Library service came to our area in the 1880s with the Mechanic's Institute. Today the Muskoka Lakes Public Library has two branches to serve the needs of our residents and visitors. The main branch is located in Port Carling at 69 Joseph Street, beside the hardware store. It is open year round, six days a week, and offers a wide variety of services such as books, videos, online resources, five public computers including one that is fully accessible, programming, local historical records, free public internet access, printing, faxing, and scanning.
The Library strives to provide library services in a convenient and accessible way that meets the specific needs of the person with disabilities, including those who are housebound or institutionalized. This may involve providing an alternative measure on a temporary or permanent basis that enables a person with a disability, including those who are housebound or institutionalized to obtain, use or benefit from library services.
The Bala branch is located at 1008 Maple Avenue at the Bala Community Centre. It is open year round, two days a week, and offers book and video lending, printing, one public access computer, and free public internet access. Both locations offer "always on" free wireless internet access, a very popular service for our year round and seasonal residents, and the many visitors that come through the area. Membership to the Muskoka Lakes Public Library is free to Muskoka residents and taxpayers, and available to visitors for a fee of $25 for a six-month membership.
Learn more about Muskoka Lakes Public Library, view our Library Board's minutes and policies, find out how you can support the library, read more about the history of the library in Port Carling and history of the library in Bala.
We are not just books
Branches and hours
Inside browsing, check out, and return of items is available during hours of operation in Port Carling.
Outside pickup of pre-ordered items is available during hours of operation in Bala.
Book drops are open and regular fines on overdue items will accrue.
Our branches have accessible entranceways. Learn more about the accessibility services that we offer.
Port Carling
69 Joseph Street, Box 189
Port Carling Ontario P0B 1J0
Telephone: 705-765-5650
Email Port Carling Library We will endeavour to respond within two business days.
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday: closed
Bala
1008 Maple Avenue, Bala Ontario P0C 1A0
Email Bala Library We will endeavour to respond within two business days.
Outside pick up of pre-ordered items only.
- Tuesday: 9:00-3:00
- Thursday: 9:00-3:00
Pickup service in Bala
- You may pre-order online or by phone 705-762-1086 for outside pick up. You will need your 14-digit library card number and your 4-digit PIN to pre-order. Regular borrowing rules per item type remain.
- We will contact you to confirm when your items can be picked up.
- When you arrive knock on the window to alert staff that you are there, keep physical distance from the door as you wait. Please wear a face mask for the safety of everyone and we will pass you your items to you that we have already checked out to your account. The book drop is open 24/7.
Employment
There are no employment opportunities at this time.
Volunteering
There are no volunteering opportunities at this time.
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