News and Events
News
2025 Evergreen Award
Have you read at least two of this year’s Evergreen Award–nominated books? Cast your vote for your favourite by September 27 and help celebrate Canadian literature!
September Trivia Challenge!
Think you know a lot about video games? Test your knowledge about video games and complete the September Kahoot Trivia Challenge.
Library closure

All HCPL branches will be closed on Tuesday, September 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
 
Check the list of library locations and hours.
Fall Library Passport Challenge

Celebrate the beauty of fall in Haliburton County with our Fall Passport Challenge! Pick up your passport at any HCPL branch starting September 16 and set out to visit all 8 library locations by October 31. Submit your completed passport by October 31 to be entered into our grand prize draw! 
Plus, use #FallforHCPL for a chance to be featured on our social media channels (Facebook and Instagram)!
Programs for All Ages
Halloween Costume Swap

Halloween Costume Swap starts September 12! 👻🎃🕷️
Got some great Halloween costumes that don't fit your or your kids anymore? Or tired of a costume you've worn before? Don't throw them away! You can drop off gently-used, clean Halloween costumes at any HCPL branch. Whether you’ve got tiny pumpkins, fearless superheroes, or sparkly princess dresses, someone else will love them just as much as you did.
We’re collecting costumes until October 10.
Then, come by on October 11 at the Minden or Dysart branches to browse for a “new-to-you” costume—no donation required to participate! Leftover costumes will travel to the Stanhope and Wilberforce branches for a second swap on October 18, giving everyone another chance to find the perfect costume. 
 
All HCPL branches: September 12-October 10
Drop In Tech Help
 
Got a tech question or issue? Drop by our Drop-In Tech Help Session for quick, friendly, and expert assistance! Whether you're struggling with your smartphone, computer, apps, or any other tech-related problem, our tech support is here to help you get back on track. Please bring your device(s) and any specific questions or issues you'd like help with.
 
Wilberforce branch: Friday, September 12 from 10am-12pm
Stanhope branch: Friday, September 19 from 12-2pm
Cricut 101

Join us for our Cricut 101 workshop, designed to show you the steps required to design, cut, slice and score, learning the basics to get the most out of the cutting machine!
Whether you’re new to crafting or just new to Cricut, this beginner-friendly workshop will guide you through the basics of using the Cricut machine and its software Design Space. By the end of the session, you’ll feel confident creating your own custom projects.
All materials provided. Please bring a water bottle, cup or fabric swatch to apply the vinyl to.
 
Dysart branch: Thursday, September 18 from 1-2:30pm
Minden Hills branch: Friday, September 26 from 12:30-2pm
Puzzle Swap
 
Love puzzles? Looking for something new to work on? Join us for our Puzzle Swap! Bring in your gently used puzzles and swap them for something new. It's a great way to refresh your puzzle collection and discover new challenges, all while connecting with fellow puzzle enthusiasts.
Feel free to take home a puzzle, whether you donated one or not! 
No registration required.
 
Wilberforce branch: Friday, September 19 from 1-2pm
Hearts & Hands Drop-In Craft: Honouring Truth and Reconciliation

Join us for a meaningful craft activity in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Drop by any branch to participate in our ""Hearts & Hands"" craft station, where participants of all ages can:
Create an Orange Heart – Write or draw a message of support, reflection, or learning on a paper heart to honour Indigenous children and survivors of residential schools.
Trace Your Handprint – Add your handprint to a community display wall as a symbol of commitment to reconciliation and learning.
Learn more with Indigenous children’s books, resources, and stories available to browse and borrow.
All materials will be provided.
 
All HCPL branches: September 23-27
Regular All Ages Programs
The Yarners Social
Minden Hills branch: Wednesdays, 10am-12pm
 
Afternoons with Ancestors
Dysart branch: Tuesday, September 2 & 16,
2-4pm
Minden Hills branch: Tuesday, September 9 & 23, 2-4pm
Friends of HCPL Book Nook
Minden Hills branch: Tuesdays, 10am-2pm
 
Savouring Stories
Highland Grove branch: Thursday, September 25, 11am
 
LEGO Challenge
All branches, new challenge every month 
Programs for Children
After School Crafts

Join us twice a month for a fun new craft. All ages are welcomed to join, children under 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Some crafts will use a hot glue gun and will need adult supervision. No registration required. 
 
