GVPL April-June 2019 program guide by Greater Victoria Public Library

April through June 2019

Library programs & events

for kids, teens and adults

Kids 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. April 2 to May 17 Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 am Juan de Fuca Branch Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 am Oak Bay Branch Tuesdays, 11:30 am-12:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch Tuesdays, 2:00-2:30 pm Central Branch Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 am Central Branch Thursdays, 11:30 am-12:00 pm Saanich Centennial Branch Fridays, 11:30 am-12:00 pm (no programs April 19 â€“ Good Friday) Bruce Hutchison Branch Esquimalt 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. April 1 to May 18 Mondays, 10:30-11:00 am (no program April 22 â€“ Easter Monday) Langford Heritage Branch Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 am Saanich Centennial Branch Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 am Central Saanich Branch Esquimalt Branch Nellie McClung Branch Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 am Central Branch Bruce Hutchison Branch Juan de Fuca Branch

Program registration begins March 25 at 10:00 am. 2

Fridays, 10:30-11:00 am (no programs April 19 – Good Friday) Central Branch Juan de Fuca Branch Oak Bay Branch Fridays, 11:30 am-12:00 pm (no programs April 19 – Good Friday) Oak Bay Branch Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 am Nellie McClung Branch

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. April 1 to May 18 Mondays, 11:00-11:30 am (no program April 22 – Easter Monday) Langford Heritage Branch Wednesdays, 11:00-11:30 am Nellie McClung Branch Thursdays, 11:00-11:30 am Bruce Hutchison Branch Juan de Fuca Branch Fridays, 11:00-11:30 am (no programs April 19 – Good Friday) Juan de Fuca Branch Oak Bay Branch Saturdays, 11:45 am-12:15 pm Nellie McClung Branch

Once upon a time...

GVPL's librarians have selected 100 exceptional picture books to entertain, educate and inspire little ones again and again. Make time to snuggle up and share these books with the children in your life.

gvpl.ca/100books Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.

Author Kit Pearson: Be My Love Book Launch Everyone welcome. Join award-winning author Kit Pearson for the launch of her book Be My Love. Kit's most recent accolade is her appointment to the Order of Canada. Listen to Kit read from the book, enjoy tea and cookies, and have your book signed by the author. Munro's Books will have books for sale. Registered. April 24, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Community Connections for Parents: Island Health Nurse Join us after Baby Time to learn about baby care and other child development topics. Drop-in. May 16, 12:00–12:30 pm Saanich Centennial Branch – children’s area

Asian Heritage Month: 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. Registered. May 25, 2:30–3:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Pride Month: Storytime is a...Drag For ages 5-8. Join Drag Queens, Kings and Things for a fun afternoon. Enjoy a storytime, music and singalongs, crafts and games. Presented by Staches and Lashes Collective. Registered. June 8, 2:30–3:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room June 15, 2:30–3:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Program registration begins March 25 at 10:00 am. 4

Indigenous Creation Stories For ages 5-8. In honour of National Indigenous History Month, join us for creation stories and Indigenous crafts with Gordy Bear. Gordy Bear comes from the Cree Nation of Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, and has spent many years devoted to sweat-lodge ceremonies, sitting with Elders and learning the stories and language of his people. Registered. June 8, 2:30–3:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Summer Programs We’re planning lots of great programs this summer, including GVPL’s annual BC Summer Reading Club for kids. Watch for more information about BC SRC, All That and a Bag of Chips, Summer Challenge and more at gvpl.ca. Registration for summer programs will begin Thursday, June 27, at 10:00 am.

Pop-Up Library Look for GVPL at community events around town. We’ll have books, buttons and friendly staff spreading love for learning. For the full calendar of our appearances, visit gvpl.ca.

