BOB HEPBURN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
BOB HEPBURN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Embedded Files
Come see us in the Library!
Come see us in the Library!
OCTOBER 2026 EVENTS
Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) is an internationally recognized campaign held each October to help the public learn more about the importance of cyber security. The campaign helps Canadians stay secure online by teaching them simple steps to protect themselves and their devices. To learn more about Cyber Security and Digitial Literacy, please come check out our related book display this month:)
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in Canada takes place from October 4 to October 10, 2026 and World Mental Health Day takes place on Saturday,
Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual national public education campaign coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) to open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness, reduce stigma, and advocate for accessible resources.
World Mental Health Day: This year's theme is "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change". The core focus of this day is supporting people with lived experience in mental health policy, decreasing stigma, and supporting the WHO's global initiative on the deinstitutionalization of psychiatric care and community-based services.
Stop by our library this week to learn more and show your support from our related book display.
Happy Women's History Month!!! Come by our library to check out our HUGE collection about women's history. Learn about women's amazing achievements and resillience in the face of adversity. We also have a diverse collection of books by women authors and wonderful stories with female protagonists. Check out a book to learn more!!!
LGBTQ2S+ History Month is an annual, month-long observance dedicated to celebrating the history, achievements, and civil rights advancements of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and Two-Spirit communities.
Korean Heritage Month provides an opportunity to reflect on, honor, and celebrate the rich history, vibrant traditions, and significant contributions of the Korean community. It is a time to promote cultural awareness, foster inclusivity, and pass down valuable cultural legacies to future generations. Stop by our library this month to learn more from our related display ☺️
Since 2018, Latin American Heritage Month has been celebrated every October in Canada. This is a great time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Canadians with Latin American heritage. They bring vibrant culture, cuisine, music, dance and more to our community!
Latin America refers to countries in Central and South America. The biggest Latin American populations in Canada are from Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Peru, Chile, Brazil and Venezuela. The first wave of Latin American immigration happened in the 1970s, and today there are over 500,000 Canadians with Latin American heritage. These countries bring a wide variety of languages and cultures that you can explore this Latin American Heritage Month. Come to our library to learn more!
Hungarian Heritage Month is officially proclaimed every October in Ontario and across Canada to recognize the history, culture, and ongoing contributions of Hungarian-Canadians. October holds deep historical meaning for the Hungarian community, marking both the Hungarian Uprising on October 23, 1956—which led to Canada welcoming over 37,000 Hungarian refugees—and the birth of Hungary as a democratic parliamentary republic on October 23, 1989. Come to the library to learn more about Hungarian heritage and history from our related book display 😊
October is German Heritage Month, an opportunity to highlight the contribution of people of German descent to our country. The Government of Canada reports about 10 percent of Canadians being of German descent, representing more than 3 million people who make a difference in their communities every day. Join the celebration and learn more from our related book display.
October marks Islamic Heritage Month, a time to honour Muslim Canadians and their contributions across the country. This month invites all Canadians to explore the history of Islam in Canada and celebrate the achievements of Muslim Canadians in areas such as arts, sports, literature, science, academia, and community leadership. It’s also a moment to reflect on the challenges they continue to face. Please stop by our library this month to learn more from our related book display.
SEPTEMBER 2026 EVENTS
Truth and Reconciliation Week runs Monday, September 21st to Friday, September 25th. On September 30th, we honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day. To learn more, please stop by our related book displays in the library this month.
Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete and humanitarian who inspired the world by running across Canada with an artificial leg to raise money for cancer research.
Terry was only 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated 15 centimetres (six inches) above the knee in 1977. While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, many of them young children, that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He would call his journey the Marathon of Hope. After 18 months and running over 5,000 kilometres (3,107 miles) to prepare, Terry started his run in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. He ran close to 42 kilometres (26 miles) a day through Canada's Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario. However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles), Terry was forced to stop running because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at the age 22. The heroic Canadian was gone, but his legacy was just beginning.
