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Special Events
Don’t miss our special events! Join us for unique programs, guest speakers, and more @MLPL!
Seedy Saturday - Saturday June 14th 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Port Carling

Gather with fellow gardeners to discuss success, challenges, and all things to with growing in Muskoka.  Our Seed Library is always open, so don't forget to browse it when you're next in the Port Carling branch!

Felted Strawberry Workshop - Monday June 16th 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Bala and Wednesday June 18th 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Port Carling

June is the month of the Strawberry Moon and the time to refresh the teachings of Forgiveness. Join us for a wool felting activity, facilitated by the Muskoka Indigenous Friends Cultural Centre (MIFCC), where you will be guided in the making of a small felted strawberry while learning some Strawberry Teachings.

Please register for these events by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca 

Crafting for Critters with the OSPCA - Saturday June 21st 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Port Carling

Crafting for Critters is a fun and interactive day where families of all ages can attend and create animal-friendly toys for family pets, as well as for the animals staying at our Animal Centers. The activities on hand for this workshop are: 

  • Make your own catnip toy
  • Lunch bag critters
  • Tacos for birds
  • Decorate a key chain and more!

Please register for this workshop by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca. Drop-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

Second Annual MLPL Book Sale - Friday June 27th to Saturday July 5th - Port Carling

Come grab a bargain at our second annual Book (and more!) Sale, happening during our regular hours of operation, from June 27th until July 5th.  BYObag to fill for only $5, which we can accept in cash, cheque, debit and credit!  Funds raised go towards programming, collection development, and overall upkeep at both of our branches.

All Ages Programs
Fun for all ages! Join us for programs, movies, and more @MLPL!

Story Trails - Launching on Monday June 23rd at Jaspen Park in Bala, and Hanna Park in Port Carling

MLPL Story Trail logoEnjoy a rotating collection of stories while you visit two of the Township of Muskoka Lakes' parks.  Muskoka Lakes Public Library installs a Story Trail at Jaspen Park (1005 Pine Ridge Road) in Bala,  as well as Hanna Park (40 Bailey Street) in Port Carling.

Art on the Shelf - Canvas pick up begins Tuesday June 24th, at both of our branches!

Art on the Shelf The Art on A Shelf Exhibit returns this summer, inviting both adults and youth in grades 9 and up, to display artwork among the book shelves at the library. In addition, there will be a second exhibit – The Mini Masters Kids Art Show will be an exhibit of mini creations from children in grades 1 through 8.

Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite piece, with People’s Choice ballots available to fill out. Many of the artworks from both exhibits will be available to purchase, with proceeds going to support your library.

Come to the library during July 22nd to August 16th to view, enjoy, vote and maybe take home a piece of  artwork created by a local artist!

Want to be a participating artist?

These art shows are open to include art enthusiasts from ages 6 to Adults.

You can pick up your free canvas board as of Tuesday, June 24 with a deadline to return the finished masterpiece by Friday, July 18th.

This is your chance to show off your creativity – use any medium to create any image.

People’s Choice winners will be counted and announced on August 19th – Good luck!

Yoga on a Chair for Every Body - Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Bala/Virtual

Yoga on a Chair for Every Body

Lindsey Edwards' classes are fun and therapeutic, held Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Drop-ins are welcome, or you can call Lindsey, 705-706-4036, to pre-register to attend in-person or online. Chairs provided. Bring your own mat, if you wish, for under the chair.

Suggested $10 or pay what you will.

Family Movie and Pizza Night- Final Thursday of the month 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Family Movie and Pizza NightJoin us every month at our Port Carling branch, for a movie and some pizza.  Free to attend, but registration is required by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca 

 

 

June 26th - IF 2024 1hr 44m Rated G

Seed Library
Our Seed Library is NOW OPEN!
We have a fresh batch of organic seeds, as well as a few donations from some of our seed savers from years past. Each family is welcome to take home up to 5 packets of seed to plant. In return, we only ask for your email address so that we can send you gardening tips and seed saving tricks over the course of the season AND invite you to some of our Seedy Saturday special events- (with hopes that you might be able to save some seed of your own and donate back to the library one day so we can keep on growing together!)  Currently we have:
  • Benning's Green Tint Pattypan Squash*
  • Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes*
  • Provider Bush Beans*
  • Cascadia Peas*
  • Doe Hill Pepper*
  • Nevada Lettuce*
  • Pumpkin Jack
  • Dill

 

*Certified organic from Hawthorne Farm Organic Seeds

Child and Youth Programs
Exciting programs for kids and teens! Join us for stories, crafts, and more @MLPL!
Muskoka Lakes Homeschool Group - Final Tuesday of each month 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  
Homeschool Group

Beginning in September, and meeting on the last Tuesday of every month, the Muskoka Homeschool Group is a space for homeschoolers and their educators to gather, socialize, and learn in the activity room at the Port Carling branch. For more information please contact the Muskoka Lakes Homeschool Group's administrator at oncediscoveredneverforgotten6@gmail.com

Story Time - Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  

Story TimeDrop-in to the Port Carling branch for a social half hour of free play followed by a structured half hour of story and song. This program is intended for babies and tots and their caregiver.  