Teens

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. April 5, May 3, June 7, 4:00–5:30 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room

DigiLab: Craft Café For ages 13-18. Join us for classic crafts, including fandom Perler Beads, Rainbow Loom, colouring and more. Or, bring your own project if you're working on something. We'll provide the supplies. Drop-in. April 12, 4:00–5:30 pm Saanich Centennial Branch – living room

Teen Writing Contest Reception Everyone welcome. Join us for an evening that showcases original creative writing by teens. Winners of the Teen Writing Contest will read aloud from their short stories and poems, receive their prizes and be celebrated as new writers. Registered. April 17, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

DigiLab: Gamers Unite! For ages 13-18. Gather ‘round an old-fashioned board game or play computer games among friends. Registered. April 27, 2:30–4:30 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

Program registration begins March 25 at 10:00 am.

DigiLab: Star Wars Droids For ages 13-18. Celebrate Star Wars Day at the library. Build or program a Star Wars droid using DigiLab’s littleBits and Spheros in this teen-led program. Registered. May 4, 3:00–4:30 pm Central Branch – second floor meeting room

DigiLab: DigiCamp For ages 13-18. DigiLab volunteers are invited to attend a full day of training and working on creative projects. Snacks are included but please bring a lunch. Registered. May 18, 11:00 am–4:00 pm sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch – Dr. Elmer Seniemten George M.S.M. Community Room

DigiLab: Intro to Bloxels For ages 13-18. Customize a video game using DigiLab iPads and Bloxel kits in this teen-led program. Registered. May 24, 4:00–6:00 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

Coming this Summer! Zine Daze: A Zine and Art Fair Everyone welcome. Zinesters, artists, printmakers and publishers will come together in a showcase of local creativity in the courtyard of the Central Branch. Art and Zine workshops will take place throughout the day. Drop-in. Interested in taking part? Check facebook.com/zinedaze for artist callouts and more information.

Sketchy Thursdays Everyone welcome. Bring your sketchbook/pencils/pens and join Nate Davis for an evening of sketching. Open to all ages and abilities. Drop-in. Thursdays, April 4 to June 27, 6:30–8:30 pm Central Branch

Adults Community Connections: Settlement and Integration for Newcomers Join Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society staff to learn about the BC Settlement and Integration Services Program, aimed at supporting the social and economic integration of newcomers in B.C. Topics include housing, employment, social services and English-language training. Presented in partnership with the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society. Funded by the Province of British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology. Drop-in. Mondays, April 1 to June 24, 1:00–3:00 pm (no programs April 22 and May 20) Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room Mondays, April 1 to June 24, 3:00–5:00 pm (no programs April 22 and May 20) Langford Heritage Branch Tuesdays, April 2 to June 25, 1:00–3:00 pm Esquimalt Branch – meeting room Wednesdays, April 3 to June 26, 1:00–3:00 pm (no program June 19) Nellie McClung Branch

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

Canadian Council of the Blind, Get Together with Technology This program helps those who are visually impaired learn to use lowvision and blindness-related technology, like Zoomtext and JAWS, as well as social media tools like Facebook and Twitter. Join us the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. Drop-in. April 3, May 1, June 5, 1:00–3:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Program registration begins March 25 at 10:00 am.

Wednesday Knitting Circle Love to knit and chat? Whether you're experienced or new to knitting, join us for a casual knitting circle. Drop-in. Wednesdays, 1:00–3:00 pm (no program June 19) Saanich Centennial Branch – living room

Queer Abilities Drop-In A group for anyone in the LGBTQ2+ community living with a disability. Presented by AIDS Vancouver Island. Drop-in. April 3, May 1, June 5, 5:00–6:30 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 (no program June 19) Central Branch

Victoria Writers' Society Meeting Join the Victoria Writers’ Society for their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. Drop-in. April 3, May 1, June 5, 7:00–8:45 pm Central Branch – Community Room

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. Register online or call UVic’s Division of Continuing Studies at 250-472-4747. April 5, April 12, 12:30–1:45 pm Central Branch – Community Room

