Classes & Workshops

George Brown College

Spring Semester: 09May13 – 11Jul13 (6:30-9:30pm)

This course is an introduction to the basic elements of writing non-fiction (articles and books) for younger readers. Consider and discuss current non-fiction books and magazines. Learn how to choose topics, hone your research skills, develop manuscripts and receive critical feedback on your work.

Victoria College, University of Toronto

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

Register @ 8:15am

Packaging Your Imagination, now in its 27th year, is a day of workshops covering the three main areas of CANSCAIP’s interests—writing, illustrating and performing—conducted by professionals successful in their fields.

George Brown College

Fall Semester: 03Oct11 – 12Dec11 (6:30-9:30pm on Mondays)

Spring Semester: 07May12 – 23Jul12 (6:30-9:30pm on Mondays)

This course is an introduction to the basic elements of writing non-fiction (articles and books) for younger readers. Consider and discuss current non-fiction books and magazines. Learn how to choose topics, hone your research skills, develop manuscripts and receive critical feedback on your work.

York Woods Library, Meeting Room I

Saturday, September 17th (2:30-4:30pm)

Explore the world of writing with teacher & award-winning author of over 1,700 articles and 8 books, Catherine Rondina. Learn about the inside world of publishing, hone your research skills, discuss market trends, learn how to choose topics that sell, and receive critical feedback.

Register in person or call 416-395-5980.

Richmond Hill Central Library

Thursday, July 21, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Do you love to read graphic novels? Ever thought about writing a graphic novel of your own? Well, here’s your chance. Dive into the world of visual storytelling with children’s author Catherine Rondina. This fun-filled workshop will help you develop both your story ideas and your artistic concepts. Learn how to develop characters, design settings and storyboard your graphic novel. So go ahead — make some waves with your great novel ideas.

Registration for this program starts on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Please purchase your ticket in advance at the Full Service Desk at Central Library.

Richmond Hill Central Library

Monday August 8 and Tuesday August 9, 2:00 -3:30 p.m.

Essay writing got you worried? Relax and join author/teacher Catherine Rondina for her “Essay Writing Made Easy” workshop. Writers of all abilities will enjoy this easy to follow process. Writers will learn how to choose a topic, prepare an outline of their ideas and develop a thesis statement on the topic of their choice. Next the body of the paper will be examined, main points versus sub-points, and the method for good introduction writing will be explored. In the final stages of the workshop, areas such as researching, writing a solid conclusion and preparing your essay for print will be examined. This program is for 9 – 10 years.

Registration for this program starts on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Please purchase your ticket in advance at the Full Service Desk at Central Library.

Richmond Hill Central Library

Monday August 22, at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m

Aimed at the more advanced essay writer, this program has been designed to help writers develop their essay ideas. Author/teacher Catherine Rondina will work with writers to fine-tune their essay writing by helping to enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills. Participants are encouraged to bring along ideas they would like to discuss.  This program is for 11 – 13 years.

Registration for this program starts on Tuesday, June 7, 2011. Please purchase your ticket in advance at the Full Service Desk at Central Library.

York Woods Public Library, Room 1

Saturday, Mar. 26 2:30 – 4:30 p.m

Ages 18 and up. Participants can bring a short sample of their written work.

Explore the world of writing with teacher & award-winning author of over 1,700 articles and 8 books: Catherine Rondina. Learn about the inside world of publishing, hone your research skills, discuss market trends, learn how to choose topics that sell, and receive critical feedback.

Register in person or call 416-395-5980.

York Woods Library 1785 Finch Ave. W. Toronto, ON M3N 1M6 416-395-5980

York Woods Public Library Programs

Richmond Hill Public Library

Thursday, March 17, 2011 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Workshop by Catherine Rondina. Will a watermelon grow inside your stomach if you swallow a watermelon seed? Can lightning strike the same place twice? Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s? Kids will be delighted to find out the truth about these and many other claims from Catherine’s latest book, Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You.

This fun-filled, hands-on workshop allows students to try a number of activities based on this hilarious book. This workshop also includes a creative writing component, which involves a short questionnaire and has participants developing their own “strange” ideas.

Please purchase your ticket in advance at the Full Service Desk at Central Library as space is limited. Please be aware of the new refund policy for program cancellations: – a full refund will be issued if the Library cancels a program; – a full refund, less a 20% administrative fee, will be issued if the patron makes a request, accompanied by the receipt, at least 48 hours before the program starts if it is a single-session program or at least 4 days before the start of the program if it is a multi-session program.

This program is for children ages 8 – 10 years old.

Admission: $8.50 per child

The Richmond Hill Public Library

George Brown College – English and Communications

S80645  -  02May11-11Jul11   -  Mondays  -  6:30-9:30pm

This course is an introduction to the basic elements of writing non-fiction (articles and books) for younger readers.  Consider and discuss current non-fiction books and magazines.  Learn how to choose topics, hone your research skills, develop manuscripts and receive critical feedback on your work.

Fee: $214

Hours: 30

George Brown College Continuing Education

Monday, July 12th / 2010.

2:00 – 3:30pm.

Richmond Hill Library, Central Branch

Wednesday, August 11th / 2010.

2:00 – 3:30pm.

Thursday, August 12th / 2010.

2:00 – 3:30pm.

Richmond Hill Library, Central Branch