Programs & Contests
Kids, Tweens and Teen Programs
Winter/Spring Storytimes: January 12 to May 17, 2025
Baby Time with Stay & Play
Fun-filled songs, rhymes, and fingerplays to use with your baby every day followed by 30 minutes of social time and free play. Drop-in.
Wednesdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm (January 15 to May 14)
Central Branch
Thursdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm (January 16 to May 15)
Esquimalt Branch
Juan de Fuca Branch
Saanich Centennial Branch
Fridays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm (January 17 to May 16)
Bruce Hutchison Branch
Oak Bay Branch
Please note: There will be no BabyTime on Friday, April 18, as all branches will be closed in recognition of Good Friday.
Family Storytime with Stay & Play
Fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes, and puppets for young children and their families followed by 30 minutes of social time and free play. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop-in.
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 am (January 14 to May 13)
Central Branch
Saanich Centennial Branch
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 am (January 15 to May 14)
Juan de Fuca Branch
Oak Bay Branch
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am (January 16 to May 15)
Bruce Hutchison Branch
Fridays, 10:30-11:30 am (January 17 to May 16)
Esquimalt Branch
Please note: There will be no Family Storytime on Friday, April 18, as all branches will be closed in recognition of Good Friday.
How to Make a Blackout Poem:
- Find Your Words – Read through a page of text and circle words that stand out to you.
- Refine Your Poem – Experiment with different word combinations in pencil before making final choices.
- Black Out the Rest – Once you’re happy with your selection, cross out or “black out” the remaining words to reveal your poem.
This year’s theme is Family, but all creative interpretations are welcome!
What is National Poetry Month?
Founded by the League of Canadian Poets in 1998, National Poetry Month celebrates poetry’s role in Canadian culture. Each April, schools, libraries, and literary organizations across the country come together to highlight the power of poetry.
Look for displays at participating branches to get started!
Emergency Preparedness Week: May 4–10, 2025
Are you ready for an emergency? Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness campaign that encourages everyone to take action to be better prepared for potential emergencies. To support this important initiative, we're sharing resources and opportunities to help you get informed and ready:
Emergency Preparedness Booklists:
Emergency Preparedness for Adults
Emergency Preparedness for Kids
In-Branch Information Tables
Drop by to speak with representatives from the Saanich Emergency Program and pick up helpful resources:
Thursday, May 8 | Saanich Centennial Branch | 1:30–3:30 pm
Friday, May 9 | Bruce Hutchinson Branch | 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Let’s work together to build a safer, more prepared community.
Adult Programs
How to Make a Blackout Poem:
- Find Your Words – Read through a page of text and circle words that stand out to you.
- Refine Your Poem – Experiment with different word combinations in pencil before making final choices.
- Black Out the Rest – Once you’re happy with your selection, cross out or “black out” the remaining words to reveal your poem.
This year’s theme is Family, but all creative interpretations are welcome!
What is National Poetry Month?
Founded by the League of Canadian Poets in 1998, National Poetry Month celebrates poetry’s role in Canadian culture. Each April, schools, libraries, and literary organizations across the country come together to highlight the power of poetry.
Look for displays at participating branches to get started!
Emergency Preparedness Week: May 4–10, 2025
Are you ready for an emergency? Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness campaign that encourages everyone to take action to be better prepared for potential emergencies. To support this important initiative, we're sharing resources and opportunities to help you get informed and ready:
Emergency Preparedness Booklists:
Emergency Preparedness for Adults
Emergency Preparedness for Kids
In-Branch Information Tables
Drop by to speak with representatives from the Saanich Emergency Program and pick up helpful resources:
Thursday, May 8 | Saanich Centennial Branch | 1:30–3:30 pm
Friday, May 9 | Bruce Hutchinson Branch | 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Let’s work together to build a safer, more prepared community.
- Birth Certificates for all Canadian provinces and territories
- BC Services Card and BCID
- Secure status cards (SCIS)
No registration is required—just drop in!
Fourth Thursday of each month
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Central Branch
Indigenous Stories Book Club
Join Carmen Rodriguez de France, Assistant Professor of Indigenous Education at the University of Victoria, for a book club focused on the works of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Explore Indigenous history, culture and ways of being, as expressed through Indigenous writings. You will receive readings and instructions for joining the book club in advance of the meetings. Register by emailing [email protected] with “Indigenous Stories Book Club” in the subject line.
Space is limited. Please note that your name and email address will be shared with the presenter.
Saturdays, January 18, February 15, March 15, April 19, May 17
10:00-11:30 am | Online, Zoom
Community Support and Services
The BCNSP supports the social and economic integration of newcomers to the province. The program targets newcomers who are not eligible for federal settlement services, specifically, temporary foreign workers, provincial nominees who are awaiting their permanent residency approval, post-secondary international students, refugee claimants, and naturalized citizens. For more information or to register, email [email protected] or call 250-361-9433.
English Conversation Classes and English Language Learning
Wednesdays, 12:00-1:30 pm and 2:00-3:30 pm (contact BCNSP to determine eligibility)
Juan de Fuca Branch
BCNSP Information Table
Come meet BCNSP settlement workers to learn more about information, resources, and free support available for newcomers. Drop-in welcome!
