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You can visit the calendar to view some of the upcoming programs.

Artworks for Adults

3rd Tuesday of the month, fall 2022 through winter 2023

10:30 - 11:30

Port Carling

October 18, November 15, December 20, January 17, February 21, March 21 

Nancy Doran will help participants, both beginner or experienced, develop and hone artistic skills by teaching techniques and processes using a variety of mediums. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited for each session: 705-765-5650. Participants must be a Muskoka Lakes Public Library cardholder in good standing. All supplies are included. Cost: $0 

Please do not attend library programs if you are not well.

 Author Events

2021
  • Glynis Peters

If you were unable to join us on December 4, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with historical fiction author, Glynis Peters, as she discussed her latest book, The Red Cross Orphan, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka Libraries collaboration.

  • Terry O'Reilly

If you were unable to join us on November 18, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with  author and host of CBC Radio’s Under the Influence, Terry O’Reilly, as he discussed his latest book, My Best Mistake, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka Libraries collaboration.

  •  Lisa Unger

If you were unable to join us on October 26, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with internationally bestselling author, Lisa Unger (Confessions on the 7:45, The Stranger Inside, Under My Skin) as she discussed her latest  thriller, Last Girl Ghosted, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka Libraries collaboration.

  • Susan Kelly

If you were unable to join us on September 2, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual event with author and retired registered nurse, Susan P. Kelly as she discussed her book on wellness, Still Sexy After Sixty: 7 secrets to finding life's sweet spot, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka Libraries collaboration.

  • Pam Jenoff

If you were unable to join us on August 18, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with author Pam Jenoff (The Orphan's Tale, The Last Summer on Chelsea Beach, The Lost Girls of Paris) as she discussed her latest book, The Woman with the Blue Star, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

  • Kimberly Alexander and Dale Curd

If you were unable to join us on July 8, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with Kim Alexander and Dale Curd, authors of Living Lightly, the recording is available to view on YouTube.  Dale Curd is a mental health professional, the host of CBC TV's Hello Goodbye and a co-host of Life Story Project on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Kimberley Alexander is a therapist with an online practice. Dale and Kim founded The Child Therapy List and The Men’s List, to encourage and help people find therapy services and end mental health stigma. Milford Bay, Muskoka is home for Dale and Kim, where they live on a small farm. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

  • Linwood Barclay

If you were unable to join us on June 3, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with author Linwood Barclay (The Noise Downstairs, Broken Promise, The Chase) as he discussed his latest book, Find You First, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

  • Kate Hilton

If you were unable to join us May 4, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with author Kate Hilton (Just Like Family, The Hole in the Middle) as she discussed her latest book, Better Luck Next Time, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

  • Nadia Hashimi

If you were unable to join us on April 8, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with author Nadia Hashimi (The Pearl that Broke Its Shell, A House Without Windows) as she discussed her latest book, Sparks Like Stars, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

  • Susan Nairn

If you were unable to join us on March 25, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with Muskoka author Susan Nairn as she discussed her book, The Waking Hours, the first in The Relative series, the recording is available to view on YouTube.

  • Jennifer Robson

If you were unable to join us on February 25, 2021 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with author Jennifer Robson (The Gown, Goodnight from London, Moonlight Over Paris) as she discussed her latest book, Our Darkest Night, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

  • Emma Donoghue

If you were unable to join us on November 24, 2020 or would like to revisit virtual live webinar with Emma Donoghue (Room, The Wonder, Akin) as she discussed her latest book, The Pull of the Stars, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

2022
  • J. Patrick Boyer

November 1, 2022  11:00 a.m. 

Come for Coffee Break where we supply free coffee and tea at 10:30 a.m. then, for this day, join us in the activity room at 11:00 a.m. as we host author and historian J. Patrick Boyer who will discuss his latest book in his Modern History of Muskoka series, Putting Muskoka on the Map.

Between Samuel Champlain’s first map in 1615 and today’s satellite images of Muskoka from outer space lies a centuries-long drama that proves putting Muskoka on a map was neither easy nor straightforward.

In Putting Muskoka on the Map, author Boyer presents a parade of human endurance and ingenuity, the indispensable roles of First Nations, the role of military planning, the aspirations of land developers, the relationship between First Nations and settlers, legendary Canadian map-maker David Thompson’s unique role in mapping Muskoka – and the mystery of his “lost” maps just when they were most needed most for Muskoka settlement. The saga continues with the tribulations of land surveyors seeking to subdivide raw Canadian Shield landscape into a neat grid, challenges facing road-builders, conflicting land-use policies of government, and the shifts from logging and homesteading to a vacation economy that next put Muskoka on the continent’s social map. 

Signed copies will be available for purchase. 

