What if we all read just one book?
PCIN is excited to announce that we have selected the 2025 Perth County Reads title: Finding Larkspur: A Return to Village Life by Dan Needles. Copies of the book are available at all PCIN library locations, in digital format as well as in book club kits.
Reserve your copy today!
Finding Larkspur by Dan Needles
An insightful and laugh-out-loud tour through the quirks and customs of today's Canadian small town.
Modern literature has not been kind to village life. For almost two centuries, small towns have been portrayed as backward, insular places needing to be escaped. But anthropologists tell us that the human species has spent more than 100,00 years living in villages of 100 to 150 people. This is where the oldest part of our brain, the limbic system, grew and adapted to become a very sophisticated instrument for reading other people’s emotions and figuring out how we might cooperate to find food, shelter and protection. By comparison, the frontal cortex, which helps us do our taxes, drive a car and download cat videos, is a very recent aftermarket addition, like a sunroof. And it is the village where almost half the world’s population still chooses to live.
Finding Larkspur takes a walk through the Canadian village of the twenty-first century, observing customs and traditions that endure despite the best efforts of Twitter, Facebook and Amazon. The author looks at the buildings and organizations left over from the old rural community, why they were built in the first place and how they have adapted to the modern day. The post office, the general store, the church, the school and the service club all remain standing, but they operate quite differently than they did for our ancestors. Drawing from his experience working in rural communities across Canada and in other countries, Needles reveals how a national conversation may be driven by urban voices but the national character is often very much a product of its small towns and back roads.
Dan Needles is a Canadian author, playwright, and humorist best known for his "Wingfield Farm" series of plays. Born in Toronto, Needles later moved to rural Ontario where his experiences informed much of his writing. His work often focuses on rural life, the clash between urban and country sensibilities, and the humorous aspects of farm living.
Perth County Reads Events
There are a variety of events surrounding Perth County Reads across Perth County. All programs are open to all residents of Perth County. Be sure to check details for locations and any registration requirements.
Tractor Meet Up
Tractor lovers rejoice! Join the Pioneer and Hobby Club of Mitchell as they take a tour on their tractors and end at the West Perth Village parking lot. A fun event for all ages!
Sat Jul 26, 2-4pm
West Perth Village Parking Lot
Road 164 - 4118A, Mitchell
Senior Book Chat
Join West Perth Public Library at the Ritz Manor as we discuss "Finding Larkspur". Everyone is welcome!;
Mon, Jul 28, 11am
Ritz Manor
15 Frances St. E, Mitchell
Outdoor Family Games
Join us for games at the pollinator garden. Featuring a large sized Connect 4 game and more! This weather dependent program is in celebration of this year's Perth County Reads title "Finding Larkspur".
Mon Aug 25, 6:15pm
Pollinator Garden
Corner of Wellington & Rowland St, Mitchell
Beauty in Nature
Who doesn't love a good scavenger hunt?! This is a family friendly activity that will have you outside exploring and then you will create art out of the scavenger hunt finds! Listowel Branch of the North Perth Public Library system will display creations for the month of October.
Sept 2-26
All Branches of the North Perth Public Library system
Guided Heritage Hike
Meet at the West Perth Public Library to take a guided tour of our historic buildings and landscapes around Mitchell. See how things have changed over time. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Weather permitting.
Thurs Sept 4, 6pm
West Perth Public Library
105 St. Andrew Street, Mitchell
Beekeeping 101
Have you always wanted to become a beekeeper, but didn't know where to start? Join Kayla from Oats and Honey Homestead as she discusses the basics of what is required to keep bees and to educate us about bees and honey. For ages 14 & up. Registration opens August 1 at www.westperth.recdesk.com
Sat Sept 13, 10:30am
West Perth Public Library
105 St. Andrew St, Mitchell
Rural School Stories
West Perth Public Library staff will share stories about Rural One-Room School experiences. Participants will be encouraged to share their personal stories in this interactive program.
Fri Sept 26, 2pm
Ritz Manor
15 Frances St. E, Mitchell
Sourdough Starters
Do you have an interest in learning to make Sourdough? Meet with library staff and fellow enthusiasts to learn how to make and keep a sourdough starter. Share recipes and tips to get you started.
Sat Sep 27, 11am
West Perth Public Library
105 St. Andrew St, Mitchell
Tuesday Book Club
Join members of the Tuesday book club for a discussion about Finding Larkspur at their August meeting. Contact the Library to join.
Tue Aug 26, 11am
St. Marys Public Library
15 Church St N, St. Marys
Just Bee
We've got a local Bee Keeper coming to chat about all things bees, honey, and more. We are buzzing about having Jennifer Smith join - don't miss this!
Sat Oct 4, 11am-12pm
North Perth Public Library
260 Main St W, Listowel
Edith’s Storytime Adventures: Edith Visits the Farm
Join Edith the Puppet on her exciting travels to places new and old. Come for songs and stories and find out what Edith was up to when she visited the farm!
Sat Oct 4, 10am,
St. Marys Public Library
15 Church St. N., St. Marys
Finding Larkspur Inspired Recipe Club
The passionate educator, Chris (aka The Preserving Chef) is coming to share his skills with us! We are chatting about the source of our food, how to prepare it, and how to preserve it by a master in this field. This program is a highlight for us all and we are so lucky that the Preserving Chef is coming. Mark your calendars now!
Tue Oct 7, 10:30am
St. Marys Public Library
15 Church St. N., St. Marys
Tell Me A Story
Let's connect over our stories! Join for an evening of storytelling, yummy snacks and warm drinks. We've got many speakers lined up to share their experiences growing up in small towns, including ours. Be prepared to laugh, nod in agreement, perhaps even be moved by our line up.;
Thurs Oct 9, 6pm,
North Perth Public Library
260 Main St W, Listowel
St. Marys Satin Ribbon Showcase: A Homecrafts Competition
Inspired by the PC Reads title of the year, Finding Larkspur by Dan Needles
Celebrate the spirit of creativity, community, and rural charm at the St. Marys Satin Ribbon Showcase, a delightful homecrafts competition inspired by the themes of Finding Larkspur by Dan Needles. This event invites artisans of all ages and skill levels to share their handmade treasures—from sewing, and arts and crafts to preserves, baked goods, and more. Watch for details about age groupings, categories, drop off dates, and showcase days to be released soon!
Oct 14-18
Books and Brews
Members of the Books and Brews book club will read Finding Larkspur and engage in discussion about the book at their October meeting. Contact the St. Marys Public Library to join.
Wed Oct 15, 8pm
Broken Rail Brewing
480 Glass St., St. Marys
The Preserving Chef
The passionate educator, Chris (aka The Preserving Chef) is coming to share his skills with us! We are chatting about the source of our food, how to prepare it, and how to preserve it by a master in this field. This program is a highlight for us all and we are so lucky that the Preserving Chef is coming. Mark your calendars now!
Sat Oct 18, 11am-1pm
Location: Listowel Branch
North Perth Public Library
260 Main St W, Listowel
Casserole Recipe Swap
Bring 2 of your favourite casserole recipes to share as we discuss delicious recipes new and old.
Sat Oct 18, 2pm
West Perth Public Library
105 St. Andrew Str, Mitchell
Dan Needles: Author Visit
Come learn more about Finding Larkspur, this year's PCIN Reads selection. Dan Needles will be providing a reading from his latest book followed by a discussion. Copies of Finding Larkspur will be available for purchase with thanks to Betty’s Bookshop
Sat Oct 25, 2pm
Pyramid Recreation Centre, 2/3rd Hall
317 James St., St. Marys
