#ITSTARTS is a local awareness campaign with the goal of taking proactive steps toward addressing discrimination and racism in Simcoe County. Throughout the month of March, the #ITSTARTS Campaign promotes a unified community that embraces acceptance, inclusion, equity, and diversity.
We are a proud community champion of the #ITSTARTS Campaign, and we encourage everyone to join in this conservation and movement.
How to Get Involved
Share your message:
Pick up a card at the library or download a copy of the #ITSTARTS card. Write down how you can make Simcoe County a more inclusive place to live, snap a picture, and share it online! Don't forget to tag @simcoecounty (X), @CountyofSimcoe (Facebook), or @experiencesimcoecounty (Instagram) and use #ITSTARTS in your post.
Perform acts of inclusivity:
Host a multicultural lunch, learn about different cultures, ask questions, learn and use people’s pronouns, attend a diversity training, listen to everyone’s stories, and more – every action counts!
Educate yourself:
We have booklists for all ages to help - scroll down to see our Diversity Reads lists and place a hold in our catalogue myBPL. You can also visit the #ITSTARTS website for definitions and resources on how to take safe and purposeful action against racism and discrimination.
Challenge others:
Extend the challenge to friends, family, colleagues, and community leaders to take a stand. Remember, there is strength in numbers!
Attend #ITSTARTS community & BPL events:
Community champions are hosting events throughout March to encourage the community to join in the conversation.
#ITSTARTS Programming at the Library
As a community partner of #ITSTARTS, we are proud to offer many programs this March and throughout the year that align with the campaign:
Reading with Newcomer Children
Saturday, March 1: 2:30-3:30pm @ Painswick Library
These meetups welcome newcomer children to interact and read aloud their favourite books with library staff and others.
French Connexion
Tuesdays in March: 7-8:30pm @ Downtown Library
Meet with others to discuss French literature and culture, improving your spoken French in a casual setting.
Parlez-vous French?
Thursdays in March: 4:30-5:30pm @ Downtown Library
Practice speaking French with other beginner learners through conversation.
English Conversation Circle
Saturdays in March: 11am-12pm @ Downtown Library
Thursdays in March: 7-8pm @ Holly Library
Practice English, meet new friends, and learn more about life and culture in Canada. Challenge yourself to build your speaking confidence!
Crochet, Crosswords, & Conversation
Tuesday, March 11: 7-8pm @ Painswick Library
Come for the crochet and knitting tips, and some conversation. This monthly program creates community for all ages - come say hi!
Holi Celebration
Friday, March 14: 10-11am @ Downtown Library
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Holi with fun-filled activities as we learn about the exciting traditions behind the Hindu festival of colours.
Fierté Simcoe Pride Board Game Social
Monday, March 17: 6-8pm @ Downtown Library
Join Fierté Simcoe Pride for their monthly social at the library! Their socials are free for all ages who are looking for a supportive space to explore their identity, express themselves, and build community.
Cohabiter (Living Together) French Connexion Film
Tuesday, March 18: 7-8:30pm @ Downtown Library
Join our French Connexion club to watch a film to celebrate the Francophone language. French discussion to follow the film.
Indigenous Storytime
Friday, March 21: 10-10:30am @ Downtown Library
Bring your drum and join us for some traditional songs and stories where we learn about Indigenous history and culture from Angelia, the EarlyOn Indigenous Coordinator.
Storylingo
Monday, March 24: 10-10:30am @ Downtown Library
Snuggle up and join us for Storylingo. This storytime brings enchanting stories to life in both English and a new language each month, offering little ones a unique opportunity to explore new words and cultures.
Queer Craft Circle - Terrariums
Monday, March 31: 6-8pm @ Downtown Library
Unleash your creativity with Fierté Simcoe Pride. This month's craft is making terrariums!
Community Voices
Check out this special video series where BPL staff get to know our neighbours in and around Simcoe County, including the South Asian Association of Simcoe County, The Ethnic Mosaic Alliance, UPlift Black, and more!
Check out our Events Calendar for a full list of our programs throughout March.
Diversity Reads
The Diversity Reads reading challenge pushes you to discover the world from different perspectives, in the hope that learning about and celebrating our differences will bring us closer together.