• MPL PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT •

 Highway 43 Towing Presents:
Brandi's 2026 Reading Challenge
The 2026 Reading Challenge has arrived, sponsored by the wonderful crew at Highway 43 Towing! Join us for a full year of literary fun, complete with prizes throughout the year and a grand prize of a Kobo at the end of the year. So get your hooks into reading, shift into story mode, and let your imagination be towed into adventure. Have a peek at the rules below and get your challenge started!

Make sure to return your 2025 Reading Challenge!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Holiday Closure
Friendly reminder: the library will be closed Jan 1 and 2. We’ll return to regular hours on Jan 6. Our digital library is always open 24/7, so you can keep reading, watching, or listening anytime!

Thank you to everyone for making 2025 such an amazing year at the library. Wishing you a safe and happy start to 2026!
 
 
 
 
Movies At MPL!
From page to screen
On Sat, Jan 17, enjoy the matinee of Where the Wild Things Are (PG). Max’s journey to the island of wild creatures began on the pages of the beloved book, which you can check out before watching.
 
On Wed, Jan 21, catch The Call of the Wild (PG)—the adventure of Buck, a dog navigating the Yukon Gold Rush. It all started as a classic book, and we have copies at the library if you want to see how your imagination matches the movie!
 
 
 
 
 
Herb Club
Step softly into the new year.
This month, Herb Club gathers to welcome the new year with a quiet, luminous ritual. We’ll craft winter ice lanterns threaded with herbs and evergreens, then take a slow candlelit walk—an invitation to reflect, release, and step gently into what’s beginning. Come warm your spirit with community, candlelight, and simple winter practices that help us set intentions for the year ahead.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-Country
Skiing or Skijoring
Love winter (or learn to!)
Join us for fun activities to help you enjoy the season! Try Cross-Country Skiing or Skijoring right here at the library. Don’t have skis? No worries—the library has three pairs of skis, poles, and boots in sizes 39–43.
 
Perfect if your dog is over 30 pounds!
Drop in—no registration required. 
 
 
 
 
 
The Whimsy Hour
Expect the unexpected
Teens and tweens, join Tara for a weekly adventure in creativity! From board games and cookie decorating to weaving and more, each session brings a new hands-on project. Come see what she’s crafting this week—you never know what kind of whimsy awaits!
 
Drop in—no school = no program
 
 
 
 
 
 Brain Challenge 
Big Sudoku Wall!
Kick off the New Year with a little brain exercise! Stop by the library and try our giant Sudoku wall—perfect for all ages and skill levels.
 
Add your numbers, solve a few squares, or tackle the whole puzzle. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to challenge your mind… and maybe even discover a new favorite pastime!
 
 
 
 
• KIDS •
 
 
 
 
Library Littles
Read, Sing, and Play at MPL
Bring your little ones (ages 0–6) to this drop-in program filled with rhymes, stories, and songs. It’s a wonderful way to encourage early literacy and spend quality time together. No registration required—just come and enjoy!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hands-on Fun
Little hands. Big discoveries.
Discover the secret life of seeds! In this hands-on program, kids will dig into fruits to count and sort seeds, stamp fruit patterns in paint, explore textures in seed sensory bins, and make their own mini “fruit-fact” posters. Along the way, they’ll learn how fruits protect seeds and help new plants grow—all through science, art, and sensory play. Caregivers join in too, making it a fun shared adventure for the whole family!
 
 
 
 
 

The Fix-Its: Power Up with Power Drill by Sarah Lynne Reul
Nat the Cat Takes a Bath: Ready-To-Read Pre-Level 1 by Jarrett Lerner
The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help by Sarah Lynne Reul
 
 
 
 
 
• TEENS •
 
 
 
 
Mini Clay Creations –
New Monthly Program!
 Calling all tweens and teens! In this hands-on monthly program, we’ll create tiny clay sculptures—starting with a mini snowman. Whether you want a classic snowman or something totally wild (melted, undead, alien?), we’ll show you the steps, and you’ll build your own one-inch creation. Each participant gets a display tube to showcase their mini masterpieces. By the end of the year, you could have 12 unique creations in your personal mini display collection!
 
 
 
 
 
 
• DIGITAL CONTENT FOR TEENS •
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• ADULTS •
 
 
 
Western Alberta Regional Victim Services Society 
Information Presentation
Learn about what Victim Services is and who they are, the supports they offer, eligibility requirements, and how to make referrals or reach them.

They provide guidance and support in the aftermath of tragedy or throughout the criminal justice process, always with empathy, compassion, respect, and dignity. Victims have rights, and they are here to help.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cups & Chats
Stop By, Stay Awhile
Join us for Cups & Chats, a laid-back gathering to meet new people, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a hot drink. No pressure—just good coffee and great company!
 
