum

Slow Moe

by Natasha Yim

by Deborah Kerbel

eBook

eBook

eBook

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 5

Children

STEAM Videos

Virtual Fun With French

Follow along with VPL staff as we demonstrate fun and educational DIY activities, the coolest new technologies, and experiments!

Practice French with stories and fun activities! Complete virtual activities, play games, and practice reading skills with student volunteers. For grades 2–6. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom.

Register on Eventbrite.

Wednesday, Feb 10 | New video on YouTube

Bilingual STEAM Workshops: Crime Scene Lab FR Become a detective and complete different crime scene investigation STEAM activities! For grades 2–6. Live on Zoom.

Register on Eventbrite. Pick up kits at chosen resource library.

Deviens un/e détective et complète des différentes activités de STEAM reliées à l’enquête d’un lieu du crime ! Pour les enfants en deuxième à sixième année. En direct sur Zoom. Inscris-toi sur Eventbrite. Les kits seront prêts à ramasser à la bibliothèque de ressource de ton choix.

FR

Pratique ton français avec des histoires et des activités amusantes!

Complète des activités et des jeux virtuels ensemble et lis avec des bénévoles de la communauté. Pour les enfants de la 2 e année à la 6 e année. En direct sur Zoom. Inscris-toi sur Eventbrite.

Wednesday, Feb 3, 10, 17 & 24 | 7 pm

Virtual GameLab Learn how to develop your own game using Game Maker Studio 2 and bring the game of your dreams to life! For grades 5–8. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Saturday, Feb 27 | 10 am

Tuesday, Feb 9 | 6:30 pm

Virtual Harry Potter Party Please pre-register on Eventbrite. Search by program name at vaughanpubliclibraries.eventbrite.com

FR

Calling all Harry Potter fans! Join us for a night of magic, bilingual activities, and more! For grades 1–6. Session will be hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

OUR DIGITAL LIBRARY

Thursday, Feb 4 | 7 pm

Ways to Make Sunshine

Other Words for Home

Izzy In The Doghouse

by Renée Watson

by Jasmine Warga

by Caroline Adderson

eBook

AubioBook

eBook

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 6

V I RT UA L

Children (cont.)

Virtual Hooked on Books Join us for fun weekly activities and also monthly book chats about your favourite books on Zoom! This month, we are reading New Kid by Jerry Craft. Register on Eventbrite.

Tuesday, Feb 23 | 7 pm

Virtual Kids' Book Chat Want to talk about great books you've been reading? Join the kids' book chat and discuss a popular title each month. This month, we are reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo. For grades 3–7. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Thursday, Feb 11 | 7 pm

Virtual Kids' French Book Club

FR

Do you enjoy reading in French? Join us on Zoom for a fun discussion and activities. Each month, there’s a new theme and you can read any book you want, according to the theme. For grades 3–6. Register on Eventbrite!

Aimez- vous lire? Rencontrez-nous sur Zoom à chaque mois pour une discussion et pour des activités amusantes. Choisissez le livre que vous voulez correspondant au thème du mois! Pour les enfants de la 3e année à la 6 e année. Inscrivez-vous sur Eventbrite.

February Theme | A Mystery / Un mystère Thursday, Feb 18 | 7 pm

Family

Play Day! This Family Day gather your household for VPL's first Virtual Family Play Day program activities that will include Pokemon, mysterious adventures, and more!

Enjoy our website activities and a new activity video.

Monday | Feb 15

Virtual PA Day: Snow Day! Love snow? Join us for science experiments and other snowy fun! Designed for elementary students. Session is hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Monday, Feb 1 | 2 pm

Virtual STEAM Club STEAM Club is now on Zoom! Come and join us for activities and experiments. No kits required, just curiosity! For grades 3–8. Register on Eventbrite.

Tuesday, Feb 2 & 16 | 7 pm Please pre-register on Eventbrite. Search by program name at vaughanpubliclibraries.eventbrite.com

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 7

Family

Digital Escape Rooms

Virtual Family Play Day!

Put your thinking caps on and get ready to pit your wits against various challenges to escape! Each room is online and ready to play!

This Family Day gather your household for VPL's first Virtual Family Play Day program activities that will include Pokemon, mysterious adventures, and more! Enjoy our website activities and a new activity video.

Feb 4 | Harry Potter Feb 24 | Chinese New Year New content uploaded to VPL at Home

Monday, Feb 15

Virtual French Storytime

Virtual Family Night: A Puppet Extravaganza Breaking News! The puppets are taking over Zoom! Join us for a virtual puppet event that the whole family can enjoy. Session is hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

FR

Stories, songs, rhymes and activities in French!

There is a new video twice a month.

Des histoires, des chansons, des comptines et des activités en français!

Deux nouvelles vidéos tous les mois.

Saturday, Feb 6 & 20 | New video on YouTube & Instagram

Saturday, Feb 20 | 7 pm

OUR DIGITAL LIBRARY

Please pre-register on Eventbrite. Search by program name at vaughanpubliclibraries.eventbrite.com

Grandmother School

by Rina Singh eBook

Catch The Sky: Playful Poems on the Air We Share

by Robert Heidbreder

Malaika's Winter Carnival

by Nadia L. Hohn eBook

eBook

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 8

Teen

Unleash your Creativity!

Virtual Teen Book Club

Learn about training your brain to think "outside the box" in this interactive session. Session is hosted live on Zoom.

Register on Eventbrite.

