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:)

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

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:)

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

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!!!

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!!!

                  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.

                 NOVEMBER EVENTS

                   OCTOBER EVENTS

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.