The International Week of Deaf People 2026 runs from September 21 to September 27, 2026. Established by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), this annual initiative celebrates Deaf culture, raises awareness about the everyday challenges faced by the Deaf community, and advocates for linguistic human rights. The global theme for 2026 is "Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights". The campaign serves as a call to action to protect and promote these fundamental rights in all aspects of life, heavily emphasizing full access through national sign languages.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, marking the birthday of the universe and the start of a ten-day period of reflection and repentance.
"Rosh Hashanah" translates from Hebrew as the "head of the year". It begins the High Holy Days (or Days of Awe), a spiritual countdown to Yom Kippur. People reflect on their actions from the past year and pray to be inscribed in the Book of Life for the coming year.
Rosh Hashanah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Come by our library to learn more about Jewish culture !!!
Last school year's memories are below...
Our Bob Hepburn Memorial Library is a space designed for students and staff to:
Our Bob Hepburn Memorial Library is a space designed for students and staff to:
Find information that will help them with classes or interest them personally
Work collaboratively or independently
Stay tuned for updates on what is going on in the library here or go to our Brightspace Page for more information:)
JUNE 2026 EVENTS
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich cultures, heritage, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It is also a time for reflection on the ongoing journey of reconciliation.The region around Oakville is situated on Treaty 14 and 22 lands, the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, along with historical ties to the Anishinabe, Haudenosaunee, and Métis. Local and regional events and resources for National Indigenous History Month include:
Voices of the Land Speaker Series: Hosted at Crawford Lake Conservation Area (3115 Conservation Rd) just north of Oakville, this series features Indigenous speakers, artists, and knowledge keepers.
Painted Feather Workshop (June 7): Join Anishinaabe artist Moses Lunham at Crawford Lake to learn how to create a custom wooden feather.
Oakville Historical Resources: Explore the Oakville Historical Society page to review local land acknowledgments and educational resources.
GTA-Wide Celebrations: Neighboring communities host major events like the Indigenous Arts Festival and National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations (held on and around June 21). You can find detailed listings on the City of Toronto and Destination Ontario event pages.
Come by our library this month to learn more from our related displays. Happy Indigenous History Month!!!
Pride Season refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place from June to September, when 2SLGBTQI+ people and their allies come together to highlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize their communities’ contributions. Although special attention is put on the Pride events during the summer months, they happen throughout the year in many communities.
Historically, Pride gatherings emerged from the first large-scale protests for 2SLGBTQI+ rights. In Canada, the first demonstrations took place in Ottawa and Vancouver in 1971. By 1973, Pride events were held in several Canadian cities, including Montreal, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Toronto's Pride weekend in June is now among the largest Pride events in North America. Come to our library this month to learn more from our related book and informational displays. Happy Pride Season!
June is officially proclaimed as Portuguese Heritage Month in Canada, highlighted by Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal) on June 10th. It celebrates the rich history, culture, and vast contributions of the half-million Luso-Canadians to the country's social, economic, and cultural fabric. Come by our library this month to learn more from our related book display:)
Filipino Heritage Month is celebrated annually throughout June in Canada, officially recognized by Parliament since 2018. It is an occasion to honor the history, vibrant culture, and invaluable societal contributions of Filipino Canadians. The month centers on Philippine Independence Day on June 12, marked by festivals, cultural showcases, and educational events nationwide. Come by our library this month to learn more from our related book display 😊
Celebrated in June, Italian Heritage Month recognizes the cultural, economic, and historical contributions of the more than 1.5 million Canadians of Italian descent. The month-long event honors one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world and coincides with the celebration of Italy’s Republic Day on June 2. Come by our library this month to learn more from our related book display:)
Ontario Day, recognized each year on June 1, is a time to celebrate everything that makes Ontario strong and unique. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our history, our people and the countless contributions made by communities across the province every day.
