 By Pepper Parr
May 14th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Part two of a two-part article on the Burlington Library CEO
“Our demographics.” There isn’t a lot of data, said Lita Barrie.
We don’t do a lot of gender-based analysis when we do our annual customer satisfaction survey. Typically, we weren’t asking people for demographic information, but this past year we did, and it definitely skews to women.
Who uses the library and how many people work there?
Number of staff FTE – 140
Number of books on shelves – BPL’s Collection totals 345,352 items – 305,662 physical items on the shelves
Number of videos on shelves – DVD’s comprise of 11% of BPL annual checkouts.
How many people hold a library card – 93,322 Active Library Card holders (i.e used within the last 2 years)
 Reading as a concept, whether as a social determinant of health, as a source of learning and growth, or even just for mental well-being is part of what libraries are in place to do. “Just be hazarding a guess to say how many, but it’s interesting, because definitely, for our author events, our book clubs, there tends to be a gender disparity between these and those just borrowing from the library.
“I think we’re seeing, even though we’re in sort of an information age where we’re surrounded with information, there’s more research happening now around attention span, because I think one of the things that people really struggle with is the long form of a book and being able to hold your attention to read for a longer period of time, but reading as a as a concept, whether as a social determinant of health, as a source of learning and growth, or even just for mental well being as a dream stressor. I think that’s the part you know.
 Books that were on hold and are now available are placed here for people to pick up. For those of us who are readers, we know all this. We know all of the things that reading brings us. But for people who haven’t had that; they haven’t discovered that, or they face challenges around that, convincing people of the value can be a bit of a hard sell.”
How do libraries work with educators?. Do they influence each other?
“Definitely, within the library sector, and this could be one of the things that we’ve seen in Canada over the last number of years, is a decline in school libraries. So definitely, kids aren’t having as much of a presence of the library in their elementary and secondary school experience, and that’s particularly true in Ontario.
“We work with educators when we look to find partnerships. “Teachers have big jobs, particularly now with all the things happening in society; the types of partnerships that we used to have is less common now, just because the school boards and teachers just don’t have the time or capacity for those types of collaborative relationships, which I think is a detriment to our ability to really make an impact, but we try to recognize that and find ways that we can engage. I used to have working relationships with educators at the start of my career.
 “The biggest factor in whether a child is a reader is their parent. “The biggest factor in whether a child is a reader is their parent. It’s not just being read to, it’s seeing literature at home, observing a parent. Those are some of the biggest determinants of whether someone is a reader.”
Is there anything that your people can do to work on the disinformation side?
“Very timely question. Definitely, that’s an area of focus we’re looking at. I was part of a podcast we worked on with the Privy Council on misinformation, disinformation, and trying to think about how we as librarians can play a more active role in that.
“We have found that the more confident we feel about our position on something, the more susceptible we are to misinformation.”
 Audience during the recording of the CBC Ideas program at the BPL.  CBC’s radio program Ideas recorded one of their program at the Burlington Central Library; the program was broadcast a couple of weeks later. Lita was not part of the CBC program just to introduce people – she was an active participant along with Ira Wells and Nahlah Ayed (Host, CBC IDEAS). Wells was speaking about an experience he had at his child’s school where they were reviewing the collection. The idea was that there would be nothing in the library that was printed for a certain time period.
“I share his belief that this is such a loss, because we librarians are on the front lines of providing the public with not just books – but a wide wide range of tools that educate, inform and entertain people.
 Lita Barrie (CEO, Burlington Public Library), Sabreena Delhon (CEO, The Samara Centre for Democracy), Meg Uttangi Matsos (Director, Service Design & Innovation, BPL), Nahlah Ayed (Host, CBC’s IDEAS), and Ira Wells (Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author). “The books coming in have expanded exponentially.
“The number and volume of reading material that is published on an annual basis, far exceeds our capacity from a budget standpoint, but I think our collection grows more as a partnership, because our team selects based on demand and what people are reading. We also try to balance that with making sure we have breadth and depth and scope, because we don’t want to be so driven by popular demand that you’re not walking into the library discovering something that you never imagined existed. It’s definitely a balance.
“We curate to a certain extent, that’s more of a business driven from our leaders. Our team works with a vendor. People also want the book the moment it’s printed. So we have partnerships with our vendors, we have something called an automatic release plan based on a profile of the type of collection that we have in the library.
“We get our copies of the book on the shelves quickly, that drives the bulk of our collection. Our team refines the selections that adds to the edges of what goes on our shelves; the process helps us build a very complete collection.
Is there anybody on staff able to say to somebody they’re talking to: there’s a book I think you should read?
 Lita Barrie: ‘It can be a bit of a nerve-wracking figuring out what people might want.’ “I have Pepper. I would hope that the majority of the people on our team would be able to do that, because that was one of the things that we’ve really focused because that can be a bit of a nerve-wracking figuring out what people might want. We’ve developed additional training for our team to ask questions: what does that look like, so that people can understand when they’re talking to someone about what they’ve read they can determine – is it the writing style, is it the content, is it the genre, and then being able to have a conversation with someone else.
“What part of that book did you really like, let them be able to point them in directions, and definitely, technology helps hugely for that, in terms of, you know, the way our catalogue is able to pull like the crazy word that you’ve never heard of.
Does Shakespeare matter we asked. “Yes – Shakespeare – on a daily basis, no, but it’s part of that breadth and that history of English literature that is the core of what it written and what is read.
 “One of the things we’re trying to encourage in people is to nurture themselves and nurture the lives of their children. It’s giving ourselves that space and that time to just let ourselves be immersed in something because there’s such a different experience between that immersion and the flip, flip, flip of the you know, video shots of information that people are getting through social media.
“I think I’m okay with where I’m going and what I’m doing with the library; it’s as much about who you are and the institution you’re in and where you’re going to take that institution at this point. When we celebrated our 150th a few years ago we recognized we are part of a profession that has such a legacy to it; there are people you will never know, who led the waves or created the opportunity for you to be here in that moment and then to hold that responsibility and think, okay, 150 years from now when BPL celebrates its 300th anniversary; what will we have we done in this moment to secure that future and make sure that the institution still has value and meaning.
 New Appleby Library at the Bateman Community Centre will have 10,000 square feet of space. Lita needed me to know that the Appleby Library at the Bateman Community Centre is going to give them an additional 10,000 square feet. “I don’t think most people realize just how big an operation it is going to be. We have dates for when the book shelves and those things will be moving in over the summer. Early fall is the date penciled in at this point.