Join us once a month for a virtual book club where you and other teens can discuss the book of the month. This month we are reading I'm Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, available through Hoopla. Sessions are live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Sunday, Feb 7 | 2 pm

OUR DIGITAL LIBRARY

Please pre-register on Eventbrite. Search by program name at vaughanpubliclibraries.eventbrite.com

Long Way Down

Monday, Feb 22 | 7 pm

Teen Black Girl's Magazine

Evermore

by Jason Reynolds eBook

eMagazine

Music Album

www.vaughanpl.info

by Taylor Swift

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 9

Adult

All About Songwriting

Guide des ressources éducatives en ligne

James Linderman has been immersed in the world of music and songwriting his entire life. Come experience all facets of songwriting and put your theory into practice. Session is hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Il existe plusieurs ressources en ligne pour parents et étudiants!

Rejoignez-nous sur Zoom pour une séance d’information sur les meilleurs–tels Brainfuse et Cantook Station. Inscrivez-vous sur Eventbrite.

Saturday, Feb 20 | 2 pm

Monday, Feb 1 | 7 pm

Amazing Nature: Protecting Our Great Lakes

How to Do a Home Waste Audit

Learn about the diverse array of plants, animals, and rich ecosystems that are unique to our amazing Great Lakes and find out what we can do to conserve them. Session is hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Join the U of T Trash Team to learn how to conduct your own home waste audit and get practical waste reduction tips and tricks. Session is hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Tuesday, Feb 2 | 7 pm

FR

Thursday, Feb 18 | 7 pm

Mental Empowerment

COVID-19 Support for Workers A review of Employment Insurance benefits, actions needed for maintaining benefits and earnings while on claim and other resources to support return to work endeavors.

Session is hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Thursday, Feb 25 | 2 pm

Please pre-register on Eventbrite. Search by program name at vaughanpubliclibraries.eventbrite.com

A mental empowerment presentation on developing resiliency and creating a positive mindset. Session is hosted live on Zoom.

Register on Eventbrite.

Thursday, Feb 25 | 7 pm

Reflecting on Racism & Discrimination: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion First in an ongoing series, this session will explore what diversity, equity and inclusion really mean. Presented by Agapi Gessesse from the Premier's Council on Equality of Opportunity.

Wednesday, Feb 10 | 7:00

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 10

Adult (cont.)

Virtual Adult Book Club

Virtual Jewish Book Club

Join us for a live discussion about our favourite books. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America by Candacy Taylor

Join us bimonthly for a lively discussion about books on various Jewish interest topics. The February title is The Guide for the Perplexed by Dara Horn. All are welcome. Copies are available for check out at BCRL and on Hoopla. Session is hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Thursday, Feb 11 | 7 pm

Thursday, Feb 10 | 2 pm

Daughter of the Boycott: Carrying on a Montgomery Family's Civil Rights Legacy by Karen Gray Houston

Virtual Tech Training

Thursday, Feb 25 | 7 pm

Virtual ESL Café Newcomers and ESL learners can practice their English in an informal environment with adult volunteers. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom. For further information, contact us through Email Librarian or our Live Chat services.

Tuesdays, Feb 9 & 23 | 1:30 pm

Virtual French Meetup for Adults

FR

Practice your French in good company! Through this six-week program, you will learn useful and exciting French as well as practice with other learners. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom.

Register on Eventbrite.

Get hands-on, virtual help while you learn how to use various free online tools. Each session features a new topic. Sessions are hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Topic | Zoom Wednesday, Feb 17 | 2 pm

Writer’s Room Join us for an online chat with local writers. It's a great place to discuss topics like plot, character, and style! Sessions are hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Monday, Feb 8 | 7 pm

What are Microplastics?

Venez pratiquer votre français en bonne compagnie! À travers ce programme de six semaines, vous apprendrez du français intéressant en plus de pratiquer avec les autres participants. Le programme est en direct sur Zoom. Inscrivez-vous sur Eventbrite.

Join the U of T Trash Team to learn what microplastics are and some of the ways we can tackle plastic pollution individually and systemically. Session is hosted live on Zoom. Register on Eventbrite.

Tuesdays, Feb 16 & 23 | 7 pm

Thursday, Feb 4 | 7 pm

OUR DIGITAL LIBRARY

Please pre-register on Eventbrite. Search by program name at vaughanpubliclibraries.eventbrite.com

The Spy Masters

Still Today

The Queen's Gambit

Director Tommy Walton

by Walter Tevis

by Chris Whipple

Movie

AudioBook

eBook

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 11

Reflecting on Racism & Discrimination a monthly lecture series Session 1 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Wednesday, February 10 7:00pm Presented by Premier's Council on Agapi Gessesse Equality of Opportunity

Session 2 A Walk Through March 2021 Black History in Canada

Register on Eventbrite

www.vaughanpl.info

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2021 | 12

WHAT'S ON is published monthly by the Marketing & Communications department of Vaughan Public Libraries.

Editor Robert Symes 905-653-7323, Ext: 4608 robert.symes@vaughan.ca

For more information about programs, please visit our website or email librarian.librarian@ vaughan.ca. All programs and events listed are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

For general information about this publication contact the following.

Design & Layout Chantal Chen 905-653-7323, Ext: 4633 chantal.chen@vaughan.ca

Upcoming Holiday Closures Monday, Feb 15

Family Day

CLOSED

Design Mark Pagliaroli 905-653-7323, Ext: 4633 mark.pagliaroli@vaughan.ca Vaughan Public Libraries 2191 Major Mackenzie Drive Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 4W2 905-653-READ (7323) www.vaughanpl.info

Connect with Us! Mission Statement Vaughan Public Libraries offers welcoming destinations that educate, excite and empower our community.

ENRICH INSPIRE TRANSFORM

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