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Launching on June 29th at all locations, you'll be able to enjoy a rotating collection of stories while you visit three of the Township of Muskoka Lakes' parks. Muskoka Lakes Public Library installs a Story Trail at Jaspen Park in Bala, as well as Hanna Park and James Bartleman Island Park in Port Carling.
This Summer there's a challenge to motivate our adults to get reading! Come to either branch to pick up a reading log. Each time you visit the library, bring your reading log with you because every book read equals one entry into a draw to win one of our MLPL canvas tote bags!
Our Adult Summer Reading Challenge begins on Friday June 26th, and ends on Saturday September 5th.
Beading for Reading is back for its third year at MLPL! Come to either branch to pick up a reading log, geared to your level of reading. Every time you visit the library, bring your reading log with you. Every read will earn you a bead, and every tenth entry will earn you a brag tag. How long will your necklace be by the end of the summer? We can't wait to find out!
Beading for Reading begins on Friday June 26th, and ends on Saturday September 5th.
Find us set up in Jaspen Park every Monday* from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m., with resources, activities, and so much more. Stop by and try out our button maker, and ask our staff anything MLPL!
| June | 29th | |||
| July | 6th | 13th | 20th | 27th |
| August | 10th | 17th | 24th | 31st |
*We will not be at the Bala Market on Monday August 3rd.
Come to the Bala branch on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. for a chair yoga class suitable for all levels and abilities. You can pre-register by calling Lindsey, 705-706-4036. Bring your own mat for under the chair. Drop-ins are welcome!
Suggested $10 or pay what you will.
| June | 30th | |||
| July | 7th | 14th | 21st | 28th |
| August | 4th | 11th | 18th | 25th |
| September | 1st |
Come to the Bala branch on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. for an Interactive Story Time. These sessions will be facilitated some weeks by Sandy Inkster of SMILE, and on other weeks you will join Maggie for Messy Mornings. Suitable for children of all ages, including the young at heart. No registration required but prompt arrival ensures full participation in the program. Dress for potential mess!
| June | 30th - SMILE |
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| July | 7th - Messy Mornings |
14th - SMILE |
21st - Messy Mornings |
28th - Messy Mornings |
| August | 4th - SMILE |
11th - Messy Mornings |
18th - SMILE |
25th - Messy Mornings |
Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian (this can be an older sibling) remain in the library for the duration of the program.
Are you 5-12 years old, and interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math? Come join the fun on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our Port Carling branch. No registration required but prompt arrival ensures full participation in the program.
| June | 30th | |||
| July | 7th | 14th | 21st | 28th |
| August | 4th | 11th | 18th | 25th |
Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian (this can be an older sibling) remain in the library for the duration of the program.
Figuring 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, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at our Port Carling branch. Please send an e-mail to info@mlpl.ca or call 705-765-5650 with your technology concern, and to book your 1-on-1 session.
| July | 7th | 21st |
| August | 4th | 18th |
| September | 1st | 15th |
A fun-filled program centred around LEGO building followed by presenting your creations to the group. Wednesdays at our Port Carling branch, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Geared towards ages 4+, no registration required.
| July | 8th | 15th | 22nd | 29th |
| August | 5th | 12th | 19th | 26th |
Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian (this can be an older sibling) remain in the library for the duration of the program.
Come to the Bala branch every Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for an all-ages Nintendo Switch program where you can team up, compete, or just chill with a variety of games. All ages are welcome, no need to register.
| July | 2nd | 9th | 16th | 23rd | 30th |
| August | 6th | 13th | 20th | 27th |
Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian (this can be an older sibling) remain in the library for the duration of the program.
Join us weekly at our Port Carling branch for hands-on workshops and creative fun for adults, curious teens and tweens! Click on each month's tab (at the top!) to read about what is scheduled for each date. The program starts at 1:00 p.m. each week, but runs for varied lengths of time depending on the topic.
Space is limited, please register by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca.
| July | 2nd - Introduction to Button Making |
9th - AI Essentials Interactive Workshop |
16th - Silk Screening 101 |
23rd - How to Cope with Grief (and everything in between) |
30th - Intro to the Ukulele |
| August | 6th - Graphic Novel Workshop |
13th - Muskoka Lakes Museum |
20th - Introduction to Chair Caning |
27th - Nature Up Close |
2nd - Button Making - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Design and make your very own wearable art pieces, using our button maker and a variety of print materials. Want to get really creative? Design your own from scratch! All materials are supplied.