Minden Hills branch: Thursday, September 11 and
Thursday, September 25 from 3:30-4:30pm
Sticker Making Workshop
 
Get creative and unleash your inner artist at our Sticker Making Workshop! This hands-on workshop will teach you how to design and create custom stickers using the Cricut cutting machine. From fun designs to personalized creations, you’ll have the tools and guidance to make your own unique stickers to use, share, or gift!
All materials will be provided. Bring your ideas, and we’ll help you bring them to life! Children, ages 5+
 
Minden Hills branch: Saturday, September 20 from 1-3pm
Regular Children's Programs
Makerpacks
Available at all HCPL branches while supplies last. Starting Saturday, September 6 until gone.
 
Family Storytimes
Minden Hills & Dysart branches: Fridays from 10:30-11am
Homeschool Hangout
Stanhope branch: Friday, September 5, 12:30-2:30pm
 
LEGO Challenge
All branches, new challenge every month 
Programs for Teens
Jackbox Games 
 
Join us on Thursday afternoons for party games from Jackbox. Play off your phone or one of our iPads. This program is for teens ages 13-18. We will provide snacks!
 
Dysart branch: Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm
Programs for Adults
Genealogy for Beginners
 
Curious about where you come from? Join us for Genealogy for Beginners, an inspiring introduction to family history research led by Adele Espina of the Haliburton Highlands Genealogy Group.
This workshop will walk you through the first steps of building your family tree — from locating historical records to organizing your research and uncovering meaningful stories from your past. Whether you’re just getting started or simply want to explore the process, this session will help you begin your journey with confidence.
Researching your roots isn’t just about names and dates — it’s about discovering the people and stories that shaped your life.
Free to attend. No registration required.
 
Dorset branch: Wednesday, September 3 from 11am-12pm
One on One Tech Help
 
Stuck on a tech problem? Need help navigating new software, setting up your devices, or troubleshooting an issue? Our One-on-One Tech Help Session is here to assist you! Whether you’re a beginner or just need some extra guidance, our tech expert will work with you individually to solve your tech challenges and help you gain confidence with your devices.
During your personalized 30-minute session, you’ll receive:
  • Step-by-step guidance on a specific tech issue or project you’re working on.
  • Assistance with setting up or troubleshooting your computer, smartphone, software, apps, or internet connection.
  • Answers to any tech-related questions, from security tips to maximizing device efficiency.
  • Tailored solutions to meet your specific needs, all at your own pace.
No tech question is too big or small—this session is all about you and your tech needs! Registration required.
 
Dysart branch: Thursday, September 4 from 12-2pm. Register for your 30-minute session in Dysart.
Minden Hills branch: Thursday, September 25 from 12-2pm. Register for your 30-minute session in Minden. 
Fall Felted Leaves 
Celebrate the gentle beauty of fall by crafting your own soft, colorful autumn leaves in this relaxing needle felting workshop. Using simple techniques, you’ll create textured leaves inspired by the season’s warm hues—perfect as decorations or thoughtful gifts.
No prior experience is needed, and all materials will be provided. Registration required. Join us for one of 4 workshops offered in September:
Dysart branch on Thursday, September 4 from 2-3pm. Register for the Dysart workshop.
Wilberforce branch on Friday, September 5 from 11am-12pm. Register for the Wilberforce workshop.
Minden Hills branch on Wednesday, September 17 from 2-3pm. Register for the Minden workshop.
Dorset branch on Friday, September 26 from 11am-12pm. Register for the Dorset workshop.
Evergreen Award Voting & Coffee Social 
 
Drop by the library for a relaxed, social atmosphere where you can cast your vote for your favourite Evergreen Award-nominated title while sipping a warm cup of coffee or tea and enjoying light refreshments.
Whether you’ve read one book or all ten, every vote counts! Your vote helps choose this year’s winner of the Evergreen Award—part of the Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading program. Take a moment to chat with fellow readers, browse Evergreen titles, and reflect on the stories that stayed with you this year.
No registration required—just stop in, sip, and support Canadian literature.
 