Ontario is home to millions of people from many cultures and backgrounds, all of whom have played a role in shaping the province as it is today. The day encourages Ontarians to appreciate the values that bring people together, including respect, opportunity, innovation and community. On Ontario Day, we celebrate: the people who live and work in Ontario, the province’s communities, from large cities to small towns and rural areas, Ontario’s natural beauty, cultures and creativity and the spirit of collaboration and resilience that helps Ontario grow and thrive.
Our Library hosted the Data Carnival Semester 2. Thank you Eagles for participating!!!
MAY EVENTS
Celebrated annually on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) commemorates the World Health Organization's 1990 decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. It serves as a global call to action against violence, discrimination, and stigma faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ people, with 2026 events highlighting the need to defend queer rights within democratic systems The 2026 theme, "At the heart of democracy," emphasizes that democratic societies must be rooted in equality and freedom for all. Come by our library to learn more from our related book displays:)
Endangered Species Day is on Friday May 15th!!! It is a time to raise awareness about threatened wildlife and promote conservation efforts. Established in 2006, this day celebrates successes under the Endangered Species Act and encourages actions to protect biodiversity, such as habitat restoration and reducing pollution. Do your part and support conservation groups, educate yourself and others in person and on social media. Check out our book display to learn more.
Red Dress Day, observed annually on May 5th in Canada, is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S). Inspired by artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, it uses red dresses in public spaces to symbolize the thousands of missing/murdered Indigenous people, honour their spirits, and confront systemic violence. On this day, individuals and communities are encouraged to educate themselves on Indigenous history and participate in community gatherings to stand in solidarity. People often hang red dresses from trees, windows, or wear red on this day to raise awareness. Please show your support Eagles and wear RED on Tuesday. Come by our library this week to learn more from our related book display. Thank you for showing your respect and honouring this day.
African World Heritage Day is celebrated annually on May 5th to celebrate and protect the continent's unique cultural and natural heritage. Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2015, it highlights the importance of preserving Africa's, often endangered, sites (39% of African sites are on the World Heritage List in Danger) and leverages them for sustainable development and social cohesion. Stop by the library to learn more from our related book display and collection. These are just a few books we have on the topic!!!
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada, focusing on reducing stigma, promoting education, and highlighting the importance of mental wellness, which affects 1 in 5 Canadians annually. The month emphasizes that mental health is as important as physical health, encouraging supportive environments at home, school, and work. Come by the library this month to learn more from our related Mental Health Book Display:)
May is officially proclaimed Armenian Heritage Month in Ontario, Canada, recognizing the significant social, cultural, and economic contributions of more than 100,000 Armenian Canadians. Established by the Armenian Heritage Month Act, 2022, this month honors the community's resilience and impact, particularly celebrating the 1918 declaration of independence. Come to our library this month to learn more from our related book display:)
Ontario is home to about 500,000 Dutch Canadians. Since the early 1800s, the Dutch Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario. By proclaiming the month of May as Dutch Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Dutch Canadians have made to the economic, political, social and cultural fabric of Ontario’s society. May is a historically significant month for the Dutch Canadian community. On May 5, 1945, the Canadian forces were instrumental in the liberation of the Netherlands from occupation during World War II. The Netherlands celebrates its independence and liberty, along with the heroic efforts of the Canadian forces, with a national holiday known as Liberation Day, which takes place annually on May 5. Come by our library to learn more about Dutch culture and history from our related book display:)
South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) is a month-long celebration in Canada that aims to recognize and highlight the contributions of South Asians to Canadian society. This celebration takes place during the month of May and is an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural diversity, history, and heritage of South Asians in Canada. Come by our library this month to learn more from our extensive collection(some of which is on display) exploring history, culture and fictional stories too!
