Have you ever participated in a year-long reading challenge? There are all kinds of lists, based on a wide variety of reading interests and genres, age ranges, and goals.
Trying new authors or genres is a great way to rise out of a reading rut. You could make a plan to read a certain number of books over the course of a year or complete a series by one author.
Perhaps you’d like to explore a country you hope to visit by reading the literature of that nation, or maybe even “read around the world.” You might want to delve into biographies of historical figures and celebrities or follow those books that won awards the previous year.
One ambition I’ve always had is to read more of the books that have shaped Western culture and there are lists of must-read classics waiting to be conquered and pondered. If you don’t know where to start but want to become a better reader, ask one of our librarians for recommendations.
We’ll share our own favourites, or even provide you with one of these lists to get you going.
Children:
We have a full slate of daily morning and afternoon activities during the Christmas break. All events take place at the library for kids aged 6 and up.
Thursday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. – Paint a mini-canvas; at 1 p.m. – race our library robots (Sphero)
Friday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m. – we’ll craft buttons featuring your own artwork.
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. – challenge your friends to some fun winter-themed feats!
Wednesday, Jan. 3 – make soft, satisfying cloud playdough.
Thursday, Jan. 4, 11 a.m. – make a snowman you can keep indoors.
Join us for Shrek Week from Jan. 2 to 5 at 1:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, we’ll watch Shrek 1, Wednesday, Shrek 2, Thursday, Puss in Boots, and Friday, Puss in Boots 2.
Our last NERF War of 2023 will be taking place on Friday, Dec. 29 at 6 p.m.
Bring your NERF gun (labelled with your name) and some eye protection and engage in one of the most exciting events to take place in the library stacks. And we know that war will make you hungry, so we will be providing pizza! Registration is required so call today! Ages 6+.
The holidays are a perfect time to break out our LEGO collection and create something amazing. Meet on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 30 at 1:00 with other Lego maniacs for a great time creating. Ages 6+.
Little ones need their stories during the holidays, too! Read & Rhyme continues Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Bring your children 0-5 yrs, for rhymes, songs, and all kinds of book fun!
Teens and ’Tweens:
Brighten your dreary winter days with a glow-in-the-dark terrarium we’ll make ourselves on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 4:30 p.m.
Join us for another rollicking session of Dungeons and Dragons with Jasper on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m. We have lots of laughs and snacks to fuel your quest.
Adults:
Thinking of writing the next bestseller? Or even something shorter and less ambitious?
Join the Stettler Writers’ Club on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m. for a time of support and encouragement as we share and offer each other feedback on the craft of writing.
Treat yourself to a pair of beautiful seed bead earrings that you’ll make alongside other creators at Crystal’s Crafting Club on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Or make an extra pair to give as a gift. Sign up in advance as spaces are limited.
She Came to Me, is January’s selection for Film Circuit at the Library on Monday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Peter Dinklage stars as a composer unable to finish the score for his big comeback opera and searching for inspiration. The popcorn will be hot and our little concession will be open for your beverage needs.
Stettler Genealogy Club can help you follow up on that resolution you made to research your family history. Join us as we meet Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m. to offer tips and tricks for finding your ancestral roots.
Minds in Motion Lite is for those experiencing cognitive decline. We enjoy games, social activities, and snacks in a relaxed setting on Thursdays at 1 p.m. Caregivers are welcome to participate, too!
Al-Anon meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. to support and encourage those affected by the drinking of someone close to them. All are welcome.
Pick up a copy of January’s Reader’s Circle Book Club selection, the award-winning graphic novel Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands to follow author Kate Beaton’s adventures working there and drawing her experiences. The club will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the book. Everyone welcome
Our monthly Caregiver’s Support Group is for those who carry the heavy weight of caring for a person with cognitive decline like dementia or Alzheimer’s. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month (Tuesday, Jan 2) at 1 pm. Learn about what supports are available in the community and talk with others who are also in your type of situation.
All Ages:
Coding Club is back, starting Saturday, Jan. 6 at 3 p.m! Unlock the secrets of computer programming through interactive sessions using Scratch. Suited to all skill levels, ages 10 and up.
Monday night gaming at 8 p.m. is for online gamers who want to challenge their skills against others from Rocky Mountain House. We communicate via Discord (you can call the library for the link).
Start your new year on the right foot with a new job or career. Our experienced employment resource person can help you fine-tune your resume to make it stand out to prospective employers. Call for a Thursday afternoon appointment.
Are you determined to get fit in the new year? Make use of our circulating weekly Fitness Passes for free access to the gym and pool at the Recreation Centre. Call to book yours today.
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce
For more information or to register for any of the above programs, call the library at 403-742-2292.