With Christmas and New Year celebrations behind us, it is now time to tackle that New Year’s resolution list. Before you decide to chuck it entirely, check out our program guide in this issue to see if there is anything we can help you with. Many of our regular programs are returning such as Qi Gong, now with two sessions on Wednesdays, quilting and sewing, knitting circle, career development and belly dance. New to the library this year is the meditation circle that meets on Tuesdays at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm. This group of open-hearted folks gathers with a shared intention to cultivate happiness and wellbeing within themselves and our world, developing wisdom and more skillful living by practicing present moment awareness. If you wish to brush up on your French language skills, come on the last Wednesday of the month at 4:30 for games night (soirée jeux). Games are a great way to practice and learn to speak another language. Speakers of all abilities are welcome. Enjoy conversation by the fire and or join in and play games or puzzles to hear and practice basic words and expressions. Optional: a communal pizza dinner. If you are new to Canada and English is your second language, Kim Davies is offering Conversational ESL on Saturdays at 11:30 starting January 6. Feel free to bring your lunch and sit around the fireplace for a laid-back chat circle.
Deanna Hintze is offering both Basic and Intermediate First Aid in January and April. You will receive a handbook and official certification once the class is completed and you pass the test. You can also get your official certification as a Field Leader (Hiking) with the Outdoor Council of Canada on January 24 -25. Day one is a classroom day at the library and day two is out in the field.
We have a new series this winter: I wish I knew… If you want to know how to sell on Facebook, use Artificial Intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, solve cryptic crosswords, play cribbage or avoid financial scams, sign up for a session and check this off your bucket list.
Secret Family Recipe is returning by popular demand. If you missed the chance in 2013-14 to get the inside scoop on these famous family secret recipes, now is your chance on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The library staff and one exalted community member will offer up their treasured family recipes for all to enjoy. Tasting will be involved.
Our library manager is offering an evening adult book club starting Wednesday, January 31, where the reading selections will be chosen.
Teagan is developing teen and youth programming, such as Coffee & Cram, movie and game nights and teen clubs. All dates and times will be on our website and Facebook page.
We have a full slate of children’s programs happening on Thursday mornings, courtesy of the Geater Foothills Family Centre. There are sessions at 9:30 and 11:00 am with a different theme each month. The Diamond Valley Sustainable Living Centre is providing some programming on PD Days as well as making birdhouses, an Eco Centre visit and an information session about the nature-based child-care program.
More information about all of our programs is on our website: sheepriver.ca, and available in our two program brochures (Adults and Children) at the front desk.
Hope to see you soon at one or more of these programs as you explore all the opportunities of continued learning.