  • Jeffrey Archer

International bestselling author, Jeffrey Archer, joined us via Zoom from his home in the U.K. to discuss his latest thriller, Next in Line, a Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick novel, on Saturday, October 15, 2022. at 10:00 a.m.

If you missed the live webinar, or would like to revisit the author talk, the recording is available to view on YouTube.

  • Anais Granoffsky

If you were unable to join us on June 23, 2022 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with actor, author, screenwriter, Anais Granofsky as she discussed her memoir, The Girl in the Middle : Growing Up Between Black and White, Rich and Poor, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

Though recognized around the world for her role as Lucy Hernandez on the hit show Degrassi, Anais Granofsky’s true childhood story is largely unknown.

  • Hannah Mary McKinnon and Katie Tallo

If you were unable to join us on June 7, 2022 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with Hannah Mary McKinnon (You Will Remember Me, Sister Dear, The Neighbor) who discussed her latest thriller, Never Coming Home and Katie Tallo (Dark August) who discussed with us her new novel, Poison Lilies, the recording is available to view on YouTube. 

  • Kate Quinn

If you were unable to join us on April 28, 2022 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with Kate Quinn, the New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code, as she discussed her latest historical fiction, The Diamond Eye, the recording is available to view on YouTube.

  • Amita Parikh

If you were unable to join us on March 24, 2022 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with Amita Parikh as she discussed her debut novel, The Circus Train, the recording is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

  • Heather O'Neill

If you were unable to join us on February 24, 2022 or would like to revisit the virtual live webinar with Heather O'Neill, bestselling Canadian author (The Lonely Hearts Hotel, Lullabies for Little Criminals, The Girl Who Was Saturday Night), as she discussed her new novel, When We Lost Our Heads, the recording will is available to view on YouTube. A Muskoka libraries collaboration.

2023

 

 

Book Club

2nd Wednesday of the month, fall 2022 through winter 2023

1:00-2:30

Port Carling

Join us the on second Wednesday of the month for thought-provoking  conversation about the books of the month. Some of you only read fiction. Some prefer non-fiction so, most monthes, 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! 

  • November 9

Fiction: The Snow Line by Tessa McWatt

Non-fiction: Cobalt by Charlie Angus

  • December 14

Fiction: Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham

Non-fiction: From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle

  • January 11

Fiction: Five Little Indians by Michelle Good

Non-fiction: Permanent Astonishment by Tomson Highway

  • February 8

Fiction: The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue

Non-fiction: All That Remains by Sue Black

  • March 8

Fiction: The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield

  • April 12

Non-fiction: Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman

  • May 10 TBA
  • June 14 TBA

Coffee Break

1st Tuesday of the month, fall 2022 through winter 2023

10:30 - 11:30

Port Carling

October 4

November 1: special guest at 11:00 a.m.: J. Patrick Boyer Putting Muskoka on the Map

December 6

January 4

February 7

March 7

Join us upstairs at the Port Carling branch to meet, munch, mingle, and chat with others from the community with a hot cup of tea or coffee in hand. We supply the coffee and tea! This is a wonderful way to meet and engage with community through the shorter days of the year. Occasionally we will have a guest speaker or new-to-the-area business owner that will be given an opportunity to introduce themselves to us. Drop-in. Cost: $0

Creative Kids Art Club

Saturdays

11:00 - 12:00

Port Carling

2023 Winter session: January 21 to May 6 (excluding February 4)

Through guided art activities and using a variety of mediums, children aged 9+ are invited to get creative on Saturday mornings at the library. Participants are required to pre-register for each session by 4:00 p.m. the previous Wednesday and must have a family member with a Muskoka Lakes Public Library card in good standing. 705-765-5650. Cost: $0

Please do not attend library programs if you or your child are not well.

Homework Help

Does your child need some assistance with assigned  school work? Are you looking for help to read English as it is not your first language? We have volunteers with teaching experience on standby! Give us a call at 705-765-5650 to discuss times and dates for help. Cost: $0

Kniterary

Thursdays

1:00-3:00

2022/2023: September 15 - March 30

Port Carling

No need to knit alone through the fall and winter! Drop in 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! We encourage you to bring your own mug to also enjoy a cup of tea while knitting and chatting. No registration required. Cost: $0 

Lego Builders Club for Families

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR 2023. PROGRAM IS AT CAPACITY.

Thursdays

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

4:30-5:30 Family Lego Build

5:30-6:00 Pizza 

Port Carling

2023 Winter session: January 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 16, 23

Families, join other Lego fans in the heritage room to be creative and build with Lego! There will be a build challenge and an opportunity for young participants to talk about their creation to their peers. Creations will be put on display until the following build night. For families with children ages 4-12. Free pizza dinner in the activity room, funded by the Friends of the Library, following the build time. Limited space. Register by 4:00 p.m. Wednesday. There will be a waitlist so it is imperative for registrants to phone or email if you have signed up but cannot attend. We will not accept messages via social media for this event. 705-765-5650 Participants must be a Muskoka Lakes Public Library cardholder in good standing. Cost: $0

Please monitor your and your child's health and remain at home if you or they are unwell with fever, coughing, runny nose, etc.

