The next Philosophers' Cafe at the Victoria Avenue Library is scheduled for Jan. 5 at 7pm. The theme is "What is reality?" This discussion series has been successful as a group of interesting residents talk and think about an issue each month. A Philosophers’ Café is an informal, open forum for those interested in exploring philosophical questions in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The purpose of the café is nothing less than to help transform the world one conversation at a time. No philosophical training is required – real life experience desired. A philosopher exists in all of us. Considerations for discussion include how does one perceive reality? Can one’s reality be altered or changed? Is there a difference between reality and actuality? Has your understanding of reality changed or stayed the same? Is reality exactly the same for all of us? What shapes reality? Is reality different from a thousand of years ago? We all, at least on occasion, ask the difficult questions: What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? Philosophizing consists of reflecting upon experience and questioning in search of underlying meanings and principles which can offer guidance in life. In our cafes we explore our philosophy of life by discussing questions related to specific themes. The success of a café depends on applying active listening and active conversation skills. Public libraries have always been gathering places that have given birth to new, innovative and radical ideas. These conversations are light on structure and heavy on dialogue and participation. The Philosophers’ Café “is free and open to all. Please come and bring a friend. While at the meeting feel free to explore beyond traditional dialogue. Bring along any form of artistic expression you feel is related to the discussion ie poetry, pictures, song, etc. The facilitator will be jim agar. For further information contact Andrew Porteus at the library at 905-356-8080 ********** All four libraries are back to regular hours again including being open Sundays from 1 to 5pm at Community Centre Branch and at the Victoria Avenue Library. Registrations are still being taken for affordable winter children’s programs which resume this week.