May is officially proclaimed as Polish Heritage Month in Ontario every year. Established by the Polish Heritage Month Act, 2021, this month recognizes the significant contributions of Polish Canadians to the province's culture, history, and economy, often featuring flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events throughout the month. Please come by the library this month to learn more from our related book display:)
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month is celebrated throughout the entire month of May. Officially designated by Parliament in 2018, this time recognizes the significant contributions of Jewish Canadians to Canada's social, economic, political, and cultural life. Please stop by the library to learn more from our extensive collection:)
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love. The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2026 is: “Honouring Asian Canadians: Stories that Built Canada”. This theme recognizes the essential contributions Asian Canadians have made to Canada’s social, cultural, and economic life across generations. It highlights how individuals, families, and communities helped build the country—often while facing exclusion and systemic barriers—and affirms that their histories are a foundational part of Canada’s national story. By centering the theme on lived experiences and community narratives, it supports learning, reflection, and a more inclusive understanding of who we are as Canadians. Please stop by our library today to check out our related book display:)
APRIL EVENTS
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 to demonstrate global support for environmental protection. First held in 1970, it is now the world’s largest, non-religious civic event, celebrated by over a billion people across 190+ countries to fight pollution, promote sustainability, and protect ecosystems. Please come by the library during the month of April to check out our related resources, displays and books to help you save our planet!!!
The International Day of Pink is a worldwide anti-bullying event celebrated annually on the second Wednesday of April, focused on opposing homophobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny, particularly in schools and workplaces. People wear pink to show solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and promote diversity and inclusion. Please come to our library to show your support and learn more:)
National Poetry Month in Canada, held every April and organized by the League of Canadian Poets since 1998, celebrates the vital role of poetry in Canadian culture. It highlights Canadian poetic voices, featuring reading series and events, including partnerships with libraries. Stop by our library to check out our HUGE collection of poetry, which is on display this month. This image is just a small portion of the display. Come in person to see the rest!!! Happy Poetry Month everyone:)
April is officially recognized as Arab Heritage Month in Canada, celebrating the rich culture, history, and contributions of over one million Arab Canadians. Formally established in 2022, this month (under initiatives like Bill C-232 and Bill S-227) promotes awareness of the community's impact on Canadian society while promoting education against racism. Please stop by the library to learn more!!!
April is officially designated as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada, celebrating the over 500,000 Sikh Canadians who have contributed to the country's social, economic, and cultural fabric for over 120 years. The month highlights values like equality, service, and compassion, featuring community events, exhibits, and educational initiatives that mark the significance of April in Sikhism. Come check out our related display to learn more:)
Passover is a Jewish holiday observed in the spring to celebrate freedom and to remember the Exodus from Egypt. It commemorates God "passing over" Jewish homes during the tenth plague. Key traditions include the Seder meal, reading the Haggadah, eating matzah, and avoiding leavened bread. In 2026, it is observed from April 1 to April 8 (in Israel) or April 9. Please stop by our library to learn more from our related book display. Happy Passover!!!
Easter is the principal Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion, symbolizing victory over death and the promise of eternal life. It marks the joyful end of Lent, with celebrations often including church services, special meals, and traditions like Easter eggs and bunnies. Please stop by our library this week to learn more from our related display. Happy Easter!!!
MARCH EVENTS
World Autism Awareness Day, celebrated annually on April 2nd, promotes global understanding, acceptance, and support for autistic individuals, often transitioning toward "Autism Acceptance" to combat stigma. Initiated by the UN, the day focuses on neurodiversity, human rights, and fostering inclusive communities where autistic people can thrive. Want to learn more? Stop by our library this week and check out our related display featuring non-fiction about Autism and fiction novels with autistic protagonists:)
International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on March 31st to honor transgender and non-binary people, celebrate their contributions to society, and raise awareness of the discrimination they face globally. Stop by our library this week to learn more from our related display:)
World Poetry Day is celebrated on March 21st. It was declared by UNESCO at their Paris conference November 1999, "with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard". World Poetry Day is the occasion to honour poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing and teaching of poetry, foster the convergence between poetry and other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and raise the visibility of poetry in the media. As poetry continues to bring people together across continents, all are invited to join in. Please stop by the library to check out our related book display:)
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually on March 21st, commemorates the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, when police in Sharpeville opened fire on a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws, killing 69 people. Established by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness and encourage global action against racism, the observance reflects broader international efforts that have led to important progress, including the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa and the strengthening of global commitments to equality and non-discrimination, principles also affirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Come by our library this week to learn more from our related display.