Mahjongg, Euchre, Scrabble

Fridays

1:00-3:00

2022/2023: September 16 - to be determined by players

Port Carling

Interested in playing with others in the comfort of the library in a non-competitive format? Join us at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays on the lower level of the library in Port Carling in the Elizabeth H. Glen Heritage Room. For experienced players and those who would like to learn the games. Come solo, with a partner, or team up once here. 705-765-5650 muskokalakes@pclib.ca

P.A. Days 

2022: September 30, November 25, December 23

2023: February 3, March 3

Port Carling

11:00 - 12:00

School age children and their caregiver are invited to join in on the fun with self-guided crafts and activities! Free! Fun! 

Please note the following library policy for children 9 years of age and younger: OP-06 Supervision of children 

Reading Challenge 2023

Do you like to set reading goals for the year? Our theme for 2023 is Read Around the World with a different location prompt for each month. Stuck for reading material to fit the challenge? Contact us and we'll help you find books to fit the criteria! Tracking sheets are available at the library or print your own.

Book PromptBook Title You Read            Author                    
January: 

Books set in or about the Arctic or Antarctica (includes Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Russia)

 

 

February:

Books set in Western Europe (includes France, Spain, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Germany, etc.)

 

 

March:

Books set in Africa (includes Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, etc.)

 

 

April:

Books set on an Island (New Zealand, Madagascar, Trinidad, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Sri Lanka, the UK, Puerto Rico, Cuba etc.)

 

 

May:

Books set in Eastern Europe (includes Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, etc.)

 

 

June:

Books set in Australia

 

 

July:

Books set in Southern Asia (includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Afghanistan, etc.)

 

 

August:

Books set in Northern Asia (includes Japan, China, South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, Russia, etc.)

 

 

September:

Books set on a Mode of Transportation (includes boat, train, plane, etc.)

 

 

October:

Books set in the Middle East (includes Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, etc.)

 

 

November:

Books set in North America (includes Canada, United States, Mexico)

 

 

December:

Books set in South America (includes Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Columbia, etc.)

 

 

Something Learned

 Self Help / Personal Growth

 Candice's Offerings

  • Self Care Guide 2021

Download this self-directed self care guide. Self care is not selfish. You cannot give others what you don’t have yourself. Self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you can transmit the good feelings to others. Fill your own cup, so you have more of yourself to share with the help of this activity guide.

  • Metamorphose 2022

"I have compiled this offering from various stories and sources, for those seeking something a little different than the narrative of the past few years. It won't be for everyone, but it might just be for you." -Candice

Instructional Videos

Visit our YouTube channel for our videos, some produced and submitted by you, our library users, on a variety of subjects. 

  • Friendship bracelet with Fiona
  • Lime curd with Candice
  • Hemp bracelet with Harper
  • Choose your own adventure cake with Evan
  • 3 DIY bookmarks with Evan
  • Quick draw part 1 with Nancy
  • Quick draw part 2 with Nancy
  • Soup stock with Maggie
  • No-knead bread with Gord
  • Foot scrub with Kendra and Chloe
  • Granola with Maggie
  • Napkin folding with Greer
  • Elves and gnomes with Jen and family
  • Pipe cleaner flower rings by Kendra and Chloe
  • Makey banana piano with Kaleb
  • All-purpose natural cleaner with Candice

 

Story Time

Pre-school babies and tots, born 2019-2023, and their caregivers are invited to story time on Wednesday mornings. No food is permitted during this time at the library, please. No pre-registration required. Caregivers are required to have a Muskoka Lakes Public Library card in good standing.  Please monitor your child's health and remain at home if they are unwell with fever, coughing, runny nose, etc. Cost: $0

Wednesdays

Winter session: Commences January 18, 2023

Port Carling

  • 10:30 - 11:00 Arrive to free play in the activity room or outside, weather permitting. Take this time to mix and mingle and chat to other caregivers while the children explore the toys and activities.
  • 11:00 - 11:30 The circle time portion of story time is for active listening, and engagement, for caregivers and the children. We will enjoy picture books, and participate in rhymes, fingerplays, songs with music shakers and scarves. The repeated routines of this half hour will have the children quickly recognizing what comes next! 

Story Trails

Story Trails are a fun way to enjoy reading while spending time outdoors. Community members are invited to visit Hanna Park in Port Carling and the Township of Muskoka Lakes Sports Park in Bala, May to September, and walk the path as you read the book. This is a self-guided tour that families can enjoy at their leisure.

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