Teen Programs

Poetry Workshop with Aniah Ruthven

Join local poet, Aniah Ruthven (she/her), for this “wild and wacky workshop” centred around spoken word and the art of invention. Participants will explore the tools, materials, and blue-prints found in the poet’s toolbox before tearing them apart and building something of their own from the scraps. They will have the opportunity to learn, explore their voice, respond to prompts, and present a spoken-word poem of their own at the end of the event.No previous poetry experience is required, all skill levels are welcome. Ages 13 and up. Please register below. Limited spaces.

Bio:

Holding a great enthusiasm for the written and spoken word, Aniah Ruthven (she/her) comes most alive when articulating her creative voice. Whether through songwriting, novels, slam poetry, film/animation, or short stories, her passion lies in the act and art of invention – communicating pertinent, critical commentary for our times. Merging her voice with lyrical intention, she also explores songwriting as an outlet for sharing messages of activism and empowerment... Performing her songs live with The Ruthven Sisters.Believing in the value of raising and supporting the voices of our community’s youth, Aniah is currently working towards creating a youth poet laureate position for the area and enjoys sharing her own works at local events.

Game On! Board Game Club

Roll the dice and join the fun! Drop in every Wednesday in August from 2-4pm to play a variety of board games with fellow game lovers. Led by student volunteer William, this relaxed afternoon is a chance to discover new games, challenge your strategy, spark your imagination, and make new friends. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, everyone is welcome!

Sewing Machine Basics

In this beginner friendly workshop with The Woven Wolf, participants will learn the basics of using a sewing machine while making a simple project.

All materials and tools are provided, including fabric, ribbon, sewing machines, patterns, and basic sewing tools. Printed instructions will be shared so participants can make the project again at home.

Participants will learn how to safely operate a sewing machine, read a paper pattern, identify the warp and weft of woven fabric, sew 1/2 inch seams, create a double fold hem, and finish edges with a zigzag stitch.

The Woven Wolf is a modern maker studio focused on skill building, functional design, and mindful making.

Ages 13 and up. Free. Very small class size. Registration required.

Game On! Board Game Club

Roll the dice and join the fun! Drop in every Wednesday in August from 2-4pm to play a variety of board games with fellow game lovers. Led by student volunteer William, this relaxed afternoon is a chance to discover new games, challenge your strategy, spark your imagination, and make new friends. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, everyone is welcome!

EXHIBIT CLOSING: Joan Folinsbee Timmins – A Painter’s Life

This exhibition closes August 26 at 2pm.

The Gallery at L.E. Shore’s Arts and Culture Council (ACC) is honored to present an exhibition celebrating the work of the late artist, Joan Folinsbee Timmins.

The exhibition will explore works from a multi-decade career: abstract and realistic, large scale and small; landscapes, portraits, still-life, abstracts and figure drawings in many mediums - watercolour, acrylics, oils, pastels, pen and ink.

This is a peek into Joan’s life as an artist. It's a journey in time, place and creative growth; the roller coaster ride of a unique individual.

Learn more about the show

Game On! Board Game Club

Roll the dice and join the fun! Drop in every Wednesday in August from 2-4pm to play a variety of board games with fellow game lovers. Led by student volunteer William, this relaxed afternoon is a chance to discover new games, challenge your strategy, spark your imagination, and make new friends. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, everyone is welcome!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Continuing with Watercolours | Teresa Przybylski

Teresa Przybylski is back with a 6-month watercolour workshop series!

Open to participants aged 14 and up, this hands-on series invites you to experiment with pencil sketching, composition, watercolour techniques and more.

This workshop series will occur at the L.E. Shore Library & Gallery every second Tuesday of the month, 1-3pm, from September 2026 to February 2027:

Registration for this series is required by end of day August 31, 2026. Please note that you are registering for the entire series, not individual workshop dates. While you are not required to commit to every session of this series, we encourage participants to attend as many as possible.

Game On! Board Game Club

Roll the dice and join the fun! Drop in every Wednesday in August from 2-4pm to play a variety of board games with fellow game lovers. Led by student volunteer William, this relaxed afternoon is a chance to discover new games, challenge your strategy, spark your imagination, and make new friends. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to try something new, everyone is welcome!