We’ve spent so much time looking at the drawings. We’ve been working with the planning people going on five years for this project; it was a renovation of the school, which complicated things. It’s going to be really bright. The library board decided not to call the branch the Bateman branch. Currently it’s called New Appleby and that name will be used when we open at the Bateman Center.
 Lita Barrie: “I’m still having a lot of fun in Burlington.” What’s next? “
“Well, I’m still having a lot of fun in Burlington, so I have no I have no plans beyond, the work we are currently doing.
“I have the ability to work with the board, to really guide where the library is going; it’s just such a phenomenal time.”
Links:
Part 1 of this 2-part article.
 By Staff
May 12th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Halton District School Board (HDSB) students excelled at the annual Skills Ontario Competition, held on May 5 and 6 at the Toronto Congress Centre. The Skills Ontario Competition offers students a unique opportunity to demonstrate that they are the best of the best in their field, enabling and empowering youth to consider a career in the skilled trades and technologies.
From the HDSB, 27 elementary and secondary students have earned Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in 13 various technological challenges. For secondary students, this provincial competition is a qualifier for the Skills Canada National Competition to be held later in May.
Gold Medal Winners:
 Jacob Bondarenko, Grade 12 student at Nelson High School, for Auto Collision Repair- Sabina Armstrong, Grade 12 student at Nelson High School, for Auto Painting
- Adam Scruby, Grade 11 student at Aldershot School, for Mechanical CAD
- Bella Zhao and Tegan Tao, Grade 11 students at Garth Webb Secondary School, for 2D Character Animation
- Neel Shah, Grade 10 student at Abbey Park High School, for IT Network Systems Administration
- Miles D, Charley D, Hannah P and Chloe R, Grade 4-6 students at Maplehurst Public School, for Lego Mechanical Engineering
- Melody Z, Aidan S, Bonnie C and Max T, Grade 7-8 students at Post’s Corners Public School, for Technology
Silver Medal Winners:
- Jessica Wang, Grade 11 student at Garth Webb Secondary School, for Computer Aided Manufacturing
- Manuthi R, Paige W, Agastya V and Elsa H, Grade 4-6 students from Stewarttown Middle School, for Character Animation
Bronze Medal Winners:
- Sienna Mason, Grade 11 student at Garth Webb Secondary School, for Fashion Design
- Neng Li, Grade 12 student at Abbey Park High School, for Coding
- Bronwyn Elms and Suhana Khatri, Grade 11 students at Abbey Park High School, for TV and Video Production
- Abu-Ubaidah A, Noel C, Mrinal G, Aryan D, Grade 7-8 students from Sam Sherratt Public School, for Vex IQ Robotics
The HDSB offers a number of opportunities to learn about and gain experience in the skilled trades, providing students with confidence, abilities and the opportunity to be successful in any situation.
 Hammers, saws and wrenches were once the tools for many of the trades. Computers and students who can write code are now a big part of the job for today’s students.  “The outstanding achievements of our students at the Skills Ontario Competition are a testament to their hard work, talent and the high-quality learning experiences provided through opportunities like the Halton Skills Competition,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. He adds that: “Their success at the provincial level reflects not only their technical skill but also the confidence, problem-solving abilities, and resilience they’ve developed along the way. These hands-on competitions play a vital role in fulfilling our commitment to Learning, Engagement and Achievement.
By Pepper Parr
May 11, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of a 2-part article on the CEO of the Burlington Library
Lita Barrie has been the CEO of the seven-branch Burlington Library system since 2018.
She was the CEO of the Grimsby library from 2010 to 2012. It was a very small operation. She moved on to the Hamilton Public Library, where she climbed the ranks and became a Director and served from 2013 to 2018 when she was appointed the CEO of the Burlington Library.
Lita described Hamilton as a good five years and that it was time for a change.
 Lita Barrie: CEO Burlington Public Library With seven years at the helm in Burlington – one might ask: what’s next?
That wasn’t the way Lita Barrie wanted to tell her story. A lot has taken place since she started in 2018.
Libraries were where Lita started when she completed her studies at McGill University.
“My first library job was at the Hamilton based Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety.
“Part of what we do at the library is trying to be responsive to the community. It’s a combination of why I really love the work and the people I work with, which includes people from the community. We’ve been through such a time of huge societal change, that I think has given us the impetus, as an organization, to reach out to individuals and try to meet the changing times.
“That’s part of our perennial challenge as a library, you don’t always know what the stats are across country on how many go to public libraries over the course of the year compared to how many attend major sporting events.
“When you go to an NHL game, you are sitting in the arena with everyone else watching, you get a sense of the enormity of the game. Libraries have a very small scale. With some of the author events, the scale is a little bigger, but you don’t get that sense of witnessing everyone’s experience at a library.
“We’re averaging an excess of 10,000 visits a month; on an average fall – winter month, we’re in the five to eight thousand range. It’s just the fact that we’re open 72 hours a week and that people can access the services as they need.
“I think some of the unintended consequences from COVID we all became very isolated in our homes, and concurrent to that, we had these devices in our hands that let us quickly swipe past anything that made us uncomfortable.
 We have to rebuild our ability to listen to someone fully and try and understand where they’re coming from. “We see it in small ways in the library that is carried forward into the way we interact as human beings. If someone says something that makes us uncomfortable, within reason, I’m not talking about gratuitous hate speech and things that just shouldn’t be uttered. But even in that middle space, we have to rebuild our ability to listen to someone fully and try and understand where they’re coming from, and recognize at the end of the day someone might have a different perspective than you, and as long as that perspective is not causing you physical harm or potentially hurting someone that there’s nothing wrong with that.
“We are a lot less comfortable with that idea than I think we were in the past, and less able to negotiate it, because, I think in that uncertainty, people have now felt silenced like, oh, it’s better if I just don’t say anything.
“I don’t think librarians are in place to just give people what they want. That might mean just comic books. We are there to feed them, to groom them. “The magazine section is an example. There are easily 20 to 25 different magazines on display – a whole new world is within those magazine covers.
“We curate what we put on our displays. One of my favorite things in the library is just watching a child explore the bookshelf and just that sense of freedom, of being able to pull something off the shelf and look at it and say, I’m interested in this is; to me, is such it’s so magical to be able to build that independence.
 We pointed out to Lita that we got the sense that this is very much her library. People respect her. She walks into a room asking people how they are doing. They don’t ignore her. Some of the people are special, they know her quite well. They get a great big hug. There is a lot of her personality in the place.
To get a sense of how she would advise the Board of Directors as to where she thought the library should go we asked Lita Barrie:
“If you had a magic wand and could do whatever you wanted – what would that be?” Her answer surprised me.
