Make buttons, celebrate Bloomfield library and more at the libraries

Picton Branch – Janikowski Room
Thursday, May 14, 2026
2pm–3pm

David Chernushenko will join us to discuss his book, Standing with Underdogs
Not a Ukrainian.
Barely a Ukrainian-Canadian.
Rather, a Canadian with many questions.
David Chernushenko knew little of his roots in Ukraine until he received a document from his Aunt Raya in 2021. She had completed a family memoir and was sharing the results. He was immediately hooked—and convinced this extraordinary story should be shared.
Then Russian forces launched a full-scale war on Ukraine. David was surprised by how viscerally it affected him. Though this was the native land of his father and aunt’s family, he had never visited and didn’t even speak the language.
Like many people, he was upset by Russia’s assault, but why was he so upset?

To understand demanded a deep dive; not just into his Ukrainian origins but a retracing of his life’s journey across six momentous decades, as a globe-trotting diplomatic child, ambitious journalist, environmental activist, self-taught filmmaker and novelist and accidental politician. What emerged was a remarkable tale that is equally a family journey, personal voyage and universal story—he is not the only one with family that came from afar, at great risk, to start a new life against all odds. In this genre-bending book David offers Raya’s story and his; sprinkled with historical commentary, then peppered with political writing that is insightful, humorous and furious in equal measure.

Safer spaces Training with Myles Sexton
Picton Flex Space
Wednesday, May 20
noon to 2 p.m.

Looking to teach your staff or members how they can create a safer space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community? In this training, Myles will guide everyone through diversity and inclusion training covering topics like pronoun use, and the difference between gender identity and sexuality as well as breaking down the meaning and history of what 2SLGBTQIA+ means. We will also go through easy ways you can make changes within your business or organization to make it a safer environment for everyone! Myles does all this through storytelling, creating a safe space for everyone to ask uncomfortable questions and teaching from their lived experience as a sober HIV-positive non-binary person.

Memoir Writing with Andrew Binks
Bloomfield Branch Library
Wednesday, May 27
2pm–4pm

Registration is required for this event.

6 week course – $90 payable at first session
Tell the story others want to hear. Published author and writing coach Andrew Binks takes you through a series of prompts, pointers and stimulating exercises to get you started on the fascinating journey that has been your life. Make this the most interesting chapter. There is more to you than meets the eye. Your memoir.

* * *