Paws for Pride Pet Parade
Join us as we celebrate our 2SLGBTQI+ selves, relations, and allies. Primp you and your pooch (or other pet) for Pride and join us as we parade from the Sooke library to John Phillips Memorial Park. Once at the park, you can select a book to read to your pet, or join in other fun activities.
Parade starts at 4pm on Wednesday, June 26. Just meet outside the Sooke library (6671 Wadams Way) before 4 pm to join!
Visit the link below for more information and guidelines on participating. Children aged 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult.
Summer Reading in Sooke
Summer Activities hosted by the Sooke branch of VIRL, (ongoing throughout Summer 2024)
Summer Reading Club – For kids ages 0-12
The theme this year is “World of Curiosities”. The goal is to keep kids reading, engaging with the library and having fun all summer so that they maintain or improve their literacy skills.
Children can begin picking up SRC packages starting June 18th. Summer Reading Club 2024 officially runs from July 2 – August 20.
Teen Summer Challenge – for ages 12-18
Teen Summer Challenge is an opportunity for teens in our communities to connect with their local library in a fun and engaging way. It’s a system-wide program that encourages teens to complete a series of activities that result in them learning new skills, reading, and experimenting.
This year’s theme is “Chamber of Marvels” and it runs from July 2-August 31.
Adult Summer Reading Challenge – ages 18+
From July 2 through August 31, adults can recline with great books this summer and earn chances to win prizes.
“Curio cabinet” Bingo sheets provide fun reading challenges to complete throughout the summer.
Drawing Workshop with Jeni Chen
Date and time
Tuesday, July 18 from 6pm – 7pm (Ages 9 – 12);
Thursday, July 27 from 11am – 12pm (Ages 5 – 8)
Virtual Meeting
Do you love to draw or are dreaming of a future involving creating beautiful images for books? Join us virtually with paper and pencils on July 18 at 6:00pm for a drawing workshop with Summer Reading Club illustrator, Jeni Chen.
Join Jeni as she reads her book Emet’s Box, shares her inspirations, writing and illustrating processes (showing her sketchbook, manuscript drafts, dummy books) and does a live drawing demo/exercise.
In addition to being our 2023 BC SRC artist, Jeni is also the author of the children’s book, Emet’s Box.
This is a virtual event best suited for ages 9+ years.
Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales in Sooke
Date and time
Thursday, August 3
3:30pm – 5pm
VIRL: Sooke Branch
Peter Puffin brings his upbeat interactive show to Sooke as we celebrate Summer Reading Club! You can sing along, dance, play percussion instruments, wear wacky wildlife costumes, and so much more! Peter engages all ages with his catchy blend of bluesy folk and up-tempo, interactive, heartfelt songs.
The show is free and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Join the fun!
*Peter has been performing for over 15 years and he has won many awards, including a Juno. His legion of fans are “Proud Like a Mountain” knowing he is out there creating music that makes a difference for all of us. Learn more about Peter here.
StoryWalks at Sooke Region Museum
Date and time
Everyday from May 7 – Jul 1
Sooke Region Museum
Join us for an outdoor StoryWalk® at the Sooke Region Museum! Enjoy the fresh air, physical activity and a story.
Throughout May and June, we will be reading Forest Magic : a Guidebook for Little Woodland Explorers by Salt Spring Island author, Sarah Grindler.
*Drop by anytime between 12pm-6pm.
Family FunFest
Join us Saturday the 18th for an afternoon of family fun!
Date and time
Saturday, February 18, 2 – 3:30 pm
10091 Resthaven Drive, Sidney
Proudly presented by members of the Sidney / North Saanich Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG). Join us for an afternoon of FREE family fun at the library (10091 Resthaven Dr., Sidney, BC). Best for kids 5 – 12 years old but everyone is welcome. No registration required.
Choose one of our 3 activity stations, or try them all:
- Robots – Code it!
- LEGO – Build it!
- Art – Make it!
Along with other fun surprises for the whole family. We hope you can join us! Learn more about the event here: https://virl.bc.ca/event/family-funfest/
Sooke Literacy Week
Daily events hosted by the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s Sooke branch
Date and time
Sun, Jan 22 – Jan 29th, 2023
Vancouver Island Regional Library – Sooke Branch 6671 Wadams Way, Sooke
During this week you will find:
- A month-long scavenger hunt
- Daily StoryWalks
- Steam Explorers every Wednesday
- …and much more!
The Great Estimation Challenge – Sidney
Every January, families, schools, libraries and communities across BC celebrate Family Literacy Week.
Date and time
Mon, Jan 22 – Jan 29th, 2023
Various times and locations throughout downtown Sidney
This year, BC’s Family Literacy theme is “Make it count! Play * Sort * Measure.” Numeracy is everywhere and we want to highlight how simple math concepts like sorting, counting, estimating and measuring are used in everyday life. Saanich Peninsula literacy is offering a fun way to experience Family Literacy Week between January 22-29. 2023!
Throughout Family Literacy Week, families are invited to visit participating Sidney businesses to register your best estimate of the number objects in the containers displayed. Simply fill out an entry form, drop your guess into an entry box and keep your fingers crossed that you made the correct estimate! Winners will receive a free book, courtesy of the Peninsula 1000 x 5 Book Recycling project and the container of goodies!
Songs & Stories with Nancy Dobbs
“Super silly songs, stories and snacks in Sidney on Saturday” – Try saying that 3x fast!
Date and time
Saturday, January 28, 2023, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sidney/North Saanich Library (10091 Resthaven Dr.)
You’re invited to celebrate literacy, learning and having fun together. There will be coffee for the adults and snacks for the kids (thanks to Saanich Peninsula Literacy).
There will be books for kids to take home and keep (thanks to 1000 x 5) and some fabulous door prizes.
The legendary Nancy Dobbs entertains with her guitar from 10:30 – 11:15 am. Nancy is a children’s performer but anyone who enjoys dancing, making music together and spreading positivity is welcome! Free. No registration required. We hope you can join us!
Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy 