Join us Wednesday mornings for a different caper each week. Some activities will be challenging, others will get you crafting and still others will be relaxing and fun. Registration is not required. Simply drop by the Library Café on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. While in the café, you can also treat yourself to a hot or cold drink and a tasty snack if you like!
A Renewed Canadian Welcome: Eleven Visions from Migrants and Advocates Book Tour
Chatham Branch
Tuesday, September 15
7:00 pm
As part of Welcome Week, Chatham-Kent Public Library is pleased to host “The Renewed Canadian Welcome" Book Tour on Tuesday, September 15, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Chatham Branch, 120 Queen St., Chatham.
This engaging three-person panel features Rena Namago, Refugee & Migrant Rights Policy Officer with Citizens for Public Justice and contributor to the book; Gabriel Allahdua, former migrant farm worker, organizer, and award-winning author; and Dr. Vasanthi Venkatesh from the University of Windsor. Together, they will explore immigration, belonging, migrant experiences, and building welcoming communities in Canada.
Copies of “A Renewed Canadian Welcome: Eleven Visions from Migrants and Advocates" will be available for purchase from Rena Namago following the discussion.
Welcome Week is an opportunity to celebrate the people, experiences, and perspectives that strengthen communities across Canada. As one of the most accessible public spaces in Chatham-Kent, the library is often among the first places newcomers visit to access information, technology, local services, and community resources. Chatham-Kent Public Library is committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome at their local branch and has opportunities to connect, learn, and participate in community life.
The event is free and open to all. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important conversation about building welcoming and inclusive communities.
RSVP: https://cpj.ca/events/the-renewed-canadian-welcome-book-tour-chatham/
This event is hosted in partnership with Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) and McGill-Queen's University Press.
Project Bookmark Canada Plaque Unveiling - Robertson Davies
Thamesville Branch
Tuesday, September 22
1:30 pm
Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) is proud to partner with Project Bookmark Canada, a national charitable organization dedicated to celebrating Canadian authors and the places that inspired their work. Project Bookmark Canada installs literary plaques in locations featured in Canadian literature, connecting readers with stories set in real communities. These "bookmarks" commemorate imagined scenes in real places, fostering an appreciation for Canadian literature while celebrating local history and cultural heritage.
The plaque will feature an excerpt from Davies' celebrated novel "Fifth Business", which reflects life in a small Ontario community before the First World War and the celebrations that followed its conclusion. The unveiling ceremony will include remarks from project supporters and community partners, as well as a public reading of the passage featured on the plaque. Following the unveiling, attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments provided by local favourite, Bent Tin Baked Goods.
Visitors are also invited to explore the Thamesville Old Town Hall Museum, which will be open during the event and will feature materials highlighting Robertson Davies' connection to the community.
All community members are welcome to attend this free event and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Canada's most distinguished authors.
Family History Fair Chatham Branch
Saturday, September 26
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Visit with local historical groups, attend presentations, participate in fun family activities and get genealogy tips from experienced researchers.
Event schedule:
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Children's Activities
Children's Room, 1st Floor
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Family History Fair Expo
Visit with local genealogy groups, museums, and archives at booths located throughout the library. Ask questions, discover valuable resources, and make new connections with others who share an interest in family history. Visitors who stop by all Expo booths will be entered for a chance to win a door prize.
1:00 to 1:30 pm
Family History - Getting Started
Learn tips to help you begin your genealogy journey with confidence.
1:30 to 2:00 pm
Gathering Our Heroes
Learn about Gathering Our Heroes, an initiative dedicated to documenting and preserving the names and stories of Chatham-Kent's World War I and World War II veterans.
2:15 to 3:00 pm
DNA Panel – DNA Basics to Unexpected Outcomes
Learn the basics of DNA testing, explore how results can support family history research, and discover the surprises that sometimes emerge along the way.
All afternoon workshops will take place in the Meeting Room, 1st Floor.
Hosted in partnership with Kent Branch, Ontario Ancestors.
Retirement Income and Investment Planning Seminar
Chatham Branch
Saturday, October 3
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Chatham-Kent Public Library is offering a free financial literacy seminar to help pre-retirees and retirees feel more confident about their financial futures. The seminar is presented in partnership with Shauna Tremblay, Life and Health Insurance Advisor at Desjardins Financial Security.
Whether you are just a few years away from wrapping up your career or already navigating life in retirement, this seminar is tailored to help you maximize your next chapter. The seminar will discuss how pensions and investments actually work, providing practical tools to secure your wealth, avoid common financial pitfalls, and master the mindset shift that comes with life after work. The presenter will also explore smart strategies to ensure your estate is handled smoothly and tax-efficiently for the next generation. Join us to gain the clarity and peace of mind you deserve to truly enjoy your retirement. Registration is not required.
Community Navigators I. D. Clinic
Chatham Branch Meeting Room
Friday, October 16
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Join us for our free I. D. Clinic!
Appointments are avaiable on a first come, first served basis. Service Canada can issue Social Insurance Numbers, Personal Access Codes, or answer questions about Canada Pension Plans.
Financial screening will be available for those who may need assistance with payment for identification.
For questions please contact Community Navigators at 519.355.1380 by phone or email at CKCN@chatham-kent.ca.
