The Brandon Library’s Adult Creative Writing program follows a workshop model. The group meets every two weeks to provide each other with comments, feedback, and suggestions on works-in-progress. In the intervening weeks, participants email their work to Danielle, the facilitator, who then distributes the writing to everyone in the group. Optional writing prompts are provided before each session. Please register ahead of time at the Adult Services Desk, or by phoning 204-727-6648. For more information, email Danielle@wmrl.ca.

The spring session of Storytime at Neepawa Library runs Fridays, April 5th to May 17th at 11:00 am. Join us for stories, I Spy and crafts! No registration is required.  

The fourth Saturday of each month, Brandon University’s Let’s Talk Science team runs hands-on science-education programs for kids of all ages. Please register ahead of time at the Children’s Services Desk, or by phoning 204-727-6648. Register for each sessions opens the first Friday of the month.

• February 23: Physics
• March 23: Geology
• April 27: Light
• May 25: Animal Diversity

The fourth Saturday of each month, Brandon University’s Let’s Talk Science team runs hands-on science-education programs for kids of all ages. Please register ahead of time at the Children’s Services Desk, or by phoning 204-727-6648. Registration for each session opens the first Friday of the month.

• February 23: Physics
• March 23: Geology
• April 27: Light
• May 25: Animal Diversity

This casual, friendly conversation group is for anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary, pronunciation, or confidence. Mix and mingle with English-speaking volunteers for an afternoon of games, refreshments, and conversation. All levels of English are welcome. No need to register. Please arrive on time, as the program begins at 2:30 pm. For more information, phone 204-727-6648 or email Danielle@wmrl.ca.

The Non-Fiction Book Club meets the fourth Monday of the month. The group decides as a whole what book they would like to read and discuss each month. The January book is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot. This group is self-run, and is not facilitated by a library staff member. Please register ahead of time at the Adult Services Desk, or by phoning 204-727-6648.

Run in collaboration with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Brandon, CoderDojo is open to any youth between the ages of 7 and 17 who want to try their hand at coding. Projects include Scratch, HTML, Python, and more. Some computers will be provided, though participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own if possible. The group is facilitated by adult mentors. Please register ahead of time at the Children’s Services Desk, or by phoning 204-727-6648. Registration opens Monday, January 7. For more information, email Danielle@wmrl.ca.

Join us for a presentation of stories and photos from places in Manitoba where Gordon Goldsborough visited to create his Abandoned Manitoba and More Abandoned Manitoba books! Neepawa Library meeting room.

Grab your glad-rags and head on down to the Brandon Public Library’s speakeasy to join former Brandon mayor Shari Decter Hirst when she launches the Bootleggers’ Chronicles series. Set during Prohibition, the Chronicles are full of misdeeds, crimes, passions, and adventures. The event is free and without registration. We’ll even have a non-alcoholic bar! For more information, phone the Library at 204-727-6648, or email us at info@wmrl.ca.

The first Saturday of the month, kids ages 5 to 8 are invited to join us for 45 minutes of LEGO fun and construction. The program begins with a story or other group activity, followed by construction time. Each month has a different theme, and construction guides are provided to help kids along, though free-rein creativity is also encouraged. The last few minutes of each program are set aside for showcasing, where kids can demonstrate their creations to the group. Registration for each session opens two weeks ahead of time (ie. Registration for the February session opens Saturday, January 19). For more information or to register, please visit the Children’s Services Desk, or phone 204-727-6648.

Learn about composition, shape, light source, shadow, and vanishing point. Brandon artist Michaela Ditchfield leads the group through a different project each month (February – Zentangle; March – Seascape; and May – Floral). Participants are welcome to sign up for one session, or more, and are encouraged to bring their own drawing supplies, though some will be provided. Please register ahead of time at the Adult Services Desk, or by phoning 204-727-6648. For more information, email Danielle@wmrl.ca.  

The library hosts three monthly general-interest book clubs. Book Club One (facilitated by Danielle) meets the first Monday of the month. What we read is up to the group. We usually pick fiction, though not always. Books are supplied by the library, and meetings are facilitated by a library staff member. For more information about upcoming reads, contact Danielle at Danielle@wmrl.ca.