Having close family living in the U.S. heightens my awareness of American holidays.
Personally, I’m glad our Thanksgiving is held in early October and not late November.
Two big family dinners only a month apart? There’s such a thing as too much turkey, and I have zero interest in charging into the stores and malls bright and early on Black Friday, a retail event that is rapidly crossing the border into Canadian stores.
But, in case you hanker to get in on the excitement, why not find your great savings by using the library where you’ll find board games and video games, audiobooks, reference manuals, novels, art books, movies and magazines, all for free. Not only that, but memberships are free, too, for residents of Stettler town or county residents. Come in today and save big!
Speaking of celebrations, our annual Friends of the Library Christmas Wine Survivor fundraiser is now underway. To enter, bring $20 and a recently purchased bottle of wine — minimum value $15 — to the library and receive your contest ticket and chances to win.
First place gets 30 per cent of the wine collected, while second and third place gets 20 per cent. Fourth, fifth and sixth-place winners receive 10 per cent.
Elimination draws start Monday, Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. on the Stettler Public Library Facebook page and will continue every day until the final draw on Dec. 9. To increase your chances of winning, purchase immunity for an extra $20. You have until December 2nd at 6 pm to get your tickets, meaning you have to get to the library today!
Children:
Books read to a child make a lasting impression. Bring your youngsters to Read and Rhyme on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for stories, songs, and other activities. Then download the free app 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and we’ll reinforce your progress with small prizes at each milestone.
Something Cool After School is a program for children ages six and up on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. Bring your friends and have fun making up tales using stop-motion storytelling on Thursday, Nov. 23. Then on Tuesday, Nov. 28, we’ll create charming snowman decorations using paint sticks. Join us on Thursday, Nov. 30 for adventures with hidden marvels as we make our own mini microscopes!
Teens and ’Tweens:
Make something to cheer up the dark days of winter for yourself or for someone special. Join us Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 4:30 p.m. to make soft, fuzzy pillows. Ages 10+.
Could you benefit from extra help in math, science, or English? We offer free individualized tutoring for students K-Grade 12, Mondays from 4-6 p.m., or Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. Call for an appointment today.
Adults:
Your writing will benefit if you spend time honing your skills with other writers. Meet with locals who can’t resist the lure of words as we offer and receive feedback at Stettler Writer’s Club on Thursday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Reader’s Circle Book Club will meet Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. for a lively discussion of this month’s book, The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny. Everyone welcome.
While you’re here, pick up a copy of next month’s selection, Permanent Astonishment: Growing Up Cree in the Land of Snow and Sky, a memoir by Tomson Highway.
Create a winter wonderland for your home or as gifts with the beautiful snowflakes you’ll make at Crystal’s Crafters on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Spaces are limited, so be sure to pre-register.
For anyone experiencing cognitive decline, the Alzheimer Society has designed Minds in Motion, a program to stimulate mental processes. Join us on Thursdays at 1 p.m. for an hour of games and activities in a relaxed setting. Caregivers are welcome.
Al-Anon meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. to support and encourage those affected by someone close to them who drinks too much. All are welcome.
At Afternoon Friends, adults who enjoy playing games, doing crafts, and enjoying matinees with others meet every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Join us Tue, Nov. 28 as we paint coasters to keep or to give as gifts.
All Ages:
Crochet yourself a selection of snowflakes, or whatever you can dream up at Crystal’s Crochet Club on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. If you’re a novice but want to learn, we’ll even teach you. All skill levels are welcome and, if crocheting is not your thing, other needleworkers such as knitters are more than welcome.
Engage in this captivating game of strategy and camaraderie at our monthly Chess Club on Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. All levels of skill are welcome.
Embark on amazing adventures and epic expeditions at Dungeons & Dragons Game Night with Jasper on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 5:30 p.m. All are welcome and there be snacks there!
If your resume needs an update, call for an appointment with our experienced employment resource person, who is available Thursday afternoons, 1-3 p.m.
Monday nights are gaming nights for gamers in Stettler and Rocky. Compete against others from your own home, chatting with them on Discord. Call us for further information.
“I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.” ~Winston Churchill
For more information or to register for any of the above programs, call the library at 403-742-2292.