Celebrating Stories

Friday, April 12
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Main Library  

Join two funny Canadian authors in their interactive and lively presentation about Mucus Mayhem and What Blows Up – the first two books in their new series, The Almost Epic Squad. They are inspiring middle grade reading and writing everywhere! ART! MUSIC! BAD JOKES! EVEN WORSE MAGIC TRICKS! 

Best suited to students in Grade 2 - Grade 6.
No registration required.

Friday, June 7
10:30 - 11:30 am
Main Library  

Join Rebecca Bender, author & illustrator of the well-loved Giraffe & Bird books, who will be sharing her process and offering hints for budding authors and illustrators. The audience will take part in some brainstorming and live drawing activities. Free take-home activities and some surprises too!

Best suited to students in Kindergarten - Grade 4. 
No registration required.

Monday, July 8
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Main Library  

Join Joanne George, author of Smiley: a journey of love (Winner of the Silver Birch Express 2018 award) and her dog Sunny, a new rescue dog that was born with the same condition as Smiley, and be inspired as they discuss being born different than others, overcoming adversity, working hard to achieve your goals, and anti-bullying. After the presentation, children are to meet Sunny.

Best suited for students in Kindergarten – Grade 5.
No registration required.

Saturday, Aug 10
1:30 - 2:30 pm
or 
3:00 - 4:00 pm 
Beaty Branch  

Join author & illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo for some Plasticine fun! Suzanne will be talking about her recent picture book, Sun Dog, about an arctic sled dog pup, then lead a hands-on workshop where participants will create their very own masterpiece. Two time slots are available – please select the appropriate one for your child according to their age.

1:30pm – 2:30 pm (ages 4-6 with caregivers)
OR  
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (ages 7-10)
Registration begins July 23. Space is limited.

Saturday, Sept 14
2:00 - 2:50 pm
Main Library

Join Chad Solomon, creator of the graphic novel series “Rabbit and Bear Paws”, for a comical, educational and highly interactive puppet show that shares Indigenous wisdom with universal audiences. This Anishinaabe Creation Story will retell the tale of how the Turtle carries our world on her back and how the tiny muskrat succeeded in giving us the greatest gift of all: a place to call home, Turtle Island.

2:00 - 2:50pm (all ages)

No registration required - drop-in (come early for best seats)

Monday, Sept 16
10:30 - 11:30 am
Main Library

“All are welcome but best suited to students in Grade 3+”

Young people around the world are raising their voices and speaking from their heart about issues that matter to them most. Author and illustrator Janet Wilson tells their astonishing stories in her new release, Our Future: How Kids are Taking Action. Ancient First Nations' teachings predicted a time when youth would rise and remind us to respect Mother Earth and live in a fair, peaceful, and sustainable way. Many believe that time is now. From climate action to human rights, kids are working to protect the future of the world we all share. Her inspiring and hopeful hour-long presentation includes Indigenous stories and YouTube videos of speeches and songs in the heartfelt voices of the young activists. Janet encourages adults to listen and learn from kids, making her presentations suitable for all ages. (Best suited for students in Grades 3+)

10:30 – 11:30 am,

No registration required, drop-in (come early for best seats)

Thursday, Oct 17
6:30 - 8:00 pm
MinMaxx Hall, FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton

Join us for an evening of hands-on literacy activities for families with children in the primary grades.  Take part in practical, inclusive and engaging activities that share the joy of reading and literacy and provide helpful tools for caregivers to continue the learning at home.  

Activities, games, and puzzles will provide interactive practice and a night of fun and excitement!

In partnership with The Learning Tree

Best suited for Primary Students in JK-Grade 3 and their caregivers.
No registration required.

Saturday, Nov 9
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Beaty Branch  

Sylvia McNicoll has written dozens of books, edited magazines and currently teaches at Sheridan College. The Celebrating Stories committee is inviting all emerging writers, ages 9-12, to learn from and write with author Sylvia. Character, setting, and plot – all will come together for story creation and sharing. Sylvia prides herself in turning her mistakes into mysteries: The Great Mistake Mysteries. Let her show you how to turn your own error and recovery into the arc of a great story. Bring your favourite writing instruments.

Best suited for age 9 – 12.
Registration begins October 21. Space is limited.