News from Mississippi Mills Public Library – Week of April 10, 2025

Learn to use Makerspace – May registration

Makerspace training registration open for May! Ready to bring your ideas to life? The Makerspace at Mississippi Mills Public Library’s (MMPL) Pakenham Branch (128 MacFarlane Street) is a creative lab where you explore cutting-edge technology, tools, and equipment to create projects. (A training session is mandatory before you book time to work on your own projects.)

Makerspace equipment:

• xTool laser engraver/cutter
• Heat press
• Cricut Maker 3 cutting machine
• Button maker

Eligibility:

• Adults and those aged 13+ can use the Makerspace.
• Users aged 13-17 must have parent/guardian consent.
• Youth under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, who has completed MMPL mandatory training.

How to get started:

• Verify your library account is active.
• Book a training session here: https://form.jotform.com/250936820362053 and sign a user agreement.

Note: If you have already had your training session/s, you can use the same registration form to book time for your own projects using the equipment. Materials are available for a small fee.

Other programs and news

Home Alone Safety for Kids – in-person, one-day course, Saturday, June 7

Almonte Branch, 9 am to 4 pm. Cost: $40 / child.

This program is designed for children aged 9 and up to gain confidence and skills to stay at home alone successfully. Delivered by Safety Tree Canada.

The course is offered at a discounted rate of $40/child, thanks to a subsidy from the Municipality of Mississippi Mills (the original cost of the course is $80). Please note, due to the nature of this subsidy, all participants must be residents of Mississippi Mills.

To register, fill in the reservation form: https://form.jotform.com/250894175164261, then pay at your library branch. To complete your reservation, payment must be received at the library by May 31. Almonte branch accepts cash or interact/credit card, and Pakenham branch accepts only cash.

What you can expect

• Fun and interactive learning: Games, hands-on activities, videos and group discussions that bring safety to life.
• Real-life practice: Learn essential safety skills and apply them through role-playing and team-based activities.
• Experienced educators: Taught by elementary educators trained in First Aid and CPR.

All information is current, so it reflects what today’s children are facing when home alone: Street Smarts & People Safety – At-Home & Fire Safety – Home Alone Safety & First Aid – Online Safety.

Each participant takes home a Home Alone Safety for Kids manual and certificate upon successful completion of the course. Contact the library if your family needs help with the program’s cost.

May 14 Travelogue: Italy – Fast and Slow with Rick Scholes

Rick presents photos and stories from a self-guided trip to Italy in April 2024. A seasoned traveler, he describes many of the famous sights as well as ways to get off the beaten track, avoid crowds, and various useful travel tips and tricks. 

Registration in advance is greatly appreciated: https://form.jotform.com/250994311552255

This is the LAST travelogue for the season. The next series will begin this fall and we need presenters! If you would like to present a Travelogue for the fall/winter (2025/26) season, please contact Melanie. In the meantime, the library thanks you for your continued support and enthusiasm for its programming.

All questions: contact Melanie at mbrunton@missmillslibrary.com or call 613-256-1037.

Friends of the Library staged reading – Saturday, April 26

The Friends of MMPL are keen to present a staged reading of the comedy, ‘Get What You Need’ on Saturday, April 26 at St. Andrew’s United Church, Pakenham. Two show times: 2 pm and 7 pm.

Don’t delay, as tickets are selling fast, and you don’t want to miss out. Tickets available for $25 each at: https://fomml.ticketsplease.ca/get-what-you-need/. Proceeds go to support your library.

‘Get What You Need’ is a comedy by playwright, Jackie Bennett. Her local connection? She’s naturalist Cliff Bennett’s daughter! The cast has been working hard, is very keen and all local. Hope to see you at this event.