We have an espresso machine—come help us learn how to use it!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Walking Book Club
Reading optional.
Conversation encouraged
Stretch your legs and your mind with our Walking Book Club! No need to read ahead—just join us for an hour-long stroll around town (weather permitting), where we chat about a short story, books in general, or whatever topics pop up along the path. It’s low-pressure, low-commitment, and a great way to connect.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
Chapter Chat
Dive into suspense.
This month, we’re reading Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman — a gripping thriller full of suspense, secrets, and shocking twists.
 
When a couple discovers something unexpected during their dream vacation, their lives are thrown into chaos, revealing hidden truths and testing their trust in each other. As secrets unravel, nothing is as it seems, and danger lurks beneath the surface.
 
Pick up your copy at the library, listen to the audiobook on Libby, or read the eBook on Libby or Cloud Library through our digital collection.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Second Son: A Thriller by Simon Gervais
Last Rites by Ozzy Osbourne
The Last Death of the Year by Sophie Hannah
 
 
 
 
 
 
• COMMUNITY INFORMATION •
 
 
 
 
 
Learn to Skate
Fun on ice for kids 3 years and up!
This program teaches basic skating skills in a safe and supportive environment, helping little skaters gain confidence and have fun.
Cost: $50 per child (payable to the Town of Mayerthorpe).
 
When: Weds, Jan 7 – Mar 11, 2026 | 3:45 – 4:30pm
Where/Contact: Dick Granley Arena. Contact the Town Office for more information: 780-786-2416.

Spaces are limited, so register early to secure your spot!
 
 
 
 
The Pink Revival 2026
Communicate bravely. Connect deeply.

The Pink Revival 2026 is a one-day women’s mindset and personal growth workshop designed to inspire confidence, connection, and meaningful communication in relationships. This uplifting experience encourages reflection, growth, and practical tools for everyday life, all in a welcoming and supportive environment.
 
When: Sat, Feb 7, 2026 | 9am – 3pm
Where: Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre

Empower yourself, connect with others, and take home practical tools for personal growth.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stay Connected with FCSS!
Mayerthorpe FCSS now has its very own Facebook page! Like and follow to stay up-to-date on local programs, events, and community news. Don’t miss out—join the conversation and be part of what’s happening in our community!

Plus, check out the Town's Website for the community calendar! 
 
 
 
The Blue Ridge Golden Agers:
Promoting Local Musicians
Join us for a jam session and open mic, featuring local talent!
 
When: Sun, Jan 25, 2026 | Noon – 4pm, Doors open at 11am
Where: Blue Ridge Community Hall
Admission: $5 for musicians | $10 per person
 
For more details, call Dwayne Sharkey at 780-778-0259
Upcoming Jam Dates: Feb 22, 2026 | Mar 22, 2026
 
 
 
 
 
Pickleball
Come out for an evening of fun and friendly play!
 
When: 7 – 9pm
Where: Mayerthorpe High School
Cost: $5 drop-in fee
 
For more information, contact Melody Nemlander at 780-786-4881
 
 
 
 
 
Crib Tournament
Test your skills and compete for cash prizes at the Blue Ridge Community Hall!
 
When: Sat, Jan 24, 2026 | Noon (Doors open at 11am)
Where: Blue Ridge Community Hall
 
Details:
  • Pay as singles: $10 per person buy-in, payable at the door
  • Cash prizes for 1st and 2nd place, plus prizes for 19 hands and Skunks
  • Minimum age: 15 years
  • 50/50 draw available, coffee and tea supplied, food for purchase
Upcoming Tournament Dates: Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 25, 2026
Contact: Dwayne 780-778-0259 | Sheila 780-778-9316 | Debbie 780-204-0707 | Dale 780-706-0300
 
 
 
 
• THE LAST WORD •

 
 
Hello 2026
 We’re ringing in the new year with big ideas! From our annual Picnic in the Park and cozy movie showings to monthly storytimes, a possible True Crime Club, inspiring guest speakers, pop-up libraries around town, and hands-on workshops in leatherwork, jewelry, Cricut crafts, and wood burning—there’s something for everyone!
 
Thank you to our amazing community—whether you volunteer, attend a program, relax in the library, or borrow a book or something from our Library of Things, you make it all possible.
Here’s to a year full of stories, adventures, and creativity—see you at the library!
 
 
 
 


Mayerthorpe Public Library
4601-52 Street | PO Box 810
Mayerthorpe, Alberta T0E 1N0
780.786.2404

www.mayerthorpelibrary.ab.ca