Beaver Valley Fall Fair

Come visit the Library at the Beaver Valley Fall Fair!! Stop by our booth for fun, family-friendly activities, learn about upcoming Gallery, library & museum programs and services and say hello to our team. 

Intro to English Smocking

Discover the timeless art of English Smocking at the L.E. Shore Library with Robin. In this hands-on introductory class, participants will learn the basics of traditional smocking techniques used to create delicate gathers, decorative patterns, and beautifully detailed sewn designs.

Robin first discovered smocking in Grade 8 sewing class and quickly fell in love with the craft. Over the years, she has created handmade dresses for her daughters and grandchildren, continuing a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Now, she is excited to share her knowledge and passion with others.

Participants will receive a sample of gathered fabric and embroidery floss to begin learning the foundational stitch that forms the basis of many smocking designs.

This program is best suited for those with intermediate sewing skills and some experience using a needle and thread.

All supplies provided. Registration required. Spaces are limited.

Author Talk & Book Launch with Karen James

Join local author Renn James (Karen James) as she celebrates the release of her second picture book, Gathering Wishes. Following the incredible community response to her debut, One Million Times I Love You, Renn returns to share the inspiration behind her newest story, a heartfelt reminder that the greatest wishes we have for those we love are nurtured through gratitude, courage, and the choices we make each day.

Hear about the journey behind Gathering Wishes, learn about the importance of supporting children's mental health through stories, and help celebrate this special new release. 

Light refreshments will be served and books will be available for purchase and signing. 

Everyone is welcome! RSVP below.

Passport Clinic

Representatives from Terry Dowdall,  MP Simcoe-Grey office will be on-site at L.E. Shore Library with a pop-up Passport Clinic.

Staff will be on hand to review completed applications, check documents, and help make sure everything is ready for submission. Please note: photos will not be taken at the library. Please bring passport photo with you.Attendees should bring completed Adult new passport applications (or Children's new passport application or Adult renewal passport application), new passport photos, and any previous passports. This is a great chance to get your paperwork in order quickly and easily. Check the Canada website for more details on what is needed.

This is a drop-in program.

A BVO NewTerritory4Seniors event.

Hocus Pocus: Broomstick Workshop

Get ready for a little Halloween magic at the library! 

Join us at the L.E. Shore Library as Wendy Tomlinson from the Métis Nation of Ontario leads a fun, hands-on, multigenerational program just in time for Hallow’s Eve. Together, we’ll craft our very own witch’s broom—perfect for a bit of spooky season flair!

 All materials are provided, and no experience is needed—just bring your creativity (and maybe your best cackle ). 

Free program. Spaces are limited. Ages 8+ Registration required

A Poetry Reading & Performance with Susan Wismer and Hania

Susan Wismer, poet and Hania Krajewski, musician and storyteller invite you to come join us for a fun evening of sonnets and folktales. We will have shakers and wooden blocks and a tambourine or two for anyone who wants to help us out. This is a family-friendly event, feel free to bring kids old enough to enjoy listening to stories and songs. A Q&A and opportunity for conversation will follow.

Susan lives gratefully on Treaty 18 territory at the southern shore of Manidoo-gitchigami (Georgian Bay) in Collingwood, Ontario. Hand Shadows, a chapbook co-authored with Michele Green and Suzette Sherman, was published in 2024 with Wintergreen Press). Hag Dances, published with At Bay Press came out in Spring 2025.

Hania Krajewski (retired Drama and Music school teacher, Orff specialist) loves to collaborate and work with stories.

Copies of Susan Wisemar new Poetry Book  The Hag Dances will be available for purchase.

Registration required. All ages welcome.

Bead & Create: Wall Hanging Workshop with Spirited Earth Designs

Spirited Earth Designs invites you into the Gallery Space for an enchanting evening of creativity and connection. Be guided through the art of crafting your very own beaded wall hanging, where each bead carries its own meaning and story. As you design, you’ll learn the symbolism behind different beads and weave intention into a piece that’s uniquely yours.

Let your creativity flow, your hands wander, and a little magic take shape.

$50 per personAll supplies providedRegistration required