PCIN is excited to announce that we have selected the 2025 Perth County Reads title: Finding Larkspur: A Return to Village Life by Dan Needles. Copies of the book are available at all PCIN library locations, in digital format as well as in book club kits.
Reserve your copy today!
An insightful and laugh-out-loud tour through the quirks and customs of today's Canadian small town.
Modern literature has not been kind to village life. For almost two centuries, small towns have been portrayed as backward, insular places needing to be escaped. But anthropologists tell us that the human species has spent more than 100,00 years living in villages of 100 to 150 people. This is where the oldest part of our brain, the limbic system, grew and adapted to become a very sophisticated instrument for reading other people’s emotions and figuring out how we might cooperate to find food, shelter and protection. By comparison, the frontal cortex, which helps us do our taxes, drive a car and download cat videos, is a very recent aftermarket addition, like a sunroof. And it is the village where almost half the world’s population still chooses to live.
Finding Larkspur takes a walk through the Canadian village of the twenty-first century, observing customs and traditions that endure despite the best efforts of Twitter, Facebook and Amazon. The author looks at the buildings and organizations left over from the old rural community, why they were built in the first place and how they have adapted to the modern day. The post office, the general store, the church, the school and the service club all remain standing, but they operate quite differently than they did for our ancestors. Drawing from his experience working in rural communities across Canada and in other countries, Needles reveals how a national conversation may be driven by urban voices but the national character is often very much a product of its small towns and back roads.
Dan Needles is a Canadian author, playwright, and humorist best known for his "Wingfield Farm" series of plays. Born in Toronto, Needles later moved to rural Ontario where his experiences informed much of his writing. His work often focuses on rural life, the clash between urban and country sensibilities, and the humorous aspects of farm living.
There are a variety of events surrounding Perth County Reads across Perth County. All programs are open to all residents of Perth County. Be sure to check details for locations and any registration requirements.
Join us as we welcome Alice Mainland from the Stratford and District Horticultural Society, to learn how to harvest seeds to use in your garden next year! She will provide hands-on instruction with a variety of seed types (annuals, perennials, and vegetables).
Bring your own plant material with you if you wish to learn how to harvest those specific seeds.
All ages welcome! Bring your whole family to learn how to harvest seeds!
When: Thurs Sept 4, 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Perth East Public Library, 19 Mill St, Milverton [map]
Do you have a story to tell? Have you ever wanted to write your memoir or preserve your life story for others? This engaging workshop is the perfect place to start. Join writer and memoirist, Meg Westley, as she leads you through the process of uncovering and expressing your stories, though active writing exercises and time to share your writing. No prior writing experience is needed — just bring your stories and enthusiasm!
When: Thu Sept 11, 2-4:30pm
Where: Stratford Public Library, 19 St. Andrew St, Stratford [map]
FULL but Register for Waiting List
Have you always wanted to become a beekeeper, but didn't know where to start? Join Kayla from Oats and Honey Homestead as she discusses the basics of what is required to keep bees and to educate us about bees and honey. For ages 14 & up.
When: Sat Sept 13, 10:30am
Where: West Perth Public Library, 105 St. Andrew St, Mitchell [map]
Registration Required
West Perth Public Library staff will share stories about Rural One-Room School experiences. Participants will be encouraged to share their personal stories in this interactive program.
When: Fri Sept 26, 2pm
Where: Ritz Manor, 15 Frances St. E, Mitchell [map]
Do you have an interest in learning to make Sourdough? Meet with library staff and fellow enthusiasts to learn how to make and keep a sourdough starter. Share recipes and tips to get you started.
When: Sat Sep 27, 11am
Where: West Perth Public Library, 105 St. Andrew St, Mitchell [map]
Registration Required
Our hands-on sourdough class will teach you everything you need to know:
You'll leave with your own active starter, and a dough ready to bake!
When: Tues Sept 30, 6:30-8:30pm FULL
When: Tues Sept 30, 2-4pm
Where: Perth East Public Library, 19 Mill St, Milverton [map]
Registration Required (call the PEPL at 519-595-8395 to register)
Cost: TBD
Are you a local writer looking for community? Have you wanted to create a writer's group? Come out to our first Local Writers' Meet & Greet to network, enjoy light refreshments, and find out more about other writers in our area. You just might find someone to write with regularly!
