At the Library: Libraries help with Valentines, Family Day celebrations
By Valerie Denton, Drayton Branch Supervisor
Winter in Ontario can be long, but luckily there’s a holiday in February to break things up and bring people together.
Family Day is a time to slow down and prioritize family connections.
At the Wellington County Library, we can help you make memories this Family Day without spending a fortune or braving the crowds.
Whether you’re looking for indoor fun or outdoor fun, our Library of Things can provide meaningful experiences for the whole family. Here are just a few of the items you can borrow and enjoy:
– board games: challenge yourselves with a card game, board game or party game. Our collection includes over 300 different games to try;
– audio players for Kids: If you’re heading out on a road trip, or just looking for some quiet time at home, check out our Yoto Players, WhaZoodles, Wonderbooks and more;
– gaming consoles: try before you buy! You can borrow a Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Sega Genesis Classic, Nintendo Classic Mini or Atari Flashback 8. We also have lots of games to borrow for a variety of platforms;
– content creation kits: we’ve got everything you need to experiment making content with our YouTube and Podcasting Kits;
– outdoor exploration: grab a pass for your closest conservation area or provincial park and head out for some fun in nature. You can even borrow a set of binoculars complete with a birding book.
Visit our website for a full list of items at wellington.ca/LibraryofThings.
Borrowing is easy – simply browse our online catalogue for locations and availability of the item you want.
Many can be requested for pick up at your local branch (please note some items may be restricted to borrowing by adult cards only).
Looking to get out and connect with others this month? We have library programming for all ages. Visit your local branch or online calendar at wellington.ca/LibraryCalendar for a full list of programmes near you.
ARTHUR BRANCH
(519-848-3999)
Let the Games Begin: Chess Club (All Ages)
Drop into the branch to take part in a friendly game of chess or try out one of our board games!
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 4:30 to 5:30pm
Craft and Create: Scrapbook Paper Heart (Adults and Teens)
Use up old scrapbook paper to create a heartfelt piece of art. All materials will be provided.
Saturday, Feb. 28, 12:30 to 1:30pm
CLIFFORD BRANCH
(519-327-8328)
Creative Kids: Valentine’s Day Crafts (Kids/Tweens)
Join us for a relaxing Valentine’s Day-themed program as we make cards and crafts to gift to the special people in your life. Please register.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5 to 6pm
Book Club: Romance Reads (Adults)
For this month’s book club, we celebrate Valentine’s Day and one of the most popular book genres – romance. Come prepared to discover new recommendations and share your own with readers in the community. Please register.
Friday, Feb. 13, 1 to 2pm
DRAYTON BRANCH
(519-638-3788)
Craft and Create: Sew a Mug Cozy (Adults and Teens)
Learn basic sewing machine skills and join us as we create a mug cozy to keep your beverage warm and your hands protected. Please register.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 1 to 2:30pm or Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6 to 7:30pm
In Stitches: Beginner Sewing for Teens (Grade 7 and up)
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at sewing? Sign up for this beginner friendly workshop! Together we will go over sewing machine basics, learn some tips and tricks, and create your first project. Please register.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 12:30 to 2pm
HARRISTON BRANCH
(519-338-2396)
Dungeons and Dragons Club (Tween and Teen)
Join fellow fantasy fans to build characters and explore new worlds, in this one-off adventure. No previous experience required. Please register.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 12:30 to 2:30pm
Craft and Create: Yarn Hearts (Adults)
Come to the library this Valentine’s Day and make a trio of yarn hearts. Please register.
Saturday, Feb.14, 1 to 2pm
MOUNT FOREST BRANCH
(519-323-4541)
Book Club: Off the Menu Cookbook Book Club (Adults)
Pull out your love for cooking, bake up a storm and connect with others over the kitchen table. Join us to discuss different cookbook themes. Registration is preferred, but drop-ins are welcome.
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6 to 7pm
Book Club: Poetry Club (Adults)
Join us as we read and discuss all types of poetry. Old classics and new favourites, sonnets, Haiku, ballads and beyond. Please register.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 6:30 to 7:30pm
PALMERSTON BRANCH
(519-343-2142)
Story Time (Families)
Our Story Times are designed to help your child get ready for reading. Share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Adult accompaniment is required. Please register.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 and 17, 11 to 11:45a
Thursday, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30 to 11:15am
After School Adventures: Winter Games 2026 (Kids and Tweens)
Join us at the end of the school day for games, crafts and a wide variety of fun, Winter-Games-themed activities. Please register.
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 4 to 5pm.