9th - AI Essentials Interactive Workshop - 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - In this interactive workshop with Dr. Ainslie Harris, founder of AI literacy company Zivo, you'll get a practical, jargon-free introduction to artificial intelligence: what it is, how it works, and how to use it safely.
You'll get answers to important questions like:
You'll also learn how to write effective prompts to get better results from AI chat tools. You don’t need any technical knowledge to attend! Everything's covered using everyday, relatable examples.
16th - Silk Screening 101 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - A fun and interactive workshop where participants can choose from one of a couple of designs, and learn how to put it onto a T-shirt or canvas bag. All materials provided.
23rd - Just Show Up in Life: Grief and Everything In Between, with Heart, Humour and Humanness - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Participants will learn that being ill-prepared for grief can cause or compound mental, physical and emotional health issues—and addiction, and how being ill-prepared can create avoidance, instead of Just Showing Up for others, when they need us most.
30th - Introduction to the Ukulele - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Ever wanted to try to play the ukulele? Here's your chance! Get hands on experience with a skilled instructor in a friendly, stress-free workshop. There will be ukuleles on hand for everyone to try.
6th - Introduction to Creating Graphic Novels with Marianne Boucher - 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. - In this introductory workshop, participants will explore what makes graphic novels unique as a storytelling medium – looking at how images, panels, pacing, and text work together to build compelling narratives. Marianne will share examples and insights from the world of graphic novels before guiding attendees through simple exercises to create their own short visual stories. Whether you love reading comics and graphic novels, or are curious about making your own, this workshop offers a welcoming space to experiment with drawing, storytelling, and the fundamentals of graphic novel creation. Come with a story in mind that you would like to write and draw about. Materials will be provided, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own drawing tools.
13th - Muskoka Lakes Museum - 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. - Learn about a fascinating piece of Muskoka's history with the Muskoka Lakes Museum. Staff with guide you through the process of creating something the way in which a pioneer would have.
20th - Introduction to Chair Caning - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Learn the basics of chair caning from a local expert. Participants will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the weaving process.
27th - Nature Up Close - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Come and get up close with nature! There will be a variety of skulls to examine and learn about, with the guidance of our nature-loving staff.
Are you interested in playing with others in the comfort of the Port Carling branch, in a non-competitive format? Drop in and join the fun from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 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. Come solo, with a partner, or team up once here. Coffee provided. Any questions, please call us at 705-765-5650.
| July | 2nd | 9th | 16th | 23rd | 30th |
| August | 6th | 13th | 20th | 27th | |
| September | 3rd | 10th | 17th | 24th |
No need to knit alone! Drop in to the Port Carling branch on Thursdays, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 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!
| July | 2nd | 9th | 16th | 23rd | 30th |
| August | 6th | 13th | 20th | 27th | |
| September | 3rd | 10th | 17th | 24th |
Please note that this is a self-led, drop-in program.
Join us at the Port Carling branch on Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for engaging workshops, creative projects, and inspiring talks. Each week brings something new to explore — and a spark to take home. Suitable for adults and teens. Space is limited, please register by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca.
| July | 2nd | 16th | 23rd | 30th |
| August | 13th | 27th |
Learn cool nature facts and get hands-on with some awesome activities Fridays at our Port Carling branch, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Nature Club is perfect for inquisitive kids ages 4+. No registration is required.
| July | 3rd | 10th | 17th | 24th | 31st |
| August | 7th | 14th | 21st | 28th |
Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian (this can be an older sibling) remain in the library for the duration of the program.
Come to the Port Carling branch every Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an all-ages Nintendo Switch program where you can team up, compete, or just chill with a variety of games. All ages are welcome, no need to register.
| July | 3rd | 10th | 17th | 24th | 31st |
| August | 7th | 14th | 21st | 28th |
Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian (this can be an older sibling) remain in the library for the duration of the program.
Get creative in the fresh air! Join us Saturdays at the Port Carling branch for free, hands-on crafts for all ages. Drop-in anytime between 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All materials provided, just bring your imagination!
| June | 27th | ||||
| July | 4th | 11th | 18th | 25th | |
| August | 1st |
Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian (this can be an older sibling) remain at the library for the duration of the program.
Contact Us
Muskoka Lakes Public Library
69 Joseph St., Box 189
Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0
T. 705-765-5650
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