Fireside Chats: New Speaker Each Week!

Join local experts and speakers in a series of engaging and informative talks at Cochrane Public Library
Refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

Fall 2023 Lineup

September 13 – Raeann Cheung: We Are Immigrants
Join artist, Raeann Cheung, as she discusses the research, techniques, challenges, and next-steps for her “WE ARE IMMIGRANTS – The Hidden Hardships of Early Chinese Canadian Immigrants” project, which was featured in the Library in February 2023.

September 20 – Tyne Baker: Backyard Stories
What if a nature documentary was happening right in your backyard? Spend some time with Wildlife Biologist and Animal Communication specialist, Tyne Baker. You’ll learn all about the amazing behaviours and hidden stories of animals that also call Cochrane home.

September 27 – Carol Walsh: Genealogy: A Journey Through Time
How do you begin building your family tree? Join Carol Walsh as she walks you through the process of discovering your family history.

October 4: Christine Nykoluk: Heartstones: A Novel
Join author, Christine Nykoluk, as she reads excerpts from and discusses her book titled “Heartstones: A Ukrainian Immigration Story of Love and Hope.”

October 11: Michelle Godard-Richer: Fatal Hunt: A Novel
Join award winning thriller writer, Michelle Godard Richer, as she reads excerpts from her book and discusses her craft.

October 18: TBA
Please check our website for more details. www.cochranepubliclibrary.ca

October 25: Amber Boyd: The Traditional Art of Birch Bark Canoe Building
When Amber Boyd set out to explore the traditions of her Métis ancestors, she didn’t quite know what she was in for when she decided to make a birch bark canoe. Always the storyteller, she’ll share some of the tribulations and more joyous moments in completing the build. Come check out her birch bark canoe and the tools required to make one.

November 1: Stepping Stones to Mental Health: Supporting Your Anxious Child: What Works, What Doesn’t
In this session, you will learn the differences between stress, everyday anxiety, and anxiety disorders. It will also cover how anxiety may manifest at different ages, common myths, and what has been proven to be helpful. Stepping Stones will share a handful of tips and strategies for supporting an anxious child.

November 8: Sheridan Taylor: Not Okay? Okay
Join author, Sheridan Taylor, as he discusses his book titled “Not Okay? Okay: A Roadmap Back from the Brink”. This book is a desire to share an understanding of how to heal the mental health crisis in our world.

Laurey Godard Richer: Fraud Protection
Outline:
• Introduction
• What is fraud
• How can you be aware of the damage
• Signs of victimization
• What should you do?
• Real-life examples

Learning objectives:
• Defining fraud
• Recognize the signs of victimization
• What to do if you are a victim of identity fraud
• Understanding various types of fraud
• Tools and Resources
• Q&A

November 22: Valerie Bautista: Dementia Prevention
Learn proactive measures to reduce the risk of dementia, including the six key pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle, with a spotlight on lifestyle modifications. Additionally, Valerie will highlight the impact of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, stress management, and adequate sleep on brain health.

December 6: Laurey Godard Richer: Ten Healthy Habits for Financial Management
Outline:
• Getting your financial house in order: Ten Healthy Habits of Financial Management
• Goal-Setting
• Tools and Resources
• Q&A

Learning objectives:
• To self-assess their level of financial fitness
• To learn the Ten Healthy Habits of Financial Management
• To obtain resources to help them get their financial house in order