March is officially recognized as Irish Heritage Month in Canada, officially declared in 2022 to honor the lasting contributions of Irish Canadians. With over 4.5 million Canadians claiming Irish ancestry, the month celebrates Irish history, culture, and their integral role in building Canada, famously highlighted by St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Come check out our related display in the library this month.
Hellenic Heritage Month is officially celebrated in Ontario and various Canadian municipalities during March each year, designated by the Hellenic Heritage Month Act, 2019. It honors the contributions of Greek Canadians to society and coincides with Greek Independence Day on March 25. [1, 2, 3]
March is officially recognized as Persian Heritage Month in Ontario, Canada, celebrating the rich culture, history, and contributions of Persian-Canadians. Proclaimed under the Persian Heritage Month Act, 2021, this month aligns with Nowruz (the Persian New Year/vernal equinox). Please stop by the library to check out our related display:)
The International Women's Day (IWD) 2026 theme, Give To Gain, calls for a mindset rooted in generosity, collaboration and shared progress. Give To Gain highlights the power of reciprocity: when individuals, organisations and communities invest in women, opportunities expand, systems strengthen and societies thrive. Come by our library this week to learn more from our related display. We have MANY books where you can learn about women's history, achievements and so much more:)
United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on March 3rd to celebrate wild animals and plants and recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet. The WWD2026 Theme is Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods. Come by our library this week to check out our related displays to learn more:)
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Pink Shirt Day, held annually on the last Wednesday of February (Feb. 25, 2026), is an international movement to stand against bullying by wearing pink. Originating in 2007 in Nova Scotia, Canada, two students initiated the protest after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. It promotes kindness, inclusion, and safety, raising funds for anti-bullying initiatives. Please stop by our library to learn more from our related anti-bullying book displays.
Celebrate Freedom to Read Week: February 22 – 28, 2026
Celebrate Freedom to Read Week: February 22 – 28, 2026
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. As of 2024, Freedom to Read Week entered a new phase led by Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and the Ontario Library Association in partnership with the Book and Periodical Council. Come by our library today to check out our related book display featuring books that have been challenged in the past.
World Day of Social Justice calls for concrete action to advance poverty eradication, achieve full employment and decent work, promote gender equality, and ensure access to social well-being and justice for all. In 2026, the theme “Social Protection and Decent Work for All” focuses on practical policies that help build fairer and more resilient societies. These include strong social protection systems, the protection of labor rights, the promotion of social dialogue, and inclusive public services. Together, such measures enable people to adapt to economic, climate, and technological transitions with dignity and genuine opportunities, in line with a human rights–based approach to economic and social policymaking. Stop by our library today to check out our related book display to learn more:)
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by approximately 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. In 2026, the first day of fasting for most is Wednesday, February 18, following the official sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening. Ramadan commemorates the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The most sacred night, Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), occurs during the last ten nights of the month—often observed on the 27th night, which will fall around March 17, 2026. Stop by our library this month to learn more from our related Ramadan Display. Happy Ramadan everyone!!!
Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia and globally as a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and ushering in spring with luck, prosperity, and red decorations. This celebration lasts 15 days, starting with a reunion dinner and ending with the Lantern Festival. It symbolizes new beginnings, reuniting with family, and good fortune for the year ahead. Some traditions include: giving red envelopes (money), displaying red decorations, setting off fireworks, and eating symbolic foods like dumplings (wealth) and fish (abundance). The 2026 Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Horse. Plesae come check out our related book display.
Happy Lunar New Year everyone!!!
Valentines Day is almost here!!! Looking for romance? We have a related book display for you!!! Looking for a sweet surprise? Check out our Blind Date with a Book Display this week 😊❤️😍
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on February 11 to promote full and equal access to and participation in STEM fields for women and girls. Established by the UN in 2015, this day highlights the need for gender equality in science to foster innovation and address global challenges. Please stop by th elibrary to learn more:)
The 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina 2026) will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6–22, 2026. These games will feature 16 sports, including the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, with around 2,900 athletes competing. The events are spread across Northern Italy, from Milan to the Dolomite. Come check out our related display:)
Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities. The 2026 theme for Black History Month is: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by highlighting the enduring contributions of Black Canadians across time. It acknowledges the foundational role of nation builders—those who fought for civil rights, advanced social justice, and shaped Canada’s cultural and political landscape. At the same time, it looks forward to tomorrow’s visionaries, the emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are redefining excellence in every field. Come by our library this month to learn more!!!
JANUARY EVENTS
Our Library hosted the Data Carnival. Thank you Eagles for participating!!!
Fitness and Nutrition Books are on display this month to help you meet those new year's resolutions:)
We have Fitness and Nutrition Book Displays this week to help you with your New Year's Resolution goals. See you soon and Happy New Year!!!
Tamil Heritage Month, started in 2010, aims to celebrate the history of Canada’s Tamil community and its contribution to the social, cultural, political and economic strength of Canada. The objectives of the Tamil Heritage Month are five-fold:
To celebrate the richness of the Tamil language and literature
To celebrate the traditions, arts, and culture of Tamils around the world
To educate Canadians of all backgrounds about the language, traditions and history of the Tamil people
To highlight the achievements of Tamils in various fields both in the past and the present
To advance the growth and prosperity of Tamils
The month of January was chosen as the Tamil Heritage Month for a number of reasons. The Pongal festival, the most important and widely-celebrated festival amongst Tamils around the world, falls in the middle of the month. Pongal is both a time of thanksgiving for the blessings of a past year and a time to look forward to the start of a new year. The first month of the Tamil calendar, Thai, begins in the middle of January.
DECEMBER EVENTS
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that runs annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. It was started in 1991 to call for action to end all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including physical, sexual, psychological, and digital abuse. The campaign encourages people to unite and take action to prevent and end GBV against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Please stop by our Library for more information and check out the related resources on display right now.
Across Canada, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, which provides an opportunity to commemorate and honour the 14 women who were killed in an act of violent misogyny at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989.
NOVEMBER EVENTS
The Halton District School Board supports Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, which is the third week of November, and encourages schools to promote awareness and understanding of bullying. During this week, schools organize various activities to foster a positive school climate and teach students how to address bullying. Please stop by our library to learn more from our related displays. Thank you:)
Remembrance Day is observed annually on November 11th in Canada. On this day, we pause to reflect and pay tribute to the many veterans who have served our country. Please stop by our library to learn more from our related book and informational displays. Thank you.
Indigenous Veterans Day, observed annually on November 8 in Canada. It is a day to recognize and honour the significant contributions and sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people who have served, and continue to serve, in the Canadian Armed Forces. Please stop by the library to learn more from our related library display. Thank you.
#TreatiesRecognitionWeek reminds us of the importance of the legally binding treaties and our shared responsibility to learn and understand as treaty people. During this week, and throughout the school year, the #HDSB is committed to learning about treaties and the histories, truths and excellence of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Visit our Library to check out related resources to learn more.
Holocaust Education Week is an annual event in the first week of November dedicated to remembering the victims and honoring the survivors of the Holocaust. It provides educational programs and events to teach about the history of the Holocaust and the dangers of systemic oppression, antisemitism, and hatred. Please visit our library to learn more from our related resources on display and within our large collection. Thank you.
