Programs

Lori is a seasoned journalist, author and editor. Join her as she talks about her debut novel Summers with Miss Elizabeth which is set right here in Muskoka! To learn more about the book feel free to visit – www.loriknowles.com, or place the library copy on hold.

Please register for the author talk by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing muskokalakes@pclib.ca

Join us for a special event in Bala as author Catherine Little reads her new children’s picture book, Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill.  Light refreshments will be served.  Following the talk, attendees are encouraged to take a short two minute walk to Bala’s Museum with Memories of Lucy Maude Montgomery for a book signing with the author, and to take part in their costumed photo opportunities at the museum's Old Fashioned Classroom and Anne's Tea Party.

Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing muskokalakes@pclib.ca 

In response to numerous requests, you can now also attend the class online! 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.

Join us every Thursday evening at the Port Carling branch for fun for the whole family. We will offer rotating programming featuring LEGO challenges, Take Apart Club, Family Movies and more! Contact the branch by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing muskokalakes@pclib.ca

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 Jaspen Park in Bala, June to September, and walk as you read the book. Book titles are changed out every two to three weeks. This is a self-guided tour that families can enjoy at their leisure.

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

Drop-in 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. Dress for outside play on fair weather days. 

Kids will enjoy this weekly Saturday program that offers a variety of craft activities designed for all ages.  Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing muskokalakes@pclib.ca 

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

These 6 week courses will have young artists exploring, through the use of a variety of media and techniques, a wide range of creative art activities under the guidance of artist Nancy Gray Ogle.  Students will develop skills in drawing, painting and more, from 2D to 3D art. This program is perfect for youth wanting to improve their artistic skills, develop new ones, or who just want to get creative and give it a try. For beginner and practiced young artists. All materials supplied at no cost. Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing muskokalakes@pclib.ca 

Do you need just an extra bit of motivation to finish that project or to start a new one? The Painting Club is designed to provide those who love to draw and paint an opportunity to explore their art in a non-instructional, informal, relaxed setting.  Beginners, hobbyists and practiced artists are invited to gather together to gain inspiration, share tips and techniques, and to just enjoy each other's creative company. Bring your own materials.  We will have the studio ready for you! Table easels and water containers will be supplied. 

Nancy Gray Ogle will help participants, both beginner and experienced, develop and hone artistic skills by teaching techniques and processes. A variety of mediums will be explored. All supplies are included at no cost.

Please register for this class by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing muskokalakes@pclib.ca 

Registration is open on the first of each month for that month's class.

Join 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 Gamus
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

No 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. 

Interested 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. 

Do you like to set reading goals for the year?  Stuck for reading material to fit the challenge?  Contact us and we'll help you find books to fit the criteria!