PROGRAMS
Join us outdoors or online for programming that inspires and informs.
Children’s Programs
Canadian Children’s Book Week: Virtual Visit with Illustrator Hatem Aly
Wednesday, May 5, 9:30 am
Register via email for this Zoom event
Suitable for children in grades 3 to 6.
Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work spans editorial cartooning, animation, book, and magazine illustrations worldwide. You can find out more about Hatem and view many of his beautiful illustrations on his website.
To register: email [email protected] using the subject line ‘Virtual Visit with Illustrator Hatem Aly’. Please include the name and age of the child. Participants will receive a confirmation email. Spaces are limited and registration is on a first-come-first served basis.
Canadian Children’s Book Week connects Canadian authors and illustrators with children and teens across Canada. Organized by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, events held during the week are aimed at encouraging, promoting, and supporting the reading, writing, illustrating, and publishing of Canadian books for young readers.
Origami: Discover the Art of Paper Folding with Stephen Tran
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqxAAGC0ZuE
Follow along with origami enthusiast Stephen Tran and learn the joyful art of paper folding.
Learn how to make:
- a Dog
- an Origami Box (1:52 mark)
- a Hopping Frog (6:32 minute mark)
NOTE: This video accompanies our Take and Make origami bag, released on March 22, 2021. If you were unable to pick up a free Take and Make bag from your local library branch, download a copy of the instructions here:
Self-Directed Stop Motion Animation Workshop for GVPL
Pre-recorded: http://www.jukimuseum.com/stop-motion-gvpl-springbreak/
Join award-winning animator Jody Kramer for an introduction to the fundamentals of animation through the use of found objects and paper cut-out technique. Participants will learn key animation principles as well as tips and tricks of the trade, using simple software available on any tablet or smartphone. No experience necessary.
Supplies needed:
- Cardboard box: approx. 12”-15” high. Banker boxes are the perfect size.
- Lighting: two book lights, or two matching bike lights, two desk lamps or a ring light/fairy lights can also work
- colourful craft paper
- scissors
- masking tape
- sticky tack
- a device: phone or tablet
- free software download: Stop Motion Studio by Cateater
Wrigglers at Work
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FcW0ZkhP3_U
For ages 5-12. Join us for a virtual workshop to learn about the fascinating biology of Red Wriggler Worms and the important role they can play in helping us create nutrient-rich compost! You will learn how to set up and care for your own indoor worm composting bin at home, using simple and inexpensive materials. Presented by Compost Education Centre.
Orca Storytime with Mark Leiren-Young
Author and filmmaker Mark Leiren-Young will read from his new books for younger readers – Orcas of the Salish Sea and Orcas Everywhere – sharing stories about the endangered southern residents and answering questions about orcas everywhere and anywhere. Presented by Royal BC Museum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7xb8YJQpGA&list=PLN9Hdj6yjKtUuiiLBnfMRncGvWZjkSupi&index=16
Natural Wonders at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
Take a virtual tour and learn about the wonderful animals that live at the Swan Lake Nature house. You will also go on a short virtual walk to see what other amazing discoveries can be found outdoors. Presented by Swan Lake Nature House. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=603438076974576
Adult Programs
Victoria Seed Library Member Orientations / Seed Saving 101
Online
Thursday, April 29, 7:00-8:00 pm
A pre-requisite to signing out seeds from the Victoria Seed Library, new and existing members are invited to join us for a virtual introduction to seed saving and orientation to the Victoria Seed Library. Come ask questions and brush up on the fundamentals. Presented by LifeCycles.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/victoria-seed-library-member-orientation-seed-saving-101-tickets-140422121345?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1384603838544266/
Victoria Seed Library: Seed Swap and Information Table
Central Library Courtyard
12:00-2:00 pm
Saturday, April 24, May 8, 22
Drop by to sign out seed varieties that interest you, or return seeds from you’re your healthiest crops to share with others. You can also find information about growing native plants, or learn more about the Victoria Seed Library. Presented in partnership with LifeCycles.
Making Space for the Birds and the Bees
Online
Thursday, April 15, 7:00-8:30 pm
This workshop will present a variety of different approaches to building habitat for local wildlife. We will discuss some of the different types of plants and plant communities that attract wildlife and dig into the different things that birds and bees need to be healthy in our yard. Presented by LifeCycles.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/making-space-for-the-birds-and-bees-tickets-140622221851
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/904006043764985
Growing Winter Vegetables on the Shores of the Salish Sea
Online
Thursday, May 13, 7:00-8:30 pm
This workshop will provide information on when to plant and how to grow those vegetables that commonly thrive in our climate from June through April. Presented by LifeCycles.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/growing-winter-vegetables-on-the-shores-of-the-salish-seatickets-140622486643
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1124673191318323
Lifting the Curtain: Stories from Behind the Scenes with Pacific Opera Victoria and the Belfry Theatre
Online
Go backstage with local theatres to learn some of the behind-the-scenes tricks of the trade used to tell great stories on stage. Join our partners at the Belfry Theatre and Pacific Opera Victoria on their Facebook pages to learn how they use their backstage tools to bring stories to life. https://www.facebook.com/pacificoperavictoria
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=177641174016402
If you need more when they’re done, check out some great backstage reads, here!
Deans’ Lecture Series, 2021
Research shapes that way that we live and think. The University of Victoria’s popular Deans’ Lecture Series has moved online. Hear distinguished members of the faculties of UVic through pre-recorded talks and learn about their research interests. Find out more.
Poetry Readings by City of Victoria Poet Laureate John Barton
Listen to John Barton and local poets and writers read from their work. https://www.victoria.ca/EN/main/residents/culture/poet-laureate/2019-2022-poet-laureate.html
In Your Hands: Making in a Digital Age
Join the Royal BC Museum, Greater Victoria Public Library, The Maritime Museum of British Columbia and Pacific Opera Victoria for a discussion on the importance of creativity through books, museums and opera during these turbulent times. The session will also include four short workshops with hands-on activities that you can share with your learners. Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=779567909558889
Some programs may be offered by partner organizations who use Zoom or Eventbrite for registration and program delivery. Zoom and Eventbrite are applications hosted in the U.S.. Creation of a user account may store limited personal information on a server stored outside of Canada. Upon account creation, you are consenting and becoming subject to the privacy policy of the service provider. GVPL encourages patrons to review all third-party privacy policies and statements to protect their personal information. Where other (third-party) organizations require personal information in order to provide services on behalf of the Library, the Library makes reasonable efforts to obtain commitments from such organizations that they treat the personal information in compliance with FIPPA and this policy.