Special Events

Drop in to the Port Carling branch to enjoy a display of artwork featuring the drawings and paintings of students who have attended Nancy's art programs, Artworks for Adults and Art Studio for Youth.  A longtime staff member in Port Carling, Nancy has been our unofficial artist-in-residence, sharing her creativity, patience, and passion with our community for many years. Those who had the opportunity, whether themselves, their children, or their grandchildren, to take part in her classes know just how exceptional a teacher she is. Nancy’s presence has been a gift to both staff and library users alike. She has brought warmth, calm, and kindness into the library every day, while also leaving behind a legacy of incredible programming that has beautified our spaces and the lives of those who participated. This art show is in honour of Nancy's upcoming retirement at the end of May.

The exhibit will be on from May 2nd to May 29th during regular library hours.

Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for an informative hour to learn about local services being offered by Hospice Muskoka, including Andy's House at Home. This session will be facilitated by Sarah Hudson, Community Programs Director at Hospice Muskoka.  

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

Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for an engaging hour with local  author Yvonne Heath.  Yvonne's book, Love Your Life to Death was published in 2015, and was the recipient of a Book Excellence Award. Yvonne Heath's newest book, Addiction, Grief and Joy  - A Son's Struggle And A Mother's Love is a gritty and authentic view of the all-consuming and heartbreaking realities, the illness of addiction (and mental illness) causes those that suffer and their families. Yvonne’s honesty, resilience and empathy teach us grace and acceptance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Join Yvonne as she discusses Life, Grief and Joy—How we can Just Show Up as Compassionate Communities for ourselves and each other–No. Matter. What.

Grief isn’t only about death—it lives in divorce, illness, disappointment, and change. Yvonne shares her journey and lessons learned as a former nurse and mother of a son with addictions. Can we feel less alone, connected, and more confident in challenging situations and conversations? Absolutely.  Let’s Talk!

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

Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 14th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for our Spring Seedling Swap.  Did you grow an abundance of one type of seeds and not so many of another?  Join us at our seedling swap where you can swap your extra seedlings for another variety that someone else grew.  Drop-in, all ages welcome!

On Wednesday May 20th in Port Carling, our fabulous Friends of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library group is hosting its Annual General Meeting and all are welcome!

The Friends of the MLPL are a group dedicated to promoting, supporting and improving the services and facilities of the MLPL branches in Port Carling and Bala.

The meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. in the Heritage Room and is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about this group.

Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 21st from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a workshop facilitated by the Muskoka Indigenous Friends Cultural Centre.  You will learn how to make a simple beaded medicine wheel, as well as participate in some teachings from Diligent Harvester, Theresa Buker.  

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

Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. for an adult crafting evening where you will be guided through the steps of sewing a custom tote bag.  All materials and supplies are provided.

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

Come to the Port Carling branch on Thursday April 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. for an engaging discussion about the impacts of climate change on affordability and health. From increasing food prices, to affordable housing, climate change will make these facets of life more expensive as we continue to see the impacts of unpredictable weather and increasing heat.  There are also many health-related impacts that are felt due to heat waves and wildfire smoke that are impactful to our population.  Facilitated by the District of Muskoka's Community Climate Initiatives Coordinator, Lauren Saville.

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

Need help filing your taxes? If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may be eligible for a free tax clinic through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). Check the District website​ to see if you qualify. Muskoka Lakes Public Library is hosting a free tax clinic at our Port Carling branch on Thursday April 16th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Call 705-765-5650 or email info@mlpl.ca to book your appointment.

Join us at our Port Carling branch on Wednesday April 15th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for a special screening of Brotherhood, a dramatic fictionalized account of the true story of a group of youth at a summer camp on Balsam Lake in the Kawartha Lakes, who had to fight for survival when an unforeseen thunderstorm overwhelmed their canoe trip. 
Rated PG - 2019 - 1hr 36m

Let us know to reserve your seat(s) for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca.

Come to the Port Carling branch on Thursday March 26th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. for an hour long education session on how to communicate with a person living with dementia. The focus will be on understanding how dementia impacts communication and what strategies can be used to improve communication with those who are verbal, as well as non-verbal. Facilitated by the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka's public educator coordinator, Nicole Porter.

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