Stories of Clinton

Stories of Clinton

In celebration of Clinton’s 150th Anniversary, the Clinton Branch is hosting a Stories of Clinton Short Story Contest. This is your chance to tell your favourite story about Clinton. Stories can be set in the past, present, or future and can be based on real events or completely invented! Prizes to be awarded during the Homecoming weekend, July 4-6, 2025.

Categories:

  • Children 15 and under
  • Adults 16 and older. 

Contest Guildelines:

  • All entries must be the original work of the author and previously unpublished. No generative AI tools may be used to create parts of or the whole story.
  • The stories should be about the town of Clinton and the surrounding area.
  • The stories can be set in the past, present, or future.
  • Children’s stories can be any length.
  • Adult stories should be 1,000–4,000 words long.
  • The stories should be typed, double spaced and printed on one side of the page only.
  • The title of the story should be included as a header or footer on each page.
  • Please do not put your name on the story (to facilitate blind judging). Attach a cover sheet with your name, the title of the story, and contact information. If you are 15 or under, please include your age, and parent or guardians name.
  • Please make and retain your own copy as the originals cannot be returned to you.
  • If you would like to email your story, please send to clintonlib@eastlink.ca
  • You may enter up to 3 stories.
  • By entering this contest you are agreeing that the story may be published in print or digital format by the Clinton Homecoming Committee.

Deadline:

  • April 30, 2025
  • Please submit your typed copy to the Clinton Branch Library, or by email

Judging:

  • A group of local volunteers will judge anld award a first, second and third place prizes in each category
  • Judging will be based on originality, meeting the theme of “Stories of Clinton”, and artistic merit.
  • All judges decisions are final.
Read the North

Read the North

Looking to add more Canadian authors and creators to your reading list? Check out these new and upcoming books by some favourite Canadian writers and talented new debut authors.  A staff curated list of recent and on-order releases can be found on our online catalogue.

Book cover image of It Must be Beautiful to be Finished<br />

Biography: It Must be Beautiful to be Finished by Kate Gies

A raw, beautiful memoir of a girl born missing an ear, a medical system insistent on saving her from herself, and a scathing critique of our culture’s desire to fix bodies. Kate Gies lives in Toronto, ON.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover image of She's a Lamb

Thriller: She’s a Lamb by Meredith Hambrock

A cutting satire about the grotesque pall patriarchy casts over one woman’s delusional quest to achieve her dreams and the depths she will sink to for a chance at the life she’s convinced she deserves. Meredith Hambrock is a fiction and television writer who grew up in Toronto and now lives in Vancouver. This is her second novel.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of The Riveter

Historical Fiction: The Riveter by Jack Wang

From the critically acclaimed author of the short story collection, We Two Alone, comes a gorgeous debut novel that explores what one man must sacrifice to belong in the only home he has ever truly known. Set during WWII Vancouver and Europe, this historical fiction novel follows a young Chinese Canadian man who enlists to prove his loyalty and right to marry the woman he loves.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Favourite Daughter

General Fiction: Favourite Daughter by Morgan Dick

A debut novel about two estranged sisters unknowingly thrown together by their problematic father’s dying wish. Perfect for readers of Emma Straub, Monica Heisey, and Katherine Heiny. Morgan Dick is from Calgary, AB.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of To Steal From Thieves

Fantasy: To Steal from Thieves by M.K. Lobb

The newest fantasy novel from local author M.K. Lobb is a high-stakes heist adventure in which an alchemologist and a con man team up to steal a rare necklace—but complicated feelings of attraction and deception threaten to destroy everything and everyone they love. Recommended for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Judy I. Lin.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Pillow Talk

YA Graphic Novel: Pillow Talk by Stephanie Cooke; illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas

An inclusive, high-octane, outrageously fun debut YA graphic novel that aims a punch at the impossibly high standards set for women in sports (and otherwise) and champions the power of finding a team that will, quite literally, fight for you. Grace Mendes, a.k.a. Cinderhella, is a fierce competitor in the PFF, a pillow fight federation that’s part roller derby, part professional wrestling. But in this fresh, coming-of-age YA graphic novel, Grace needs to learn to overcome her biggest enemy: herself. Written by Toronto-based graphic novelist, Stephanie Cooke, with gorgeous artwork by Mel Valentine Vargas.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Messy Perfect

YA Fiction: Messy Perfect by Tanya Boteju

Perfect for fans of Mason Deaver and Becky Albertalli, this tender, raucous YA novel follows a rule-following, perfectionist teen who starts an underground GSA club at her conservative Catholic high school. From the acclaimed author of Bruised and Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens. Tanya Boteju lives on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (Vancouver, BC).