Dysart branch: Saturday, September 6 from 10am-12pm
Canning 101
 
Make the most of your garden’s bounty! Join us for Canning 101, a beginner-friendly workshop all about preserving the fresh flavours of summer so you can enjoy them long after the harvest.
In this hands-on session, we’ll cover the basics of home canning—including water bath techniques, food safety, and storage—as well as explore other methods like freezing and drying. Learn how to turn your tomatoes into sauces, your cucumbers into pickles, and your herbs or fruit into long-lasting pantry staples.
Whether you're brand new to preserving or just need a refresher, this workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence to make the most of your homegrown produce.

Minden Hills branch: Saturday, September 6 from 2-3pm. Register to participate. 
Build-a-Bouquet
 
Join us for a fun and creative craft session designed just for adults! Using simple materials like pipe cleaners, beads, and floral tape, you'll learn how to twist and shape vibrant pipe cleaner flowers—perfect for brightening your space or gifting to someone special. No crafting experience needed—all supplies will be provided. Register for the workshop that works best for you:
Dysart branch on Tuesday, September 2 from 2-3pm. Register for the Dysart workshop.
Minden Hills branch on Wednesday, September 10 from 2-3pm. Register for the Minden workshop.
Wilberforce branch on Friday, September 19 from 11am-12pm. Register for the Wilberforce workshop.
The Short Story: A Writing Workshop with Hope Thompson
 
Join writer and screenwriter Hope Thompson for a creative and engaging workshop focused on the art and craft of the short story. Crafting short stories can be a powerful way to explore the writing process, build skills for longer-form storytelling, or be a satisfying creative pursuit all on its own.
Through group discussion and guided activities, participants will explore key elements such as character, structure, and narrative voice. You’re encouraged to bring your work, your questions, and your own ideas as we discuss writing challenges and opportunities in a supportive and collaborative space. 
About the facilitator: Hope Thompson is a Toronto-based writer and screenwriter known for her sharp, character-driven storytelling, often infused with suspense and dark humour. She has taught screenwriting at Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD), OCAD University, and at artist-run centres across Ontario. Her work includes plays, short films, and fiction, and her short story collection Dark Thoughts is set to be published in 2026.
 
Dysart branch: Saturday, September 13 from 2-3:30pm. Registration required.
Beyond the Book with Susan Garrod-Schuster
 
Join author Susan Garrod-Schuster for an engaging talk about her debut book, Biography of a Woman – A Journey Through the Self. This powerful true story follows Chau, a Vietnamese woman who fled her homeland as a refugee and rebuilt her life in Canada. Through poetic vignettes, the book explores themes of trauma, identity, and resilience as Chau finds her voice and purpose in a new land.
During this hour-long talk, Susan will share the origins of the book, behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make it to print, and thoughtful updates on the family’s journey since the book’s release.
Books will be available for purchase and signing. 
 
Dysart branch: Saturday, September 27 from 11am-12pm. Registration preferred.
Regular Adult Programs
Adult Ukulele Groups
Minden Hills branch: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
Stanhope branch: Tuesdays, 4-5:30pm
 
French Conversation Circle
Dysart branch: Wednesday, September 3 & 17, 6-6:50pm
 
English Conversation Circle
Dysart branch: Wednesday, September 10 & 24, 6-7pm
 
Minden Book Club #2
Wednesday, September 3, 2-3pm. Click here to register.
 
Coffee, Creativity and Conversation
Dysart branch: September 2 & 16, 10:30am
 
Movie Club
Cardiff branch: Saturday, September 13, 2:30pm
 
Crafternoon Drop-In
Stanhope branch: Wednesday, September 17,
1-3pm
 
Cardiff Crafters
Cardiff branch: Thursday, September 11, 2-3pm
 
Stanhope Book Club
Wednesday, September 24, 1pm
 
Wilberforce Book Club 
Wednesday, September 24, 11am
 
Books and Brews
Off site: second Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm. Learn more.

Intro to Coding workshop at the Dysart branch. 

Wildflower Needle Felting workshop at the Dorset branch.

Facing the Blank Page workshop with Author Catherine Graham at the Dysart branch.