English as a Second Language Classes Newcomers to Canada will learn English in weekly ESL classes, part of the BC Settlement and Integration Services Program. For more information on program eligibility and to register, call 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. Registered. Fridays, April 5 to June 14 (no class April 19) 1:00–3:00 pm OR 3:30–5:30 pm OR 6:00–8:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room Mondays, May 6-July 22 (no classes May 20 and July 1) 1:00-5:00 pm OR 3:00-5:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting 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: Seed Library Member Orientation; see page 12. The Seed Swap table alternates between the Central Branch rotunda and the courtyard. Drop-in. April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 11, 10:00 am–1:00 pm Central Branch

Master Gardeners at Central Branch 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. April 6, May 4, 10:00 am–1:00 pm Central 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. Presented by AIDS Vancouver Island. Meetings are held twice a month. Drop-in. Wednesdays, April 10, May 8, June 12, 6:00–8:00 pm Central Branch – second floor meeting room Thursdays, April 25, May 30, June 27, 6:00–8:00 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Victoria Seed Library: Wild Bees of Southern Vancouver Island Join us to learn about the life cycles and habits of local bees. The focus of this presentation will be to provide participants with tangible strategies for creating bee-friendly habitats in their yards and gardens. Presented in partnership with LifeCycles. Registered. April 11, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

10 Program registration begins March 25 at 10:00 am.

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.

Seniors' Resource Information Session Connect with other seniors in this session to learn about resources, programs and services to support quality of life and reduce isolation. Participants will receive a resource package. Presented by Silver Threads and James Bay New Horizons. Registered. April 15, 1:00–2:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room May 3, 10:30 am–12:00 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Book Club Startup: Juan de Fuca Branch 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. April 16, May 21, June 18, 7:00–8:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting 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 Canadian Indigenous peoples. 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. April 17, May 15, 1:30–2:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – Community Room

The Winnipeg General Strike A general strike gripped Winnipeg in 1919. Some 25,000 men and women walked off the job, demanding higher wages and improved working conditions. For six weeks, both sides used any means, including spies and informants, to win the battle. Local author and historian Michael Dupuis presents facts, revelations and insights about the Winnipeg General Strike, based on research for his new book, The Winnipeg General Strike: Ordinary Men and Women Under Extraordinary Circumstances. Registered. April 17, 2:00–3:30 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room April 20, 2:00–3:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

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. April 18, May 16, June 20, 5:00–7:00 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Author Eve Lazarus: Murder by Milkshake Join local writer Eve Lazarus as she reads from her latest true crime book, Murder by Milkshake: An Astonishing True Story of Adultery, Arsenic, and a Charismatic Killer. Funded by IslandLink Library Federation. Registered. April 23, 7:00–8:30 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. April 24, May 29, June 26, 7:00–8:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

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 Seed Swaps; seee page 10. Registered. April 27, 10:00–11:30 am Central Branch – Community Room

12 Program registration begins March 25 at 10:00 am.

Poetry Month: The Green Muse (Photo credit: John Preston)

Join newly selected City of Victoria Poet Laureate John Barton for an evening of poetry readings about nature and our environment. John will be joined by special guests from the local poetry community. Tea and cookies will be served. Presented in partnership with the City of Victoria. Registered. April 30, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Asian Heritage Month: Watercolour on Masa Paper Join professional watercolour artist Richard Wong in a painting workshop inspired by florals. No experience necessary. Supplies provided. Registered. May 4, 10:30 am–12:30 pm Juan de Fuca Branch – meeting room

Emerging Local Authors Collection Launch Celebrate the launch of GVPL's fifth Emerging Local Authors Collection. Join the authors for an unveiling of the collection and refreshments. Drop-in. May 4, 2:00–3:30 pm Central Branch – courtyard

Health Coach Training Interested in becoming a health coach? The University of Victoria’s Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health is offering a two-day training session for people interested in providing weekly encouragement, guidance, Self-Management program support and education within Greater Victoria. For more information or to register, contact Suzanne at 1-866-902-3767 or email vadac@uvic.ca. May 6 and 7, 10:00 am–4:00 pm sxʷeŋxʷəŋ təŋəxʷ James Bay Branch – Dr. Elmer Seniemten George M.S.M. Community Room

