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Fall Library Passport Challenge continues!Celebrate the beauty of fall in with our Fall Library Passport Challenge! Pick up your passport at any HCPL branch and visit all 8 library locations by October 31. Submit your passport to enter our grand prize draw! Plus, use #FallforHCPL for a chance to be featured on our Facebook and Instagram! |
 October Trivia Challenge! |
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Halloween Costume Swap
Halloween Costume Swap! 👻🎃🕷️
Got some great Halloween costumes that don't fit your or your kids anymore? Or tired of a costume you've worn before? You can drop off gently-used, clean Halloween costumes at any HCPL branch 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. Minden & Dysart branches: Saturday, October 11, 10am-5pm Stanhope branch: Saturday, October 18, 10am-1pm Wilberforce branch: Saturday, October 18, 10am-3pm |
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Fall Craft Drop-In While you’re enjoying the Dorset Arts & Crafts Show, be sure to stop by the library for a creative fall craft drop in! Get inspired by the season and create your own unique art piece using a variety of supplies, including fall-themed materials. Whether you’re young or young at heart, this is a fun way to take a break, get creative, and bring home something handmade. All materials provided. No registration is required. Dorset branch: Saturday, October 11, 10am-3pm
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Witch's Potion Workshop Double, double, toil and… glitter? Step into our cauldron of creativity this October and craft your very own magical potion bottle. Will you create a sparkling love elixir, a mysterious antidote, or something entirely your own? Using whimsical ingredients, spooky charms, and enchanting labels, you’ll design a witch's potion bottle. A bewitching activity for witches, wizards, and curious mortals of all ages!All materials provided—just bring your imagination. Ages 5+ (hot glue guns will be used). Registration required. |
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Haunted Haliburton Step into the shadows of Haliburton’s past and uncover the stories that still echo through our hills, lakes, and historic halls. Join us for Haunted Haliburton, a spine-tingling presentation with Kate Butler from the Haliburton Highlands Museum, as she shares eerie local legends, haunted places, and the mysterious tales passed down through generations. From whispers in old inns to strange sightings in the forest, discover the folklore, history, and lingering spirits that give Haliburton its ghostly charm. All ages welcome. No registration required. Dysart branch: Saturday, October 25, 11am-12pm
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Regular All Ages Programs |
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The Yarners Social Minden Hills branch: Wednesdays, 10am-12pm Puzzle Swap Wilberforce branch: Friday, October 17, 1-2pm |
Friends of HCPL Book Nook Minden Hills branch: Tuesdays, 10am-2pm |
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PA Day Movie: DinosaurStep back in time with Disney’s Dinosaur—a heartwarming tale of courage, friendship, and survival in a prehistoric world.Follow Aladar, a kind-hearted Iguanodon raised by lemurs, as he embarks on an epic journey across ancient lands with a herd of dinosaurs searching for a safe new home. With exciting action, lovable characters, and stunning animation, this film is perfect for the whole family! No registration required. Movie is rated G. Dysart & Minden Hills branches: Friday, October 24, 1-3pm
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Not So Spooky Storytime Celebrate Halloween with a storytime that’s all treats and no tricks! Perfect for children ages 0–6, this special event will feature cheerful Halloween stories, lively songs, and playful rhymes—nothing scary, just lots of giggles. Costumes are welcome (but not required) for our little parade after storytime, and we’ll finish with a simple seasonal craft to take home! Minden Hills branch: Friday, October 31, 2025, 10:30-11am |
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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, October 9 and Thursday, October 23 from 3:30-4:30pm |
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Frankentoys It’s ALIVE… well, almost! This October, become a toy scientist and bring broken dolls, action figures, or random toy parts back from the dead. Using glue, tape, and a little mad scientist magic, you’ll create your own weird, wacky, and one-of-a-kind Frankentoy. Bring any old or broken toys you’d like to use, or raid our stash of spare parts from the “toy graveyard.” All materials provided. Wilberforce branch: Saturday, October 4, 11am-2pm. Dorset branch: Saturday, October 18, 11am-2pm
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Regular Children's Programs |
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Makerpacks Available at all HCPL branches while supplies last. Starting Saturday, October 4 until gone. Family Storytimes Minden Hills & Dysart branches: Fridays from 10:30-11am |
Homeschool Hangout Stanhope branch: Friday, October 3, 12:30-2:30pm LEGO Challenge All branches, new challenge every month |
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Teen Lounge Wind down after school in a space made just for teens. Teen Lounge is a quiet, relaxed atmosphere—perfect for hanging out with friends or just recharging on your own. Play board games, watch YouTube, get creative with art supplies, or grab a snack while you scroll. Wi-Fi’s on—come claim your spot. Dysart branch: Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm
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Genealogy for Seniors Curious about where you come from? Join us for Genealogy for Seniors, an inspiring introduction to family history research led by Adele Espina of the Haliburton Highlands Genealogy Group, with support provided by the Government of Ontario.This workshop will walk you through the steps of building your family tree — from locating historical records to organizing your research and uncovering meaningful stories from your past. No registration required. Minden Hills branch: Tuesday, October 7 at 10:30am
Dysart branch: Tuesday, October 7 at 1:30pm
Dorset branch: Wednesday, October 15 at 10:30am
Stanhope branch: Wednesday, October 15 at 1pm
Gooderham branch: Wednesday, October 29 at 12:30pm
Wilberforce branch: Wednesday, October 29 at 3pm
Highland Grove branch: Thursday, October 30 at 11am
Cardiff branch: Thursday, October 30 at 2pm |
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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.