When: Thu Oct 2, 6-8pm
Where: Stratford Public Library, 19 St. Andrew Street [map]
Registration Required
Have you always wanted to make your own bread? Learn how to start making your own sourdough bread at home, including the secret tips and tricks to ensure your bread making days are successful.
When: Sat Oct 4, 11am-12pm
Where: North Perth Public Library, 260 Main St W, Listowel [map]
Registration Required
Join Edith the Puppet on her exciting travels to places new and old. Come for songs and stories and find out what Edith was up to when she visited the farm!
When: Sat Oct 4, 10am
Where: St. Marys Public Library, 15 Church St. N., St. Marys [map]
The passionate educator, Chris (aka The Preserving Chef) is coming to share his skills with us! We are chatting about the source of our food, how to prepare it, and how to preserve it by a master in this field. This program is a highlight for us all and we are so lucky that the Preserving Chef is coming. Mark your calendars now!
When: Tue Oct 7, 10:30am
Where: St. Marys Public Library, 15 Church St. N., St. Marys [map]
Let's connect over our stories! Join for an evening of storytelling, yummy snacks and warm drinks. We've got many speakers lined up to share their experiences growing up in small towns, including ours. Be prepared to laugh, nod in agreement, perhaps even be moved by our line up.
When: Thurs Oct 9, 6pm
Where: North Perth Public Library, 260 Main St W, Listowel [map]
Celebrate the spirit of creativity, community, and rural charm at the St. Marys Satin Ribbon Showcase, a delightful homecrafts competition inspired by the themes of Finding Larkspur by Dan Needles. This event invites artisans of all ages and skill levels to share their handmade treasures—from sewing, and arts and crafts to preserves, baked goods, and more. Watch for details about age groupings, categories, drop off dates, and showcase days to be released soon!
When: Oct 14-18
Members of the Books and Brews book club will read Finding Larkspur and engage in discussion about the book at their October meeting. Contact the St. Marys Public Library to join.
When: Wed Oct 15, 8pm
Where: Broken Rail Brewing, 480 Glass St., St. Marys [map]
The passionate educator, Chris (aka The Preserving Chef) is coming to share his skills with us! We are chatting about the source of our food, how to prepare it, and how to preserve it by a master in this field. This program is a highlight for us all and we are so lucky that the Preserving Chef is coming.
When: Sat Oct 18, 11am-1pm
Where: North Perth Public Library, 260 Main St W, Listowel [map]
Registration Required
Bring 2 of your favourite casserole recipes to share as we discuss delicious recipes new and old.
When: Sat Oct 18, 2pm
Where: West Perth Public Library, 105 St. Andrew St, Mitchell [map]
Learn about the life of John Davis Barnett, Master mechanic at the Grand Trunk Railway Locomotive Repair Shops in Stratford, public library advocate and internationally known collector of over 40,000 books donated to Western university in 1918. If you love local history, books and fascinating people, you'll love this lecture by Betty Jo Belton, Archivist at Stratford Perth Archives
When: Wed Oct 22, 2pm
Where: Stratford Public Library, 19 St. Andrew St, Stratford [map]
Register
Come learn more about Finding Larkspur, this year's Perth County Reads Reads selection. Dan Needles will be providing a reading from his latest book followed by a discussion.
When: Fri Oct 24, 2pm
Where: Perth East Recreation Complex, 40 Temperance St, Milverton [map]
Free tickets will be available starting October 1 at Perth East Public Library and North Perth Public Library branches.
Come learn more about Finding Larkspur, this year's Perth County Reads selection. Dan Needles will be providing a reading from his latest book followed by a discussion. Copies of Finding Larkspur will be available for purchase with thanks to Betty’s Bookshop.
When: Sat Oct 25, 2pm
Where: Pyramid Recreation Centre, 2/3rd Hall, 317 James St., St. Marys [map]
Perth County Information Network | 2020