Emergency Preparedness Week Emergency Preparedness Week is a national event that runs May 5 to 11. Local emergency support services will set up information tables to share information and spread awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness in the community. Drop-in. May 7, 8, 10, 11:00 am–2:00 pm Juan de Fuca Branch View Royal Colwood Emergency Support Services May 8, 11:00 am–2:00 pm Central Branch Victoria Ready May 9, 11:00 am–1:00 pm Oak Bay Branch Oak Bay Emergency Preparedness

Diabetes Self-Management Program Join us for a six-week workshop that gives people with diabetes the confidence and motivation to better manage the symptoms and challenges of living with diabetes. The workshop provides information and teaches practical skills. Presented by the University of Victoria and Self-Management BC. Register online at selfmanagementbc.ca or contact selfmgmt@uvic.ca or 1-866-902-3767. Thursdays, May 9 to June 13, 6:00–8:30 pm Nellie McClung Branch – community room

Asian Heritage Month: Author May Q. Wong: City in Colour Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with author May Q. Wong and a reading from her book, City in Colour: Rediscovered Stories of Victoria’s Multicultural Past, a collection of little-known stories of Victoria’s pioneers, trailblazers and community builders. Registered. May 9, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Author Glen A. Mofford: Along the E&N Join author and historian Glen A. Mofford as he revisits the hotels that once ran along the E&N Railway. Hear stories of Mike the bartending dog, the arrest of a notorious bad guy who rode with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and a murder that took place at the Mt. Sicker Hotel. The presentation is based on his forthcoming book, Along the E&N: A Journey Back to the Historic Hotels of Vancouver Island. Presented in partnership with Oak Bay Archives. Registered. May 15, 2:00–3:30 pm Oak Bay Branch – meeting room

Asian Heritage Month: Japanese Culture Join Hitomi Harama, Kimono and Japanese culture specialist, for a fun and informative talk about Japanese culture and manners. You'll learn everything from how to eat sushi to how to greet one another. Registered. May 24, 12:30–1:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

14 Program registration begins March 25 at 10:00 am.

Repair Café Have an alarm clock that won't buzz or pants that need mending? Don't toss it! Bring it to the Repair Café where you can get help fixing household items. Everyone welcome. Drop-in. May 25, 9:30 am–12:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

National Indigenous History Month National Indigenous History Month is celebrated throughout the month of June. National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on June 21. Visit your local branch and check out our Indigenous Reads displays. Visit our Truth and Reconciliation page, gvpl.ca/virtual-branch/truthreconciliation, for information about our Indigenous collections.

Victoria Seed Library: Growing Winter Vegetables on Southern Vancouver Island Many people start too late; now is the time to start planning your winter garden for next year. Join us for a presentation on what – and when – to plant to have a healthy, productive food garden from November to May. Presented in partnership with LifeCycles. Registered. June 13, 7:00–8:30 pm Central Branch – Community Room

Oil paintings by Sally Chupick were featured at the Central Branch January–March, 2019.

Local Art Exhibits Look for local art displays at GVPL branches, curated by the Victoria Arts Council and community arts groups.

Branches and Hours Central Branch 735 Broughton St Monday, Friday, Saturday.............................................................................9:00 am-6:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.............................................................9:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday.(open through April 28)........................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

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.(open through April 28)........................................................................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 (open through April 28)....................................................................... 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 (open through April 28)........................................................................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 (open through April 28)....................................................................... 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 pm-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.(open through April 28)..............................................................1:00 pm-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 (open through April 28)........................................................................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 (open through April 28)........................................................................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 (open through April 28)........................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

Saanich Centennial Branch 3110 Tillicum Rd at Pearkes Arena Monday, Friday, Saturday.......................................................................... 10:00 am-6:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.......................................................... 10:00 am-9:00 pm Sunday (open through April 28)........................................................................1:00-5:00 pm

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 (open through April 28)........................................................................1:00-5:00 pm