By Beverly Ewart
Writing Creativity and Soul by Sue Monk Kidd
Are you a writer? Perhaps it’s a hobby, or maybe you are an aspiring novelist? We have just unboxed Sue Monk Kidd’s wonderful book on writing, and we think you might like to check it out!
Grab a cup of something hot and prepare to be inspired!
Writing Creativity and Soul by Sue Monk Kidd. “When Sue Monk Kidd was in high school, a home economics teacher wrote a list of potential occupations for women on the blackboard: teacher, nurse, librarian, secretary. ‘Writer’ was nowhere to be found. On that day, Kidd shut the door on her writerly aspirations and would not revisit the topic until many years later when she announced to her husband and two children that she was going to become a writer. And so began her journey into the mysteries and methods of the writerly life. In [this book, she] will pull from her own life and the lives of other writers–Virginia Woolf, Maya Angelou, Harper Lee, and many others–to provide a map for anyone who has ever felt lost as a writer. At the heart of this book is the unwavering belief that writing is a spiritual act, one that draws inspiration from the soul, that wellspring of creativity between imagination and feeling. Once you tap into that part of yourself, said Maya Angelou, there are only three more things you need as a writer: something to say, the ability to say it, and, perhaps most difficult of all, the courage to say it. Equal parts memoir, guidebook, and spiritual quest, [this book] is a pilgrimage and a touchstone, a journey into the transformational force of the imagination and the creative genius that lies in the unconscious”–Provided by publisher.
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The GIVING TREE is up at CFL! Please take an envelope and fill it with a donation toward vouchers for parents to buy local clothing, gifts, and toys for their children. Each family will receive vouchers for food, and each child will receive a hand-knit hat and new pajamas.
If you prefer to make an online donation, you can use the QR code on the sign next to our tree or give to ccpcanton.org. This program is sponsored by the Church and Community Program, 30 Court Street, Canton, NY.
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CFL will close at 3PM on Wednesday, 12.24.25, and will remain closed for Christmas on Thursday, 12.25.25 and Friday, 12.26.25. We wish you the happiest of holidays!
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Chess Free Play at CFL – Chess Club with Ryan meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4. Tuesday is free play, and Thursday is learn to play. We welcome chess players of all ages and levels to take part in our weekly get-togethers!
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.
For more details, contact Ryan at 315.854.6123.
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TEEN ANIME meets on Thursdays from 5-7pm.
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Chess Club with Zach! – Thursdays 3-4 PM in the main room: Curious about Chess but don’t know where to start? Try Chess Club with Zach! 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
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CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:
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.