Brantford Public Library

Adults

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What's new at our library!

If you would like email notification for holds, contact us at info@brantford.library.on.ca with your name and library card number.
2011 is now available on our Birth-Marriage-Death Index to the Brantford Expositor.
Library Calculator: What is your library worth to you?
Did you know you can rent space at the library for your meeting, program or special event? Call 519-756-2223 for more info.

Spring/Summer Programs

For programs requiring registration, sign up at the Information Desk at the Main Library or call 519-756-2220. Registration starts Monday, April 30th.

Tech Help (drop-in)

May 3rd, June 7th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Main Library

If you have a question about your new E-reader or other technical gadget drop in to our Tech Help clinics on the first Thursday of the month at the Main Library in the Community Room on the main floor . No registration required. Everyone is welcome!

Click here to get the eReader Fair resource list.

BPL Genealogy Club (drop-in)

Interested in tracing your family tree? Not sure where to start or perhaps you’ve hit a dead end in your research. The BPL Genealogy Club meets once a month on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Main Library. Learn about various resources that may help you with your research and talk to fellow
genealogists. New members welcome! Meeting dates: May 2nd, May 30th, June 27th, July 25th, and August 22nd. Drop in.

St. Paul Knitters Circle (drop-in)

The St. Paul Library will continue to host an informal knitting group on the first and third Thursday of May and June from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Drop in with your knitting projects for company, tea, and advice from other knitters. For ages 18 and up. Meeting dates: May 3rd, May 17th, June 7th, June 21st . Drop in.

English Conversation Cafe (drop-in)

Practice your spoken English in a relaxed social setting. Newcomers to Canada, 19 years or older, who want to improve their English and make new friends are welcome. Call 519-752-4568, ext. 46 for more information. A partnership of Immigrant Settlement Services - YMCA of Brantford, the Literacy Council of Brantford and District & the Brantford Public Library through the generous support of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Dates: Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., Main Library Auditorium.
Please Note: The last meeting of the English Conversation Cafe will be on June 26th. Meetings will resume on September 11th.

Basic Computer Course Series (registration required)

Introduction to Computers

Tuesdays: May 1, 8, 15, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Main Library, Third Floor Computer Lab

This introductory course for the absolute beginner teaches basic computer skills including how to use a mouse and keyboard, computer terminology, plus how to get onto the Internet. Note: This computer seminar is offered in 3 sessions for 45 minutes each time. Registration is required. Only 9 spaces available.

Introduction to E-Mail

Tuesdays: May 22, 29, June 5, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Main Library, Third Floor Computer Lab

When you register, an email account will be set up for you. At the class, you will log into your new e-mail account and learn how to send and receive e-mail, and more. Basic computer skills required. Note: This computer seminar is offered in 3 sessions for 45 minutes each time. Registration is required. Only 9 spaces available.

Introduction to the Internet

Tuesdays: June 12. 19, 26, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Main Library, Third Floor Computer Lab

Learn to search the Internet, access websites, and print information in this hands-on session. Basic computer skills required. Note: This computer seminar is offered in 3 sessions for 45 minutes each time. Registration is required. Only 9 spaces available.

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Tuesdays: July 3, 10, 17, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Main Library, Third Floor Computer Lab

Learn how to type, format, spell check, save, and print a Word document. Basic computer skills required. Note: This computer seminar is offered in 3 sessions for 45 minutes each time. Registration is required. Only 9 spaces available.

Introduction to Facebook

Tuesdays: July 24, 31, August 7, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Main Library, Third Floor Computer Lab

Set up your own Facebook account, find friends, upload photos, and choose privacy settings. Basic computer skills required. Participants must have a current, active email account. Note: This computer seminar is offered in 3 sessions for 45 minutes each time. Registration is required. Only 9 spaces available.

House & Gardening Series (registration required)

Curb Appeal

Wednesday, May 2, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium

Join Michelle Mahoney, Brantford interior decorator and colour specialist, and learn how to choose the perfect exterior colours for your home and other great design tips to increase your home's curb appeal. Registration is required.

Square Foot Gardening

Thursday, May 10, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium

Square foot gardening is an easy and accessible way for beginners, city dwellers, and everyone who has ever said "but I don't have time!" to enjoy gardening. With a little planning you could have your own organic, low-maintenance, herbicide- and pesticide-free patch of goodness; come find out how from a local expert. Registration is required.

Vermicomposting

Thursday, June 21, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium

Composting with worms can be surprisingly easy, inexpensive, and an excellent source of fertilizer. And despite urban myths, a properly maintained composting system will eliminate odour and deter vermin. Intrigued? Come discover if vermicomposting is for you. Registration is required.

Organic Gardening 101

Wednesday, July 11, 2:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium

What does it mean to go organic? Come meet a representative from the Brantford Community Garden Project and learn about the benefits of growing organic and how to incorporate organic practices as part of a healthier lifestyle - for you and the planet both. Registration is required.

Basic Genealogy Course Series (registration required)

Searching for Ancestors in the United Kingdom

Wednesday, May 9, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library, Third Floor Computer Lab

Local genealogy enthusiast, Dave Thomas, will explain techniques for searching UK census and birth, marriage and death records using Ancestry.com and free online resources. Basic computer skills required. Registration is required. Only 9 spaces available.

Mind, Body & Spirit Series (registration required)

The Benefits of Organic

Wednesday, May 16, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium

Let's get holistic! Start with a gentle activity designed to focus and invigorate the senses. Then enjoy a healthy snack break, relax, and learn some naturopathic techniques for achieving a happier and healthier lifestyle. Note: All activities have been adapted to accommodate varying levels of physical capability and to reduce risk of fatigue or injury. Registration is required.

Presented by Dr. Mary-Leah Albano, ND and Dr. Angela Barry-Dignard, ND of the Holistic Healing Arts Centre. Featuring tai chi sponsored by Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi.

Get a Good Night's Sleep the Natural Way

Wednesday, May 30, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium

Presented by Dr. Mary-Leah Albano, ND and Dr. Angela Barry-Dignard, ND of the Holistic Healing Arts Centre. Featuring yoga by Nicole Ratelband of Harmony Yoga..

The Importance of Reading (and Understanding) Labels

Wednesday, June 13, 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium

Presented by Dr. Mary-Leah Albano, ND and Dr. Angela Barry-Dignard, ND of the Holistic Healing Arts Centre. Featuring tai chi sponsored by Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi.

Natural Approaches to Allergies and Immunology

Monday June 25, 6:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium

Presented by Dr. Mary-Leah Albano, ND and Dr. Angela Barry-Dignard, ND of the Holistic Healing Arts Centre.Featuring yoga by Nicole Ratelband of Harmony Yoga.

Scrabble Club (registration required)

Tuesdays: May 29 at 7:00 p.m., June 26 at 6:30 p.m., July 31 at 6:30 p.m. and August 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Main Library

Beginners, intermediate and expert players all welcome!. Registration is required.

Short Story Workshop (registration required)

July 14, 16-20, 1:00 p.m.
Main Library

So you've written a short story...now what? Back by popular demand, this intensive one-week summer workshop for writers age 19 and older will help you take your writing to the next level. Drop off your stories by July 6 and visit or call the Information Desk at 519-756-2220 for more information on class requirements. Class size is limited, so register soon. Registration is required.

Adult Summer Reading

It's free, easy, and open to all BPL card holders 19 years or older. From July 3 to September 1, read books and submit your reviews either at the library or online. All eligible ballots will be entered in a draw to win "Book Lovers" prizes. And remember, the more books you read the more chances you have to win.