“I think particularly in this moment where there seems to be so much happening globally and we are fraught with so many challenges, I think my magic wand would bring about, in this moment, some kindness around the world, just for humanity to be able to take a collective breath and reset what it truly means to be a human being, and how we might be able to get back to or move forward to a different place.
 “We haven’t found a way to positively impact that yet. Are we teaching people to stand up? One of the things that we’re talking a lot about at the library board is working on a new, short strategic plan to get us into a better place.
“And one of the pieces that were that we’re thinking about is a library that can support our community in revisiting what it means to have neighbours who might have a different perspective on things than you.”
Lita wanted to talk about the moving of the Appleby library into the soon-to-be-opened Bateman Community Centre. “The new Appleby will have a Media Studio where people can do some sound production for podcasting or video production. They will be able to do that in those spaces.”
The books and people were in place when Lita Barrie was appointed the CEO, the introduction of technology is what has marked the changes she brought to the library. Who is she as a person?
Her Mother immigrated to Canada as a child; the family settled in the Hamilton area which is where Lita was born. I”‘ve always had family that lived in Hamilton, but it was only after I finished my post-secondary degree at McGill University that I ended up settling in Hamilton.
“I am comfortable mixing with people; that comes from my one grandmother, she’s a very sort of social person, but not wildly social, sort of just within her circle. Any time there was a milestone to be celebrated, it was celebrated. There was no excuse for not celebrating a milestone.
“I have so many memories of her at these large events, and just watching the way that she would not actually work the room, but be a part of the space. If it were her birthday, you would never know it, because she was so busy making sure that everyone was seen and included and felt like they were part of the celebration.
Hobbies, we asked. What do you do for hobbies? “We’re very fortunate to have a family cottage, so a lot of my summer is spent at our cottage. I love to surprise, so I will tell you Pepper, I like to read: You probably couldn’t have seen that one coming. I bake and love the outdoors, so lots of hiking.
 As the CEO of a seven-branch library service in Burlington, Lita Barrie is the spokesperson who does much of the media work. “My favourite book is always the book I haven’t read yet; same with movies, I don’t think I have one that I go back to as a favourite, but I’m continually interested to see what’s new.
We asked Lita: “You’re flying to Calgary or Vancouver. You don’t want to do any work stuff – you go to the newsstand to pick out a magazine. What would that magazine be? “I’d probably grab the Economist, it captures global events and issues. I find it not only insightful, but accessible, because they always have that blend of the longer form articles as well a shorter pieces.
When you’re travelling on vacation, where do you go? “In a few weeks, we’re off to Portugal.
 A 3d printer, one of the pieces of equipment in the Makers Space. “The use of technology in libraries is relatively new. Burlington, much like the Hamilton Library, had a Makers Space. We do have some individuals who have prototyped different devices, with the 3d printer and with the laser cutter. These people have done some pretty innovative things, but they go in, they do their project, and have a sort of private experience. Getting that collective impact with the Maker Space is a challenge we are looking at. We are going to be expanding the Maker Space concept to a few more of our branches. Up at the Alton branch, the Maker Studio is going to focus on five tools to support the kind of crafting based on the community.
At Central there are a number of people who come in every day to read the newspaper. It’s their routine; starting their day with someone saying good morning and being able to enjoy that newspaper in a place that is full of life and activity.
Those little ways, I think, are how we kind of keep our society stitched together, keep people feeling connected and part of something bigger than themselves.
A couple of quick factual items I wanted to address:
 By Staff
May 10th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Spring, the end of the school year.
The Halton District School Board recognized the success of 108 students at the 41st annual Celebration of Student Excellence event at Elsie MacGill SS (1410 Bronte St S, Milton) on Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m.
Each year, one student from each HDSB elementary and secondary school is honoured for their excellence in self-improvement, enhancing the school and/or local community, citizenship, student leadership, academics, vocational studies and specialized programs or extra-curricular activities.
Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board, said: “Our 2025 Students of Excellence exemplify the remarkable learning and leadership taking place across all HDSB schools. These students have made meaningful contributions that enhance our schools and positively impact our communities. The entire HDSB community celebrates their outstanding achievements.”
Take a moment to scroll through the pictures of the 108 students who excelled. They are the future. The determined look on the faces of many, the shy smiles on others are a peek at who the leaders will be a couple of decades from now.
 By Staff
May 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Please register HERE
 If it is alive, how do we deal with it? Or – how does it deal with us? Renowned the world over for his vivid investigations of the natural world and our connection to it, award-winning author and scholar Robert Macfarlane visits on publication of his enthralling new book Is a River Alive?
“…a beautiful, wild exploration of an ancient idea: that rivers are living participants in a living world. Robert Macfarlane’s astonishing telling of the lives of three rivers reveals how these vital flow forms have the power not only to shape and reshape the planet, but also our thoughts, feelings, and worldviews. Is a River Alive? is a breathtaking work that speaks powerfully to this moment of crisis and transformation.” –Merlin Sheldrake
Jason Allen, esteemed broadcaster, publisher, and fellow environmental advocate will lead the conversation.
 By Sidsel Nørgaard
May 9th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Across Burlington, the movement towards tobacco-free alternatives is reshaping community health initiatives. Residents are increasingly exploring options like nicotine pouches, aligning with local regulations that support public well-being. This shift highlights both the evolving preferences of individuals and the community’s commitment to healthier living.
The preference for tobacco-free products is gaining momentum, driven by awareness of health benefits and regulatory changes. As residents seek out alternatives to traditional smoking, platforms like gotpouches.com offer access to nicotine pouches and other tobacco-free options. These changes are impacting personal choices and contributing to broader public health goals within the community.
Local regulations and tobacco-free products
Municipal bylaws are playing a crucial role in shaping the availability and use of tobacco-free products within the community. These regulations encourage healthier lifestyles by limiting the use of traditional tobacco products, thus promoting alternatives that pose fewer health risks. Understanding these bylaws is essential for residents who wish to transition away from smoking towards safer options.
The enforcement of these regulations has facilitated an environment where tobacco-free choices are more accessible than ever before. This accessibility ensures that individuals seeking to quit smoking can easily find suitable alternatives that comply with local laws. Moreover, it underscores the importance of being informed about these regulations to make educated decisions about personal health.
For those interested in exploring these alternatives, it is important to recognize how these policies reflect a broader commitment to public health. By reducing barriers to access and promoting awareness, local authorities are actively supporting the community in making healthier lifestyle choices. This dynamic illustrates a proactive approach to reducing smoking-related health issues.