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of No Purchase Necessary

Juvenile Fiction: No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam

A debut middle grade novel that features Ajay Anthonipillai, a young Tamil seventh grader trying to please his immigrant parents while also becoming one of the ‘cool’ kids. Dared to steal a chocolate bar, he ends up in a moral dilemma when the stolen bar wrapper turns out to be the ticket to a million-dollar prize. Maria Marianayagam is a Tamil Sri Lankan Canadian children’s book author originally born in India but now resides in Alberta.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Snow Day

Picture Book: Snow Day by Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird; illustrated by Ashley Thimot

This debut rhyming children’s picture book follows an Indigenous family as they enjoy the magic of a winter storm. It is atmospheric, nostalgic, full of winter fun and is a celebration of Indigenous joy and childhood wonder. Written by mixed-Cree journalist, book reviewer, and podcast host Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird with warm, colourful artwork rendered in traditional gouache and coloured pencil from debut illustrator Ashley Thimot.

Place a hold online…

Diverse Books for Winter Holidays

Diverse Books for Winter Holidays

Huron County is celebrating the holidays this winter with some of our favourite new books suitable for readers of all ages. From Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year and beyond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. A staff-curated list of recent releases can be found on our online catalogue

Book cover image of Elf on the Shelf Family Cookbook<br />

Cookbook: The Elf on the Shelf Family Cookbook: 50 Elftastic Recipes, Plus Playful Elf Ideas, Games, Activities, and More! by Chanda A. Bell

A full-colour Christmas book filled with fun Elf-ish activities and recipes that will help inspire even the youngest bakers in the family. The perfect book to draw inspiration on how to start new traditions and get the whole family involved this holiday season.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover image of The Mistletoe Mystery

Mystery: The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose

Written by best-selling Canadian author, Nita Prose, this sweet cozy mystery holiday novella features beloved Molly Gray as she celebrates her first Christmas without her Gran, reminiscing on past traditions and making new ones with her boyfriend, Juan Manuel. At the same time Molly finds herself solving another murder that takes place during a deadly Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Christmas with the Queen

Historical Fiction: Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally and Bridget Jones’s Diary, in this latest heartwarming historical fiction novel from best-selling author duo, Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. Told from multiple perspectives, including the young Queen Victoria II, this story begins in 1952 during the Queen’s first Christmas as Monarch where single, unwed mother, Olive Carter is assigned to spend the holidays and report on the Queen’s first Christmas Day radio broadcast. While at Sandringham, Olive runs into her first love, Jack, working as a cook for the Queen and over the next few years we follow their will-they-won’t they romance. This is a highly recommended uplifting, second chance love story rich in historical detail that is sure to delight fans of the British Royals.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Three Holidays and a Wedding

Romance: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

Co-written by two best-selling Canadian authors, this cozy holiday Hallmark style romance sees two seatmates stranded in a small Canadian town over Ramadan, Hanukkah and Christmas where they find love in unexpected places. Filled with many diverse winter traditions, characters and customs, this heartwarming story celebrates love in all forms and the many ways people in Canada celebrate the holidays.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Sleepless in Dubai

Young Adult Fiction: Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel

Nikki, an aspiring photographer, thinks she is embarking on a trip of a lifetime to Dubai to celebrate Diwali, until she finds out Yash, the boy-next-door with whom she has a rocky history, is also taking part. This heartfelt YA Diwali romcom by best-selling author Sajni Patel is perfect for fans of Canadian author, Sonya Lalli’s Holly Jolly Diwali.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Lunar New Year Love Story

Young Adult Fiction: Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang; illustrated by LeUyen Pham

A heartfelt YA graphic novel featuring Val, a Vietnamese American teen girl whose family is cursed in love but when she meets a cute pair of lion dancers at a Lunar New Year festival, Val is determined to find a way to break the curse. Beautifully illustrated, this book explores the art of Lion dancing and intergenerational trauma in an accessible but fantastical way.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of We Celebrate the Light

Juvenile Non-Fiction: We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen & Heidi Stemple; illustrated by Jieting Chen

Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year are visually depicted in turn, accompanying a stunning, read-aloud text that speaks of the traditions that link them all together. Beloved author Jane Yolen and daughter, author Heidi Stemple, have crafted a loving and poignant story with true reverence for our shared traditions of celebrating light, love, food, and family. An empowering, informative, and inclusive holiday book for families of all traditions.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Let it Glow

Juvenile Fiction: Let it Glow by Joanne Levy and Marissa Meyer

Co-written with Marissa Meyer, best-selling local author, Joanne Levy’s latest middle grade story is told in alternating voices, featuring twelve-year-old identical twin sisters adopted into separate families who switch places to experience the other’s holiday traditions.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of My Kwanzaa Wish

Picture Book: My Kwanzaa Wish by Yolanda T. Marshall ; illustrated by Jamie Ellis Pasquale

Written by award winning Guyanese-born Canadian author, Yolanda T. Marshall, this lyrical children’s book celebrates the core principles of the Kwanzaa holiday with warmth, positivity and upliftment and includes educational information and a delicious fruit drink recipe.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Hally All-idays!

Board Book: Happy All-idays by Cindy Jin; illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.

Whether it’s putting up the Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, or getting ready for Kwanzaa, this story proves that the holiday season is a special time for everyone and a great way to learn about different winter holidays and send cheer to everyone you know!

Place a hold online…

Service Updates: New Language Options Available

Service Updates: New Language Options Available

The Huron County Library is pleased to announce that users of Bibliocommons, our online catalogue, now have three new language options to choose from when using this platform. In addition to English, patrons can now select French, Spanish and simplified Chinese when browsing our collection online.

How to modify language options: 

To temporarily change the language options for the current browsing session only, patrons can use the drop down menu found in the upper left corner.

Image of the home page of Bibliocommons showing drop-down menu for language options.

To set a language as the default language, patrons must log into their account in Bibliocommons and go into the settings. Under settings, select ‘Display Language’ on the left then select prefered language and save changes.

Image of the log-in and settings in Bibliocommons
Image showing settings where language preferences can be changed
Valuing Ontario Libraries Toolkit highlights impact Huron County Library services have on community

Valuing Ontario Libraries Toolkit highlights impact Huron County Library services have on community

Public libraries are critical cultural and social infrastructure for the communities they serve, and new findings released from the Valuing Ontario Libraries Toolkit show that every $1 invested in the Huron County Library generates $4.66 in Social Return on Investment (SROI).

SROI takes something offered at no charge and applies a dollar value to it. Impacts include direct spending, direct benefits and indirect benefits.

Developed in collaboration with the NORDIK Institute and the Ontario Library Service, the toolkit was developed to help Ontario libraries measure their value and impact within their communities. The toolkit specifically measured the SROI of library services on seven different domains: education, culture, inclusion and well-being, entertainment and leisure, economic development, civic engagement, and space.

Libraries are integral for building personal entrepreneurial, and social capacity through access to information, programs and opportunities for community engagement. As a result, the overall economic benefit the Huron County Library has to the local community totals $17,555,981. This number translates to an overall economic benefit of $596 per household or $286 per resident. For every hour the library’s 12 branches are open to the public, the economic benefit is $413. 

Specific impacts for the different domains are:

  • Education: $1,360,502
  • Culture: $346,459
  • Inclusion and Well-being: $529,672
  • Entertainment and Leisure: $10,003,283
  • Economic Development: $3,373,143
  • Civic Engagement: $26,916
  • Space: $1,916,003

“The results demonstrate the significant impact the library has in our communities and supports the library’s continued work to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and support a thriving community,” said County Librarian and Director of Cultural Services Beth Rumble.

To learn more, an infographic has been created to outline results.

Summer Reading Week 5: Out of this World

Summer Reading Week 5: Out of this World

What’s your favourite planet? Don’t say Pluto! We’ll learn this week that Pluto is a Dwarf planet, not one of the main 8!  

This week’s theme is called “Out of this World!”, and we’re going to focus on our friend Pluto. Did you know Pluto was named by an 11-year-old girl in 1930? It also has a heart-shaped spot on its side! Together we will read Pluto gets the Call by Adam Rex, a story about how Pluto felt when they found out they were no longer a planet. For our craft we will design planet beads to go on bracelets to help us remember the order of the solar system, then play a round or two of space bingo to practice what we have learned so far about space.  

As always, for those who are partying on Pluto and could not make it to our club, we have colouring sheets and a wonderful planet-filled reading suggestion list for you to enjoy! 

My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Noodles! (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) 🪐 

Nadine and Morgan