By Beverly Ewart
Stuck?
You aren’t alone. If enough of us had it together, the self-help book publishing industry wouldn’t be making over $14 billion annually! They are capitalizing on our need to be in control.
Ironically, Why Do I Keep Doing This? is a self-help book about why our need to be in control is defeating us. Who knows – is Kati Morton working herself out of a job by teaching us how to be self-accepting and resilient in an out-of-control world? Maybe this is the last self-help book you’ll ever need to read. 😊
Irony aside, I plan to check it out, and I hope you will, too.
Why Do I Keep Doing This?: Unlearn the Habits Keeping You Stuck and Unhappy by Kati Morton. Licensed family and marriage therapist Kati Morton explores [the] common struggle and contradiction with control. [She] shows how our upbringing and anxiety are often connected to our struggle to take up space. We can feel like we are too much by just existing in the same place as someone else, or that we are less deserving of their time and care. This struggle with asserting ourselves, or taking what we require, can harm our development. We sometimes think the only way to feel okay and get what we need is to please everyone else first. [This book may help] us understand why control can be so attractive, but if left unmonitored can become detrimental to our lives. — Provided by publisher.
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Kick-off event for NoCo Seed Library
Together with the Canton Free Library, Master Gardener Volunteers from CCE are planning a free event called “Swap it – Seed it,” a seed exchange and seed starting demonstration. This event will draw attention to the new NoCo Seed Library which will be located within the Canton Free Library. Available year round, the NoCo Seed Library will house free seeds and information for gardeners. Whether you are excited to grow some new varieties, or you’re simply looking for some reliable green beans and cucumbers this summer, come join us for the “Swap it – Seed it” seed exchange on Saturday, February 21 from 10:30-11:30am at the Canton Free Library. A diversity of seeds – whether heirloom, organic, commercial, or locally saved – will be available at the event and beyond. Seed donations are welcomed but not required, and refreshments will be provided. Whether your goal is a beautiful landscape, a new learning opportunity, increased food security, or an activity to do with youth, growing your own plants has many benefits, and CCE Master Gardener Volunteers are ready to support you along the way. Email Erica at ENL2@cornell.edu with questions.
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Chess Club at CFL – Chess Club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4. Tuesday is free play with Ryan Nolan and designed for those that have some experience.
Thursday’s weekly session is with Zachary Woodley-White and is designed for beginners who would like to learn how to play. We offer rudimentary instruction and a judgement free space for younger players to establish and build on their fundamentals. No registration needed, ages 12 and below. Questions? Contact Zach at zwoodleywhite@ncls.org
Grab a board, find a friend, and start a game at any open table in the Main Reading Room. Other board games are available or bring your own.
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TEEN ANIME meets on Thursdays from 5-7pm.
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Children’s Programming at the Canton Free Library:
O-17 months: Baby Storytime is for our library babies and their caregivers. We’ll share books, bounce rhymes, songs, finger plays, lots of smiles, and then close with social/play time. Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 am. No registration is needed.
18-35 months: Toddler Storytime for children and their caregivers. We’ll share books, rhymes, music, movement, and lots more early literacy fun! Mondays 10:30-11:00 am. No registration is necessary during the school year.
3-5 years: Preschool Storytime is for children and their caregivers. Stories, songs, movement, crafts, friends, and lots of fun! Wednesdays 10:30-11:15 am. No registration is needed during the school year.
K-2nd grade: Each month at Books and Beyond, we’ll explore themes with books, activities, games, and art. Books and Beyond meets each third Thursday afternoon from 3-4 pm. Registration for each month is required by the Monday before the program.
3rd-6th grade: Tween Time offers a mix of cool crafts, art exploration, games, STEAM, and book talks of popular and classic literature. Tween Time meets every fourth Thursday afternoon from 3-4 pm. Registration for each month is required by the Monday before the program.
K-6th grade: Lego Club: A different challenge/theme will be given at the start of each meeting. Lego Club meets on the last Monday of the month (unless that’s a holiday, whereupon the date will be announced) from 3:00-4:00pm. Registration is required by the Friday before the program, but it fills fast! Don’t wait!
Ages 5-up: Arts After School: Artist Kris Rozelle will lead a different art project each month for kids 5 and up. Arts After School is free, but registration is needed for each class. Since class size is limited, please let us know if your registered child cannot attend so another child may have their spot. Thanks!
Battle of the Books: The 2026 list for the NCLS Battle of the Books for children in grades 4-6 is out! It may be found on our website, our Facebook page, or you may pick up a copy in the children’s room at the library.
For questions or registration, email Ms. Val at vwhite@ncls.org or
call 315-386-3712 ext. 4
Programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Canton Free Library and the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau.
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Curbside Service is always available: Call (315) 386-3712 and choose option 1 “Front Desk,” or send an email to canlib@ncls.org.
MORLEY BRANCH is open Tuesday 1pm-3pm; Wednesday 4pm-6pm; Thursday 10am-12pm. Call for more information: (315) 379-0066.
RENSSELAER FALLS BRANCH is open on Tuesdays from 11am – 5pm. Call the library at (315) 344-4155 for more information.
CANTON BRANCH is open 9am-6pm Monday – Friday; 10am-3pm Saturday. Contact us at (315) 386-3712 or cantonfreelibrary.org.