Exciting Workshop Series for Seniors:

Kawartha Lakes Public Library is inviting seniors to explore technology, local history, and memory preservation through a dynamic new series of hands-on workshops. Designed to be both educational and fun, the sessions will help participants build digital skills, safely navigate the internet, and document personal and family history, all in a welcoming, supportive group setting. Whether you’re a tech novice or just looking to strengthen your skills, these workshops empower seniors to connect with loved ones, preserve cherished memories, and engage with the rich history of the Kawartha Lakes community.

The series kicks off ahead of the Creativity and Memory Lab, coming later this year to the Lindsay Branch. This new space will offer residents free access to specialized equipment and resources, making it easier than ever to preserve documents, photos, and other treasured items. By providing tools that many may not have at home, the library is creating an environment where seniors can explore, create, and innovate while connecting with others who share their interests.

Workshop Schedule:

• February 4 – Connecting Today: Guest speaker Kevin Walden of Kawartha Lakes Police Services will guide participants through using popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and messaging apps to stay in touch with friends and family. Attendees will also learn essential tips for recognizing online scams, protecting personal information, and staying safe online.
• February 11 – Connect to the Past: Learn how to protect important papers and cherished photographs. Featuring City of Kawartha Lakes Archivist Angela Fornelli, this hands-on workshop covers safe storage techniques, organization tips, long-term preservation, and easy methods for digitizing your documents so they can be safely backed up, shared, and archived.
• February 18 – Listening Party: Bring your favorite vinyl records and memorabilia for a nostalgic session of music, storytelling, and format conversion. City of Kawartha Lakes Curator Laura Love will lead a workshop in which participants create shadowbox displays to showcase treasured artifacts and memories.
• February 25 – Connecting to Library Resources: Discover the library’s wealth of tools and resources for genealogy, local history, and memory preservation. Library staff will demonstrate how to access databases, collections, and digitization services to trace your family tree, document community stories, or safeguard personal archives.
• March 4 – Capturing Personal Histories: Explore simple ways to record and share your personal history. Guest Speaker Karen Ryan of the Writers Collective of Canada will lead the group on memoir-writing basics, techniques for capturing meaningful memories, and ways to record oral histories using audio tools, ensuring your stories are preserved for generations to come.

Registration and Details: 

In-person registration opens January 5 at Lindsay Branch, 190 Kent Street West. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

From learning to safely navigate social media to preserving cherished memories for future generations, this workshop series offers seniors a chance to connect, create, and celebrate their stories. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your skills, safeguard your past, and make meaningful connections in a fun, interactive environment.