Impact on community health
 Decreasing secondhand smoke exposure a major social benefit. The rise in popularity of tobacco-free products aligns with ongoing community health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates and improving public well-being. Nicotine pouches, for instance, present a viable alternative for those looking to reduce their dependence on traditional cigarettes. They offer a smokeless option that mitigates exposure to harmful substances typically associated with tobacco smoke.
This transition is beneficial not only for individual users but also for the larger community by decreasing secondhand smoke exposure. As more residents opt for these alternatives, there is potential for significant improvements in overall public health outcomes. The shift towards nicotine pouches and similar products represents a collective step forward in achieving healthier communities.
The benefits extend beyond physical health, as they contribute to economic advantages by potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses. Embracing these alternatives supports a healthier population, which is an essential component of sustainable community development strategies.
Accessing resources
Accessing reliable sources for tobacco-free products is paramount for those considering a switch from traditional smoking methods. Online retailers play a significant role in this regard, offering convenient access to nicotine pouches and other alternatives. By ensuring that residents have easy access to these resources, communities can better support individuals’ efforts to make healthier choices.
Platforms such as gotpouches.com provide an array of options tailored to varying preferences, helping residents navigate their journey towards a tobacco-free lifestyle without compromising on quality or selection. These resources empower individuals with the information needed to make informed decisions about their health while adhering to local regulations.
As you explore these options, it is crucial to rely on trustworthy platforms that prioritize consumer safety and product integrity. This approach not only facilitates personal well-being but also reinforces communal efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use across the board.
Educational content
Understanding how nicotine pouches function is key for anyone curious about making the switch from traditional smoking. These pouches deliver nicotine without combustion, thereby eliminating harmful smoke inhalation risks. This feature makes them an attractive option for those seeking a safer way to satisfy nicotine cravings.
For individuals contemplating this transition, guidance on choosing suitable products can be invaluable. Information available through reputable websites aids consumers in making decisions that align with their specific needs and preferences. By doing so, you ensure that your journey towards a smoke-free life is both informed and effective.
The availability of educational resources enhances your ability to discern which products best suit your lifestyle and health goals. Leveraging such information promotes informed decision-making while supporting broader public health objectives within your community.
By Staff
May 6th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Day two of Education Week in Ontario.
The Halton District School Board is devoting today to Mental Health & Well Being – using the statement:
The Halton District School Board believes that healthy children and youth are more engaged learners.
 Totally focused while solving a problem. This makes it important to create conditions at school that lead to good health and enhanced learning. Healthy schools have learning environments where children and youth are supported by their school communities, enabling them to make healthy lifestyle choices. The HDSB works closely with Halton Region Public Health Department to identify, communicate and prevent health issues that may arise in our schools and communities.
The HDSB will showcase how schools are providing caring and supportive environments that create a genuine sense of belonging to support students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Follow up on what the Board is doing through this LINK
By Pepper Parr
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Halton District School Board joins school boards across Ontario in celebrating Education Week from May 5-9, 2025. This week provides an opportunity to showcase the meaningful work taking place across HDSB schools and workspaces, and to recognize the achievements and contributions of students, staff and the broader school community.
 Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.  Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “It has been inspiring to witness the incredible progress and achievements of our students across every aspect of their learning,” says Amy Collard, Chair of the Halton District School Board. “From academic milestones to personal growth, our students are continuously demonstrating their creativity and passions. These successes are not only a reflection of their hard work, but also the dedication and support from our educators, families and community.”
“Education Week provides an opportunity to reflect on and share the many success stories of academic growth and achievements that are happening across HDSB schools,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “These stories remind us that learning is not only about what happens in the classroom, but also about how we care for one another and grow together.”
Throughout the week, the HDSB will share stories and initiatives that demonstrate how the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) is shaping learning environments and supporting student success and well-being.
Monday, May 5 – Spotlighting the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan: To begin the week, the HDSB will share how the commitments in the MYSP, launched in the fall, are being put into practice through meaningful actions across HDSB schools and workplaces to support positive outcomes for students and staff.
Tuesday, May 6 – The role of Mental Health and Well-Being: As Education Week aligns with Mental Health Week, on Tuesday, the HDSB will showcase how schools are providing caring and supportive environments that create a genuine sense of belonging to support students in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Wednesday, May 7 – We are HDSB: The HDSB will spotlight the recently launched video series, We are HDSB, that shares the voices and experiences of students, staff and families across HDSB school communities. This series showcases the many ways people are building connections, demonstrating kindness and contributing to a strong sense of community. Each video provides a glimpse into the day-to-day experiences within schools, celebrating student success and the people and moments that help make HDSB schools and workspaces safe, welcoming and supportive places.
Thursday, May 8 – Celebrating Student Achievement: On Thursday, the HDSB will recognize the success of 108 students at the 41st annual Celebration of Student Excellence event. Friends and family are invited to celebrate virtually by viewing the livestream of the event which will be available on the HDSB website at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. The HDSB will also share student success stories from across HDSB schools that highlight how students are thriving in their academic journeys.
Friday, May 9 – Recognizing Kindness, Connection and Community: To conclude Education Week, the HDSB will focus on its commitment to Kindness, Connection and Community, as outlined in the 2024-2028 MYSP, and how it supports the success of students. Highlights will be shared from a recent Director’s Panel session where students and staff discussed how this commitment is being brought to life in schools.
 By Harold Dickert
May 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
By Way of Introduction. There are environmentalists who do there part day in day out – they know that climate change is taking place and there is a lot of work to be done. Then there are the really hard core environmentalists. Vince Fiorita (and it if don’t know Vince, you are not a real environmentalist) and then there are the really hard core types. Harold Dickert is one of those. He lives on a 6 acre piece of land in Kilbride and probably has a nickname for every tree on his property. Don’t ask for half an hour of his time – you will end up talking to him for several hours.
A Soil So Magical, It Might As Well Be Wizardry
 This isn’t just dirt. It’s a carbon-hoarding, crop-boosting, water-hugging powerhouse – soil with serious staying power. Picture this: a soil so rich, so fertile, so ridiculously good at its job that it makes modern industrial farming look like a toddler trying to build a sandcastle with a teaspoon. This isn’t some lab-grown, corporate-patented monstrosity—it’s Terra Preta, the legendary Amazonian “Black Earth.”
Ancient civilizations whipped up this soil cocktail long before carbon footprints were even a thing. The recipe? A mix of local earth, bio-char (basically charcoal, but don’t you dare call it ash), nutrients, and enough beneficial microbes to send a scientist into happy convulsions. The kicker? It’s still in Amazonian soil 3,000 years later, still making crops go gangbusters. That’s right—it’s soil with serious staying power.
Why Should You Care?
