Back-to-school assistance available at local libraries

Another summer has come and gone and if you are a student, parent, or educator, you are most likely busy preparing for the school year ahead. 

Whether you are looking for assistance with a research assignment or curriculum supports, browsing for reading selections, or interested in a fun and educational outing, the Wellington County Library can help. 

Do you provide educational services in Wellington County, but you don’t live here? You can still get a free library card. Contact your local branch to ask for details.

Looking to learn or teach something new? Explore our wide variety of online resources to help at home and in the classroom:

Early World of Learning – Activities, games, eBooks, videos and more to introduce children to the world around them. 

World Book Online for Kids – A children’s version of the popular World Book Encyclopedia. Fun fact sheets, articles, videos, and more make exploring a new topic easy and entertaining.

World Book Advanced – A more in-depth version of the World Book encyclopedia for older learners and educators. Includes Lexile measure and curriculum standards. 

CBC Corner – Access CBC news, radio, podcasts, music, and a wide range of content for kids.

Mango Languages – Learn and practice conversational skills in one of more than 60 available languages.

Novelist K-8 – Find book recommendations for every reading level and interest with reading lists and guides for kids, parents, and educators. 

Our branches and staff have something to offer for everyone. Classes and groups can contact their local branch to arrange a tour, or request materials to study a new topic. 

Are you a parent of a child starting school for the first time this year? These books will help you and your little one prepare for the transition:

How to be Confident in Kindergarten: a book for your backpack by David Steinberg

And Then Comes School by Tom Brenner

Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex

Breathe Like a Bear: first day of school worries by Kira Willey

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Don’t forget to check out our events calendar at www.wellington.ca/LibraryCalendar for some exciting new fall programs as well as familiar favourites.

ARTHUR BRANCH 

519-848-3999

Let the Games Begin (All ages)

Join us for our monthly boardgames night. We bring in unique and new boardgames for you to play with family or friends. Bring your game face and we’ll see you there!

Thursday, Sept. 14, 6:30 to 7:30pm

Baby Time (Babies)

Kick off your Autumn with Arthur Branch’s Baby Time. Introduce your baby to the library and a love of books through finger plays, songs, rhymes, and stories. The programme will be held on Mondays, bi-weekly.

Monday, Sept. 18, 10:30 to 11am

CLIFFORD BRANCH 

519-327-8328 

Creative Kids: Back to Hogwarts (All Ages)

Celebrate the first day back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with this Harry Potter inspired programme. Put together a kit of back-to-school essentials including a custom wand, potion supplies, and snacks for the long trip on the Hogwarts Express.

Friday, Sept. 1, 12 to1pm

Teen Café: A Whodunit 

Mystery Party (Tweens/Teens)

A crime has been committed and it’s up to those in attendance to solve the mystery together. But one suspect in the room will know more than they let on. Enjoy refreshments and snacks while you try to crack the case.

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 5 to 6pm

DRAYTON BRANCH 

519-638-3788

Cocoa Club (Ages 8 and up)

Get cozy with this read-aloud story hour. Enjoy some hot chocolate and curl up to listen to a chapter book read by our staff. This programme takes place every other Friday this fall. Our fall reading selection will be Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

Fridays, Sept. 15 and 29, 3:45 to 4:45pm

Paint Night: Rustic Fall Painting (Teens and Adults)

Join us for a Paint Night and we’ll create a Rustic Fall Pumpkin Painting – perfect for your Thanksgiving and Autumn decor!

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6 to 7:30pm

HARRISTON BRANCH 

519-338-2396

Carnegie Café – Scrabble (Adults)

Join us for a new activity or guest speaker every time. This month, learn about the origins of Scrabble, and sit down to a friendly game.  

Friday, Sept. 8, 2 to 3pm 

PA Day: Kindness Rocks (All Ages)

Join us to get the viral kindness rock trend going again. Come prepared to paint and decorate a rock with a positive message for others to find.

Monday, Sept. 18, 10:30 to 11:30am 

MOUNT FOREST BRANCH

519-323-4541

Carnegie Café: Introduction to Mindfulness (Teens and Adults)

Join library staff for a one-hour introduction into the basics of mindfulness through guided activities and discussion. All supplies provided; registration is preferred, but drop-ins are welcome.

Saturday, Sept. 9, 10:30 to 11:30am

PA Day: Tie-Dye Extravaganza! (Kids and Tweens)

No school? No problem! We’ve got you covered. Join Mt. Forest Library staff and tie-dye a bandana with your own design. All supplies provided. Space is limited, please register.

Monday, Sept. 18, 2 to 3pm

PALMERSTON BRANCH

519-343-2142

Story Time (Preschoolers)

Join us every Thursday morning to share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills.     

Thursdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10:30 to 11am

Teen Fiction Book Club (Grades 7-12)

Our Teen Fiction Book Club kicks off this September. Bond over books with other members of the community and discuss a new book every month.

Thursday, Sept. 14, 4 to 5pm

Valerie Denton