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Mini Pumpkin Needle Felting Celebrate the colours of autumn with a creative, hands-on workshop! Learn the relaxing art of needle felting while crafting a charming miniature pumpkin from soft wool roving. No prior experience is needed—our staff will guide you step by step through the basics of shaping, layering, and finishing your felted piece. By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind mini pumpkin to display as festive fall décor or give as a handmade gift! All materials provided. Registration required.
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Writing True Crime with Hope Thompson Dive into the world of true crime storytelling. In this workshop, writer and podcaster Hope Thompson will share strategies for finding and researching story ideas, using open-source investigative techniques, and transforming real-life events into engaging nonfiction narratives. Whether you’re curious about writing true crime articles, books, or scripts, you’ll gain insight into how strong research forms the backbone of powerful storytelling. Hope will also discuss her own experience writing for true crime podcasts. Bring your ideas and projects and let’s talk true crime writing! About the Instructor: Hope has numerous podcast episode writing credits with both Crimehub and Whereabouts Unknown, along with a true crime book set for release in 2026. Dysart branch: Saturday, October 4, 11am-12pm. |
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Film Screening: A Return to Memory Step into a vividly reconstructed chapter of Canadian film history with A Return to Memory, a stirring documentary by Donald McWilliams. When World War II erupted, the National Film Board of Canada faced a call to action—and hundreds of courageous women answered, laying the very foundation of Canadian cinema as we know it. Through a rich tapestry of archival footage, dynamic animation, and expert storytelling, this film brings to life the overlooked pioneers behind the National Film Board's (NFB) cinematic legacy.No registration required. The film is provided courtesy of the NFB in collaboration with the Minden Hills Cultural Centre. Film will be screened in the Welch Room. Minden Hills branch: Thursday, October 9, 1-3pm & 5-7pm |
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Introduction to Palmistry Ever wonder what secrets your hands might be holding? Join us for a fascinating Introduction to Palmistry with local intuitive Catherine Harper and explore the ancient art of hand reading. Whether you're a curious skeptic or a budding mystic, this engaging session will open your mind to new ways of seeing yourself—and others. Come with open hands and an open mind! Registration required, dropins welcome. Recommended for ages 14+.
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Wellness Connections Program J oin us at the library for the Wellness Connections Program, offered in partnership with the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Ontario Health Team and Haliburton Highlands Health Services. This free program is designed to help older adults maintain independence, build healthy habits, and learn strategies to avoid frailty.The program is presented as a 4-session group series with supportive discussions and practical tips for healthy living. For those who prefer to learn at their own pace, online modules are also available, and participants are welcome to use library computers to complete them. Wellness Connections offers valuable tools to support aging well and staying active in your community. To register, email bgraham@hhhs.ca or call 705-457-2941 extension 2932. Dysart branch: Thursdays (October 16, 30, November 6, and 20) from 10am-12pm. |
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Tarot Talk with Catherine Harper As October casts its golden glow and the veil between worlds grows thin, step into the enchanting realm of tarot with intuitive guide Catherine Harper. This magical session will immerse you in the ancient art of card reading, where symbols speak and intuition reigns. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a longtime seeker, this workshop invites you to pause, reflect, and embrace the mysteries of the season. Registration required, drop-ins welcome. Ages 14+. Come with an open heart, a curious spirit, and let the cards reveal what October already knows. Minden Hills branch: Saturday, October 18, 2-3pm. Registration required. |
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Blackout Poetry
This Halloween, get creative with Blackout Poetry—a mix of writing and art where you transform printed pages into hauntingly beautiful poems. Use a variety of stamps, paper cutters, and Sharpie colours to design your piece, making each poem truly unique. Whether spooky, mysterious, or playful, your creation will capture the spirit of the season. All materials provided. No registration required. Wilberforce branch: Friday, October 31, 11am-2pm |
Adult Ukulele Groups Minden Hills branch: Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm Stanhope branch: Tuesdays, 4-5:30pm French Conversation Circle Dysart branch: Wednesday, October 1 & 15, 6-6:50pm English Conversation Circle Dysart branch: Wednesday, October 8 & 22, 6-7pm Savouring Stories Highland Grove branch: Thursday, October 23, 11am Coffee, Creativity and Conversation Dysart branch: October 7 & 21, 10:30am Drop-In Tech Help Stanhope branch: Wednesday, October 8, 12-2pm Gooderham Book Club Tuesday, October 28, 11am |
Movie Club Cardiff branch: Saturday, October 11, 2:30pm Crafternoon Drop-In Stanhope branch: Wednesday, October 15, 1-3pm Cardiff Crafters Cardiff branch: Thursday, October 9, 2-3pm Wilberforce Book Club Wednesday, October 29, 11am Stanhope Book Club Wednesday, October 29, 1pm Minden Book Club Wednesday, October 29, 2pm Books and Brews Off site: second Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm. Learn more. |
 Savouring Stories at the Highland Grove branch. |
 Fall felted leaves workshop at the Dysart branch. |
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