Because the planet is having a bit of a meltdown (literally), and Terra Preta is the comeback story we need. This isn’t just dirt. It’s a carbon-hoarding, crop-boosting, water-hugging powerhouse that can:
✅ Multiply Crop Yields – Up to eight times higher. That’s not a typo.
✅ Lock Away Carbon – Basically the underground vault of the climate world.
✅ Fight Climate Change – Because if we don’t, who will?
✅ Turn Invasive Plants into a Goldmine – More on that below.
The Mess We’re In
 Terra Preta. It’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife of agriculture—restoring soil, capturing carbon, boosting food security, and turning invasive plants into a resource instead of a headache. Ah, the modern world. So many innovations, so many terrible side effects. Here’s what we’re dealing with:
❌ Dead Soils – Industrial farming sucked the life out of them. Oops.
❌ Toxic Runoff – Fertilizer pollution creating oceanic “Dead Zones.” Not great.
❌ Invasive Plants on the Rampage – Like a botanical zombie apocalypse.
❌ Droughts, Floods & Angry Farmers – Mother Nature is Not Amused™.
❌ Global Food Shortages – Because “progress” should not equal “less food.”
Enter Terra Preta. It’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife of agriculture—restoring soil, capturing carbon, boosting food security, and turning invasive plants into a resource instead of a headache.
How Do We Scale It Up?
Governments, it’s your time to shine. Here’s how:
Bounty Programs for Invasive Plants – Pay folks to gather problem plants, turn them into bio-char, and voila! A win-win.
♻️ Composting 2.0 – Green bin waste deserves better than the landfill. Let’s bio-char it up.
Carbon Cap & Trade + Carbon Micro Credits – If you put carbon into the ground instead of the air, you should get rewarded. Period.
Community & Backyard Bio-Char Production – Imagine every backyard being a tiny carbon-sequestering machine. Beautiful.
What’s In It for Us? (Spoiler: A Lot.)
✨ More Carbon in Soil, Less in the Air – Climate change just got a little nervous.
Bigger Harvests – More food, fewer chemicals. Cleaner Water – Say goodbye to toxic runoff. Healthier Plants – Who needs pesticides when your soil is thriving? Better-Tasting, Nutrient-Dense Food – Your taste buds will write thank-you notes. A Soil System That LASTS – Unlike conventional farming’s one-and-done approach.
Built-in Drought Resistance – Bio-char hoards water like a paranoid prepper, releasing it just when plants need it most.
Microbial Paradise – Soil microbes love Terra Preta.
♻️ Less Waste, More Smart Use of Resources – Even invasive plants get a redemption arc.
A Step Toward Real Climate Action – Because hashtags alone won’t fix this.
 Good Carbon: Locked in soil, feeding plants, keeping ecosystems happy. It’s Not Just About Dirt – It’s About Carbon
Science alert! Pyrolysis (the fancy word for heating organic matter in the absence of oxygen) transforms invasive plants and waste into bio-char and syngas (a renewable energy source). This means Terra Preta isn’t just a soil revolution, it’s an energy solution too.
Let’s Rethink Carbon
Carbon isn’t the villain here. It’s literally the backbone of life. The problem? We keep putting it in the wrong place.
Good Carbon: Locked in soil, feeding plants, keeping ecosystems happy.
Bad Carbon: Floating in the atmosphere, melting ice caps, wrecking the climate.
Terra Preta lets us take the bad carbon and turn it into good carbon. Simple. Brilliant. Necessary.
Take Action (Because the Planet Won’t Fix Itself)
This is not a fringe idea. It’s real, backed by science, and ready to go. We just need people to get on board. That means you.
Advocate for bio-char programs in your city.
Make Terra Preta in your backyard (yes, really).
Support farmers using sustainable soil practices.
Watch, Read & Get Inspired
For the skeptics, the curious, and the already-convinced, here’s your homework:
“The Secret of Eldorado – TERRA PRETA” (National Geographic Documentary)
Terra Preta: How the World’s Most Fertile Soil Can Help Reverse Climate Change and Reduce World Hunger (ISBN: 978-1856234375)
BURN: Using Fire to Cool the Earth (ISBN: 978-1603587833)
Join the Movement
I’ve been making Terra Preta in Kilbride, and guess what? It works. My last bio-char session had local environmental NGO leaders geeking out over its potential. Now, we’re figuring out how to scale this up.
Because climate change isn’t waiting, and neither should we.
Let’s dig deep and fix this—one bio-char batch at a time.
 By Eric Stern
April 29th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Election Scrutineering 101
I’ve always voted and paid attention to our political process. For last night’s election, I decided to go a step further. I volunteered as a scrutineer for the Conservative Party.
Training involved a trip to Emily Brown’s campaign office and 15 minutes. One of the other volunteers commented that he was there to understand the election process. Donald Trump has thrown into question the integrity of elections. Scrutineering gave me a unique opportunity to look behind the curtain.
One of the first things I learned was what constitutes a spoiled ballot. I’ve always carefully marked my X, making sure the lines stayed inside the circle. Elections Canada wants to determine voter intent. You don’t have to use an X. As I saw during the counting, people filled in the circle, people drew in stars or squiggles. As long as the intent was clear, the vote was counted.
An optional activity, from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, was to wave signs at Appleby and Fairview.
 They called them waves – they were held at many of the main intersections in the city. Typically, I dread this type of activity, but I have to admit it was fun. People honked as they drove by, people waved, people stared straight ahead and did their best to ignore us, and about one car in fifty waved their swear finger at all of us. Are we losing our civility? Is it time to have a law that says political parties can only talk about their platform, not disparage the other candidates? Justin “he’s just not ready” comes to mind, but so does this ad:
After a quick trip to the polling station in the morning, to sign forms and show my ID, I returned to the station at 9:10 pm. The doors were locked at 9:30 pm, and the counting process started. Ballot boxes were immediately sealed. Tables were cleared, and scrutineers from the various parties moved to their assigned tables.
Once the Elections Canada officials were ready to count ballots, the ballot boxes were opened, and the counting began. Each ballot was held up for the scrutineers to review and placed in a pile for the intended candidate. One official held up the ballots, a second kept a tally. There was only one spoiled ballot, someone had clearly voted for both the Liberal and Conservative candidates. Will Carney partner with Poilievre to form the next government?
The race was so close, there would be two in a row for Karina, followed by three for Emily, then five for Karina, then four for Emily, and almost no votes for the other parties.
After all the ballots had been counted, approximately 150 per poll, the count was double-checked. Multiple teams of officials and scrutineers completed this process concurrently. By 11 pm, the count for the polling station was complete.
Everyone, officials and party representatives, was respectful, friendly, and dedicated to the integrity of the process.
