Winter programs at the Ladner Pioneer Library

Combat loneliness and social isolation by making new friends at our monthly Seniors Social on the second Friday of the month, beginning January 12, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Explore art activities, board games, FVRL Playground items, and book recommendations. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Registration is required. Or would you enjoy listening to a reading of short stories and then discussing them afterwards? Join us at Tea and Tales (formerly called Lifelong Literature) at the McKee Seniors Recreation Centre on Wednesdays, January 10 and 24, February 14 and March 6, from 11 am to 12 pm. Membership is not required to join this program!

Calling all avid book readers! Have you read a book you feel that more people should hear about? Or is there a book that everyone should avoid at all costs? Join a library staff member for Sharing is Caring, a book talk on Monday, January 29, from 2 pm to 3 pm, to discuss your latest picks and pans. Get suggestions from others too.

Do you have questions about the Service Canada pension? Bring them to the Service Canada Outreach – Pension Information Presentation on Monday, January 15, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Learn everything you need to know from a Service Canada representative. This program is perfect for newcomers or anyone wanting to retire and learn about these benefits.

Are you or someone you know Living with Chronic Pain? Register for a six-week program on Saturdays, January 20 – February 24, from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. The Chronic Pain Self-Management program is for adults (19 years+) experiencing any type of chronic pain (such as chronic musculoskeletal pain, whiplash injuries, chronic regional pain syndromes, repetitive strain injury, chronic pelvic pain, post-surgical pain that lasts beyond six months, neuropathic pain or neuralgias, post-stroke or central pain and conditions such as persistent headache, Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neuropathy due to diabetes, and severe muscular pain due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Family, friends and caregivers can attend also. Participants must be able to function in a group setting and set goals. Space is limited to 10 participants, so please register early. Registrants must commit to all six sessions.

Popular programs such as Death Café, Conversation Circles, Knit Wits and Book Clubs return during the third week of January.

At Death Café – Tuesday, January 16, 6 pm – 7:30 pm – people, often strangers, gather to eat sweets, drink tea and discuss death. The objective is to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. Registration is required. Additional dates for Death Café are Tuesdays, February 20 and April 23, from 6 pm – 7:30 pm.

Join fellow newcomers at a Conversation Circle on Thursdays and Sundays to improve your English through speaking and listening about different topics each week in a safe and friendly space. Meet new friends while practicing the English language. Suitable for all levels. Thursdays, January 18 – April 25, 6 pm – 7:15 pm and the second and fourth Sundays of the month (January 28; February 11, 25; March 10, 24; April 14, 28, from 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm.

Pack up your needles and yarn, crocheting and head to the Ladner Pioneer Library for Knit Wits on Wednesdays beginning January 17, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Knitting, crocheting, quilting, and weaving are fun ways to connect across the generations. Join members of all ages and abilities to share ideas, techniques, and good conversation.

Meet fellow book lovers and discuss a selected title at the Monday Evening Book Club on the fourth Monday of the month, from 6 pm – 7:30 pm. New members are welcome. Books are provided. Registration is required. The Book Club meets January 22, February 26, March 25 and April 22. For adults with developmental disabilities, Rosy Readers Book Club offers a weekly opportunity on Mondays, from 1 pm – 2 pm beginning January 8, to read and learn together, talk about literature, make friends, and have fun in a relaxed community setting. Registration is required.

Are you new to computers or need to update your skills? Computer Basics returns in February on the first Monday of the month (February 5, March 4), from 1 pm – 1:30 pm, and 1:30 pm – 2 pm. Register for a half-hour session to learn the basics of computer hardware and software. Explore document creation and processing, FVRL digital content, internet searching, and email setup and navigation. No computer is necessary. Public computers will be utilized, however you are welcome to bring in your own device instead. Seniors and newcomers are welcome. To register, call the library at 604-946-6215 or ask library staff in person to book your appointment.

There are programs for everyone! Check out our Events Page at www.fvrl.ca.