The Halton District School Board recognizes November as Hindu Heritage Month, an annual event to celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Hindu heritage and to educate students about this community's culture and history. The board observes this month to acknowledge their significant impact on Canada in areas such as science, arts, business, and medicine. Please stop by our library to check out related resources to learn more:)
November is Albanian Heritage Month in Ontario, Canada, established by a 2016 provincial act to recognize the significant contributions of Albanian Canadians to society. The month is an opportunity to celebrate Albanian culture, language, and history and educate future generations. Please stop by the library to learn more from our related display:)
Lebanese Heritage Month is celebrated every year in November, a time to recognize the contributions of Lebanese Canadians and to commemorate Lebanese Independence Day on November 22. The month serves as an opportunity to celebrate Lebanese culture, history, and resilience, and to foster understanding and inclusion within Canadian society. Please stop by our library to learn more:)
OCTOBER EVENTS
Eagles Jack-o'-Lantern Decorating Contest
When? Thursday, October 30th and Friday October 31st, Periods 3 and 4.
Where? In our APHS Bob Hepburn Memorial library.
How to compete? Decorate a Pumpkin with your team of 2-4 people maximum, for a chance to win! You can work on your pumpkin on one of or both of the days during your lunch:)
How to enter? Enter your team members full names on this form. Give yourself a Team Name.
FYI: Pumpkins and some Supplies will be provided, but if your team has an idea in mind in advance you are allowed to bring in the supplies related to that concept (since we may not have all the supplies your creative concept requires). YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING IN CARVING TOOLS LIKE KNIVES. This is a surface decorating contest only.
How to win? Prizes will be awarded for the following concepts for decorating your pumpkin:
most scary
most school spirit
most funny
most cute
most creative connection to a book
What do you win? One group will win an outstanding pumpkin award where they receive gift cards. All participants will receive candy.
HDSB Library Services have put together a fantastic collection of cursed titles for readers of all ages! Get ready for Halloween:)
https://soraapp.com/library/haltondsbca/curated-1725539/titles?sort=releasedate
Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) is an internationally recognized campaign held each October to help the public learn more about the importance of cyber security. The campaign helps Canadians stay secure online by teaching them simple steps to protect themselves and their devices. To learn more, please come by our library to check out our related display and go to the Government of Canada page on Cyber Security Awareness Month Resources.
October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to highlight the achievements of women and girls, past and present, who have shaped Canada in fields like politics, science, arts, business, and the economy. Come to our library to learn more from our related display and/or go to the Government of Canada Women's History Month Website for additional resources.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
The fourth week of September is Gender Equality Week in Canada, a time to highlight progress made to advance gender equality, celebrate women’s achievements, and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to closing persistent gender gaps that hold too many back. Gender Equality Week was created through Bill C-309, the Gender Equality Week Act, which became law on June 21, 2018.
It's that time of year when we ask you to take part in the yearbook cover design contest. Please click here for more information and deadlines.
This week is International Week for the Deaf: A Week of Celebration, Awareness, and Action. Deaf-led alliances, in collaboration with governments and other organisations, play a vital role in advancing sign language rights. Following the motto ‘nothing about us without us’, true progress comes from partnerships where deaf people lead and others support them as committed allies. If you would like to learn more, check out the related website and the display in our library.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days and sets the spiritual tone for the entire year ahead. Rosh Hashanah 2025 begins at sundown on Monday, September 22, and continues through Wednesday, September 24. These two days mark the start of the Jewish year 5786.
As with all Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown the evening before the calendar date. So the celebration actually starts on the evening of Monday, September 22, 2025, and concludes at nightfall on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Both days of Rosh Hashanah are considered full festival days (Yom Tov) when observant Jews refrain from work and focus on prayer, reflection, and celebration. Come by our library to learn more about Jewish culture.
Thank you to staff and students who joined us for our first ever Book Tasting! It was a lot of fun:)
Bob Hepburn Memorial Library
Bob Hepburn Memorial Library
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