The integrity of our elections relies on all of us. Please consider working for Elections Canada or volunteering as a scrutineer.
By Staff
April 25th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Chronic lateness can often feel like an inescapable habit because showing up late to meetings, keeping friends waiting, or missing deadlines can lead you to constantly apologise for being late. People all over the world struggle with punctuality, and while being late might seem like a small flaw, it can have dire consequences.
If you are looking to overcome the habit of chronic lateness, then you are in the right place, as we have discussed several strategies and tips that can help you overcome chronic lateness and help you build a habit of being punctual and on time.
Understand the Cause of Chronic Lateness
Before you can fix any problem, you need to understand its root cause. Chronic lateness stems from a multitude of reasons, including :
 Poor Time Management Skills- Overcommitment
- Perfectionism
- Procrastination
- Lack of Prioritization
- Psychological Factors
- Poor Habits
- Mindset Issues
Understanding what causes you to be late is the first step towards overcoming chronic lateness, and you should start by identifying the causes so that you can address them effectively to overcome chronic lateness.
After you have identified the root cause of chronic lateness, here are some actionable tips and strategies that will help you overcome chronic lateness and be more punctual.
Improve Time Management
The foundation of punctuality is deeply rooted in time management. If you are not good with time management, then you cannot overcome chronic lateness because you won’t be able to take control of your time. Improving your time management skills is very important, and this can be done by using digital tools to procure the Salah Timing Calendar and help plan your day, breaking down large tasks, making a routine and following it, and adding extra time to your schedule for unexpected delays or last-minute changes.
Change Your Mindset
Your mindset plays a very important role when it comes to punctuality, and you need to change your mindset and shift your perspective to overcome the issue of chronic lateness. To do so:
Aim for arriving early rather than being exactly on time. Leaving early for a meeting or event will cushion you against unexpected delays.
- Rethink the importance of punctuality in your mind and think of time as a form of respect for yourself, as well as for others.
- Visualize the benefits of arriving early, such as less stress, more confidence, and a better reputation, which can encourage you to be more punctual.
Address Procrastination and Perfectionism
Procrastination and perfectionism are two completely opposite things, yet both of these often hold people back and lead to them being chronically late. If procrastination or perfectionism is holding you back, then it is time to address these issues by tackling tasks early, setting deadlines, embracing imperfections, and focusing on completing tasks the right way instead of making them flawless.
Develop a Pre-Event Routine
 Developing a pre-event and consistent routine can help you stay on track and organized, and avoid last-minute rushes. You can create a pre-event routine by creating a checklist for the steps that you need to take before leaving for an event, setting alarms and reminders to remind you when it is time to get ready, and prepare the night before by laying out your clothes, packing your bag, and gathering any material that you will need ahead of time, including the Montreal Prayer Calendar, to reduce stress and save time.
Avoid Overcommitment
One of the major contributors to chronic lateness is overcommitment. People who overcommit are the ones who constantly have a habit of being late because committing to multiple things can make you overwhelmed, leading to chronic lateness and impunctuality. This can be overcome by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks that align with your goals and values, and politely declining requests that don’t fit into your schedule or priority list.
By Pepper Parr
April 23rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 It was the finals for the Battle of the Books; a public library program that started with twenty schools and was now down to the finals for the Junior teams – grades 3 to 5 and the Senior’s – grades 6 to 8.
John T. Tuck and Sacred Heart of Jesus were the semi-finalists in the Junior teams
St. Raphael and Ascension were the semi-finals in the Senior level.
Sacred Heart of Jesus won the Junior level for the second year in a row.
 Battle of the Books judges: from the left Deepti, Jamie and Sarah. It was not an easy task. More detail tomorrow with pictures of the winners.
Great to watch the kids collaborating to come up with the answers to the questions.
By Staff
April 23, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Library sent out the following statement a number of months ago:
“We live in an era of eroding democracy where polarization is increasingly fracturing our sense of a shared reality” adding that “ there’s a growing sense that our political system prioritizes short-term gains over the long-term health of our democracy.”
The CBC program, IDEAS decided to host a series of cross-Canada discussions that focus on local solutions with the potential to inspire national change.
Moderated by Nahlah Ayed, the discussions were to take place in Burlington, Charlottetown, Edmonton and Nanaimo, BC.
 Lita Barrie (CEO, Burlington Public Library), Sabreena Delhon (CEO, The Samara Centre for Democracy), Meg Uttangi Matsos (Director, Service Design & Innovation, BPL), Nahlah Ayed (Host, CBC’s IDEAS), and Ira Wells (Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author). Local innovators/thinkers/storytellers in each community came together for conversations that explore the next chapter of Canada’s democracy. In Burlington that included library CEO Lita Barrie and Ira Wells, a Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author).
The program will be broadcast on CBC’s IDEAS on Thursday April 24th at 8:00 pm
The series is part of CBC Collab fund and in partnership with the Samara Centre for Democracy.
Libraries are a target in the culture wars raging across the continent. Yet they define themselves as a place to give all people access “to the widest possible variety of expressive content.”
As upholders of intellectual freedom, can libraries remind Canadians what democracy is all about, and which values are still worth fighting for?
 By Richard K. Howarder
April 21st, 2029
BURLINGTON, ON
 Social media is not only a source of fun or entertainment. It can also help teachers and students study. It makes education accessible and learning fun and easy.
In this article, we will discuss five simple ways to use social media for education. Let’s have a look!
Live streaming lectures
 Live streaming is used to show lessons or presentations. One of the best ways to use social media for education is live-streaming lectures. Live streaming helps a teacher show different ideas and concepts clearly.
They can use live streaming tools to show lessons or presentations. It also helps students to learn from home or anywhere. Students can also ask questions and participate fully in the lectures.
Moreover, taking short breaks during online learning can help students improve their concentration and focus.
Playing simple games like I Love Solitaire can help students relax. Solitaire is a fun, classic card game that allows them to refresh their minds.
Create a Class Blog
Another simple way to use social media is by creating a class blog. A teacher or a group of students can start a blog to share education-related news, homework, and tasks. It will keep everyone informed.
Moreover, creating a blog is easy to set up and update. Students can read the blog anytime, leave comments, and ask questions.
Connect with Students via Facebook Groups
Facebook groups can also be used for educational purposes. It is a great tool to connect with students. Facebook groups help students connect and share education-related news, updates, and material.
A teacher can create a class group and post reminders about homework and other tests. Students can also share their work and ask for help when needed.
Digital Storytelling with Instagram
 Digital storytelling with Instagram is another easy way to use social media for education. Students and teachers can use Instagram to share their ideas and concepts with pictures and short videos.