 

Creation Station - Monthly on Mondays in Bala 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and monthly on Thursdays in Port Carling 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Ages 5+

Creation StationCome and learn, while creating and being challenged.  Each session will have a specific focus, some of which might be messy, so dress for potential mess!  No registration required, but prompt arrival ensures full access to the program.

Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian remain in the library for the duration of the session.

Egg Drop Challenge

Thursday June 5th in Port Carling, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tin Foil Boats

Monday June 9th in Bala, 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 
After School LEGO Club - Thursdays 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Port Carling

After School LEGO ClubCome to the library and enjoy some self-directed LEGO fun.  After School LEGO Club is structured so that you can build at your own pace, in a casual environment.  No need to register, just drop in during the program and get creative! 

 

Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian remain in the LEGO Club area for the duration of the session, as this is not a staff-led program.

Adult Programs
Engaging programs for adults! Join us for art classes, workshops, book discussions and more @MLPL!
Tech 1-on-1 - 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tech 1-on-1Figuring out a new device?  Giving video chat a try? If you’ve got a question about today’s technology, then we’re here to try and help!  To book your 30 minute session with a staff member, please send an e-mail to info@mlpl.ca or call 705-765-5650 with your technology concern. 
Book Club - 3rd Wednesday of each month 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Book ClubJoin us the on third Wednesday of the month at the Port Carling branch for thought-provoking  conversation about the books of the month. Some of you only read fiction, while some prefer non-fiction so, most months, a fiction title and a non-fiction title will be discussed. Not to worry if you aren't able to read both books. Come out anyway and hear about the thoughts and opinions about each of the books! New members are always welcome! 

 

  • September 18

Fiction: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 

Non-fiction: None selected 

  • October 16

Fiction:  The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Non-fiction: The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant

  • November 20

Fiction: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Non-fiction: Cracking the Nazi Code by Jason Bell 

  • December 18

Fiction: Hamnet and Judith by Maggie O'Farrell

Non-fiction: Lady in Waiting: my extraordinary life in the shadow of the crown by Anne Glenconner

  • January 15 

Fiction: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Non-fiction: Becoming by Michelle Obama

  • February 19

Fiction: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Non-fiction: Caste: the origins of our discontent by Isabel Wilkerson

  • March 19

Fiction: I Only Read Murder by Ian Ferguson

Non-fiction: The Wager: a tale shipwreck, mutiny, and murder by David Grann

  • April 16

Fiction: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Non-fiction: Finding Me by Viola Davis

  • May 21

Fiction: The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Non-fiction: Fire Weather: the making of a beast by John Vaillant

  • June 18

Fiction: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Non-fiction: The Prince: the turbulent reign of Justin Trudeau by Stephen Maher

Knitting Group - Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.   

Knitting GroupNo need to knit alone through the fall and winter! Drop in to the Port Carling branch to share patterns, get inspiration, discuss your latest yarn project, or venture into book discussion and conversations with other knitters and needlecrafters of all abilities. Bring your project and get knitting! No registration required. 

Please note that this is a self-led, drop-in program.

Mah Jongg, Euchre - and MORE!  Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mah Jongg and EuchreInterested in playing with others in the comfort of the Port Carling branch, in a non-competitive format? Join us at 1:00 p.m. on Thursdays on the lower level of the library in Port Carling. For experienced players and those who would like to learn the games. We also have chess boards, Scrabble, and many other games on hand! Come solo, with a partner, or team up once here. Coffee provided. Any questions, please call us at 705-765-5650. 

Create and Connect; Library Evenings for Adults - Various Thursdays, various times

Create and Connect; Library Evenings for AdultsWe will be offering a variety of evening programs at our Port Carling branch.  Please make note of each program's date and time, as the details will be updated regularly.  

Please register for these events by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca  

 

  • June 12th - Intro to Yoga - 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Come to the library to unwind and relax.  This introduction to yoga requires no previous experience, or special equipment. We have some mats free to use, or bring your own if you'd prefer. Drop-ins are welcome if space allows.

  • June 19th - Food Insecurity Community Conversation - 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Come to the library for an important and timely conversation facilitated by local Public Health nurse Monica Bovett.  In this session, learn about the 2024 Nutritious Food Basket survey highlights and discuss how food affordability affects our community, and how you can help to make a difference. 

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