This makes it easier to learn new things. Moreover, the simple design of Instagram makes it a good tool for visual learning.
Q&A sessions on Twitter
Last but not least, Twitter Q&A sessions help students solve their queries. Students can ask anything anytime, and teachers can also use Twitter to ask questions.
This type of session is quick and easy and allows students to share ideas and learn from each other. Teachers can also use Twitter to give short tips and quick reminders.
 By Staff
April 18th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
 It’s one of the holiest and most somber days in the Christian calendar as followers remember the execution of Jesus.
How did Jesus’ final days unfold? Scholars are still debating
The people and places of the Passion are well documented in the Bible, but pinning down the exact locations and timing of the trials of Jesus in Jerusalem is an ongoing challenge.
For billions of Christians, Good Friday remains one of the holiest days in the religious calendar. Commemorating the day Jesus died by crucifixion around A.D. 30., Good Friday is a crucial part of the Christian Holy Week, the series of holidays that culminates in Easter, when, according to Christian faith, Jesus returned to life after dying on the cross.
It is a time where believers mark the events leading up to the Passion of Jesus Christ, including the trial of Jesus before the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate. Biblical scholars and historians have pored over surviving records to determine the exact timing and location of this crucial event, but definitive answers have yet to be found.
What’s the context behind Good Friday—and how do Christians observe it every year?
Good Friday represents Jesus’ execution at the hands of the Romans. So why do Christians call the holiday “good”?
“‘Good’ in this instance means something like ‘holy’ or ‘pious.’ It is ‘good’ because it is ‘holy,’ not because we are supposed to think that crucifixion is a good thing,” explains Candida Moss, Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham.
Religious scholars believe that Jesus of Nazareth—whom billions of Christians believe was the son of God—lived in the first century in what is today Israel. At the time, the Roman Empire controlled the region. Scholars have different interpretations about Jesus’ life, but they agree that he built on his Jewish faith to proselytize a religious vision that attracted a growing number of followers.
 Judas kisses Jesus in Caravaggio’s “The Taking of Christ,” painted circa 1602. Accusers and judges
In the Bible, the apostle Judas betrays Jesus by revealing where he has sought refuge after celebrating the Passover feast: the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. The Temple Guards discover Jesus there, arrest him for the disturbance at the Temple on the eve of Passover, and take him before Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest, at his private residence where Jesus would be interrogated.
 Caiaphas interviewing Jesus. Caiaphas, the Jewish high priest, at his private residence interrogating Jesus.
Caiaphas may have deliberately sought to indict Jesus in a private session to avoid having certain council members—notably, the Pharisees (a Jewish sect, some of whose members were supporters of Jesus)—rise to his defense. Many scholars have argued that without the full backing of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish political and judicial council, the high priest did not have the power to order a man’s death. Therefore, the only solution was to refer the matter to the local Roman authorities and bring Jesus before Pontius Pilate. Caiaphas’s challenge was to come up with a charge that would justify a sentence of death.
During the interrogation, Caiaphas asked Jesus directly, “Are you the Messiah?” According to Mark, Jesus replied, “I am,” and then cited from Psalms and from the Book of Daniel: “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of ‘the Power,’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven’
With those words, Jesus had given Caiaphas the perfect pretext to involve the Romans. Though Jesus had merely quoted from Scripture, the high priest knew that words such as power and coming with the clouds of heaven would have a very different meaning for the Romans.
Historians also agree that around Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, Jesus was arrested and tried before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of the province. The Bible claims Pilate sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.
 The traditional location of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives lies near the Temple Mount. So why was Jesus killed? It’s possible that his rising profile made him a political target. At the time, Jewish religious leaders led popular protests that challenged hierarchies in Roman Judaea.
“Jesus was sentenced to die and executed at a very tense political and religious moment,” says Moss.
As Jesus spread his teachings, Jewish pilgrims gathered in the city of Jerusalem for the feast of Passover.
“This made the Roman authorities nervous,” Moss explains. “Passover celebrates liberation from slavery and oppression, and the Roman authorities didn’t want people taking inspiration and rising up against the Roman empire.”
 Pontius Pilate interviewing Jesus Indeed, Pilate may have sentenced Jesus to execution for a political reason. According to Bart Ehrman, James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jesus was referred to as “King of the Jews.”
“Being King meant being the political leader of the people of Israel,” he wrote in his blog. “And only the Roman governor or someone the Romans appointed (like Herod) could be king. Anyone else who claimed to be king was usurping Roman prerogatives and was seen as a threat, or if not a threat, at least a public nuisance.”
Jesus’ form of execution aligns with this. “Crucifixion was a form of execution that was practiced by the Romans and was used for enslaved people, bandits, and rebels,” Moss says. “It is likely that Pilate, fearing some kind of uprising, sentenced Jesus to die as a political subversive.”
Days or weeks?
It’s difficult to determine exactly when the trial presided over by Pilate took place. The Book of Mark places it immediately after the hearing by Caiphias: “[A]s soon as it was morning . . . they bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate,” who initiated a hearing (Mark 15:1).
Some ancient writers, including the Evangelist Mark, often compressed events into a shorter time frame to maintain the narrative integrity of the story. The idea of the events of the Passion taking place in just a few days appealed to early Christians, for it enabled a commemoration of them in one “holy week,” but some scholars believe the actual events may have taken longer to play out.
 Antonio Ciseri painted Pilate showing the scourged Jesus to the crowds, known as “Ecce Homo,” in 1880. The judge, by custom, would have been the highest-ranking Roman magistrate in town. Pilate had come to Jerusalem during Passover to suppress any form of violent protest from the local population. His presence dictated that he would oversee the proceedings.
The Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, describe an elaborate trial that hews closely to the Ius Civile—Roman Law. The chief Jewish priests are the main accusers (delatores in Roman jurisprudence) who present evidence (Luke 23:2). Their evidence is found wanting, so the judge himself must interrogate the accused.
The Bible describes how Jesus refuses to respond to Pilate’s questioning (Matthew 27:14), but in the Gospel of John, a learned debate ensues between Pilate and Jesus. The accused gives evasive replies to Pilate’s questions, leading Pilate to declare, “I find no case against him” (John 18:33-38). In both Matthew and John’s accounts, the trial takes place before a large crowd, who insists upon Jesus’ execution, despite Pilate’s findings.
But it is quite possible that Mark’s succinct summary of the hearing before Pilate might be closer to the actual events. In Mark’s portrayal, Jesus was ushered before Pilate who asks, “Are you the king of the Jews?” to which Jesus’ response is “You say so,” (Mark 15:2). Pilate made no further attempt to question him. Indeed, by this account it would have been pointless. Anyone identified as a “king of the Jews” was, by definition, a rebel against Rome and rebels merited only one punishment: crucifixion.
When is Good Friday?
The actual dates of Good Friday change year to year—and that’s because the holiday always precedes Easter, which commemorates what Christians believe to be Jesus’ resurrection on the third day after his death. There isn’t a consensus on when this religious event happened or which calendar to use when calculating dates.
The authors of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the men credited with writing the canonical texts that partly make up the New Testament—used the Jewish calendar, and they claimed that Jesus’ death happened in the month of Nisan, which corresponds to what is now March and April, when Passover typically falls. Yet, they don’t agree on whether it happened on 15th or 14th Nisan.
Moreover, early Christian leaders failed to agree on when exactly to celebrate Easter, which impacted when Good Friday could be observed.
“Most Christian denominations use the ‘computus paschalis’ to determine the date of Easter,” Moss says. “Most years, Easter is the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.”
But that this isn’t always the case for all Christians.
“The date of Easter is calculated differently in Orthodox Christianity than in other denominations, so many years it falls on a different date. The reason this is so complicated is because in the Bible and in Christian tradition, Jesus’ death is tied to Passover and the date of Passover is calculated using a lunisolar calculation,” Moss explains.
The location of the trial is also uncertain. The Gospels refer to Pilate’s “headquarters,” or the praetorium, the seat of the provincial governor. There are two possible locales. One was the old palace of Herod, a sprawling complex in the southwestern city. The other was the Antonia Fortress, the Herodian citadel adjacent to the Temple complex, where the main Roman garrison was based. Herod’s palace would have offered more comfort for the prefect of Rome, but if trouble arose, it was likely to happen in the Temple forecourt.
 Antonia Fortress, the Herodian citadel adjacent to the Temple complex. The content of this article came from National Geographic Magazine.
By Staff
April 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Meeting up with people your age and talking about the books you are reading appeals to a lot of people.
The Burlington Library sets up meetings for kids and adults who want to do just that.who want to do just that.
No need to make a reservation – just drop by.
Here are the dates and the locations:
based on this month’s theme
 This isn’t part of the Library programme: Some people knew how to get in on the event and stay cool at the same time. Not sure how much reading got done.. BPL Reading Challenge Meet-up
Thursday, April 24: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Central – Centennial Hall
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Wednesday, June 25: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Tansley Woods – Program Room
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Wednesday, July 30: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Alton – Program Room
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Thursday, August 28: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Brant Hills – Mountain Garden Room
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Wednesday, September 24: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Central – Centennial Hall
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
Wednesday, October 29: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Tansley Woods – Program Room
Age group: Adult
event type: Book Clubs, Writing
Chat about books based on this month’s theme
By Staff
April 16th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Library hours for the holiday season
By Staff
April 15th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
One is often known by the company they keep.
The Burlington Public Library has been keeping some pretty smart and intelligent company recently.
CEO Lita Barrie took part in a discussion on local democracy that was recorded by the CBC IDEAS program that will be broadcast in the near future
 Lita Barrie (CEO, Burlington Public Library), Sabreena Delhon (CEO, The Samara Centre for Democracy), Meg Uttangi Matsos (Director, Service Design & Innovation, BPL), Nahlah Ayed (Host, CBC’s IDEAS), and Ira Wells (Professor, University of Toronto, critic & author). The Samara Centre for Democracy, co-founded in 2007 by Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan, is Canada’s leading non-partisan organization focused on strengthening and protecting Canadian democracy.
IDEAS is a CBC radio program that has collaborated with Samara on a series of programs that focus on democracy and how it works in Canada.
The most recent IDEAS production on democracy was recorded at the Burlington Public Library and will be aired in the near future.
 By Staff
April 12th,2025
BURLINGTON, ON
It is described as a temporary exhibit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and highlights the major role played by Canadians during the Liberation of the Netherlands in the final nine months of the Second World War.
Historical moments are evoked to illustrate the strong ties that united the two countries during the terrible winter of 1945.
The post-war era is also featured, from the many Dutch war brides who followed their Canadian soldier home to a new country, to the first large waves of Dutch immigration to Canada, as well as the many commemorative traditions of the more recent decades.
 The cartoon on the left was a popular postcard illustration. Maple Leaves and Tulips: Then and Now, developed and presented by the Juno Beach Centre, in partnership with the Liberation Route Europe Foundation, demonstrates that Canadian-Dutch friendship, forged in fire, is still very much alive today.
Maple Leaves and Tulips: Then and Now
April 17 to December 31, 2025
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Wednesday to Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm
Admission: Exhibit is FREE with admission. Regular admission rates are Adult (18 – 64) $14.25, Senior (65+) $12.50, Student (13 – 17) $12.50, Youth (6 – 12) $9.75.
By Staff
April 3rd, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
I-STEM STUDENTS At Thomas A. Blakelock HS, Elsie MacGill SS and Aldershot School have been selected as regional finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, where students across Canada create innovative solutions to real-world problems using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. The competition focuses on how STEM can be applied to help address challenges, both locally and globally, enabling students to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration and community responsibility.
 Aldershot High School was the first in the Halton District School Board to offer the Stem program. Only 12 teams have been selected for the next stage of the competition where they will produce a five-minute video explaining how their solution would create a more sustainable, inclusive and healthier world using technology. The teams will enter into the second phase of judging on March 31 as they compete to become national finalists.
Each of the regional finalists have received $2,500 in technology to support and enhance STEM learning. In the next phase, students will have the opportunity to win $5,000 to purchase technology.
I-STEM is an innovative, regional program for secondary students in Halton and beyond. Students in this four-year program develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies. Students learn to be prepared for technological change and disruption, globalization and shifting demographics.
 Keerthana Srinivasan, Grade 12, Aldershot High School Keerthana Srinivasan, Grade 12, Aldershot School:
“Through I-STEM, I had the opportunity to not only explore global challenges but also develop the skills to analyze them in a meaningful way. Using tools like the Design Thinking Process, causal models, and gap analyses, I’ve been able to deconstruct complex issues—like faults in photovoltaic farms and satellites—by identifying their root causes and uncovering gaps in existing solutions.”
It was interesting to note that the majority of the students who made it to the Regional finals were female and from divergent cultures.
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“One of the things we’re trying to encourage in people is to nurture themselves and nurture the lives of their children. It’s giving ourselves that space and that time to just let ourselves be immersed in something because there’s such a different experience between that immersion and the flip, flip, flip of the you know, video shots of information that people are getting through social media.
