Summer Special Events

Come to the Port Carling branch on Tuesday August 5th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m and enjoy an insightful discussion with local author Katrina Lawrence. Her novel Beneath Enemy Skies is a historical romance novel set during World War II.  Registration is required by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca. Drop-ins accommodated if space allows. 

Get ready for another magical Muskoka evening under the open sky! With special thanks to the Friends of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library and the Muskoka Ratepayers Association, The Muskoka Lakes Public Library (MLPL) is thrilled to present our first-ever outdoor movie nights — and you’re invited!

Join us for "Stars Under the Stars" in the Port Carling Library parking lot. On August 6th we’ll be screening The Princess Bride (PG) once the sun sets — expect the film to start between 8:45 and 9:15 PM.

Admission is FREE!  But if you don’t have a MLPL card, why not sign up? Popcorn, slushies, and hot dogs will be available by donation — a tasty way to support future fun!  We’ll have a limited number of folding chairs available (first come, first serve), so feel free to bring your own as well as any blankets, bug spray, and water bottles. The washrooms and water filling station will be available for the duration of the film. 

Registration is preferred but drop-ins are welcome if space allows. Call 705-765-5650 or email info@mlpl.ca to sign up.

It’s going to be a good time — we hope to see you there!

In the event of inclement weather, the Port Carling Community Centre will be used, in lieu of the Port Carling library parking lot!

The Friends of the Library are a group dedicated to promoting, supporting and improving the services and facilities of our libraries in Bala and Port Carling. Our Annual Silent Action runs for one month and has been a great success for the past many years. Check out this year's online auction, which runs from July 10th until August 7th.
https://www.32auctions.com/mlplfriends14 

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 our Port Carling branch. In addition, there will be a second exhibit – the Mini Masters Kids Art Show exhibits the mini creations from children in grades 1 through 8. This is your chance to show off your creativity – use any medium to create any image.

Want to be a participating artist? You can pick up your free canvas board, at both Bala and Port Carling branches, as of Tuesday, June 24 with a deadline to return the finished masterpiece by Friday, July 18th.

Unwind, relax, and tap into your creativity at our Bala branch on Saturday  August 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the Zentangle® Method—a fun and easy way to create beautiful images using simple, structured patterns. If you can draw a line or a curve, you can Zentangle! This beginner-friendly class includes all materials and guides you through creating two mini works of art in just two hours.

Nancy Houghton is a lifelong doodler turned Certified Zentangle Teacher, Nancy discovered the joy of Zentangle in 2016. She’s passionate about sharing this meditative and accessible art form with others of all ages. Come Zentangle with her—you’ll be amazed at what you can create!

Registration is required by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing  info@mlpl.ca

Come to our Bala branch, within the Bala Community Centre, on August 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for The Magic of Christophe, where you'll be wowed with incredible visual magic, comedy, and audience participation! Registration is required by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca

Come to the Port Carling branch for a painting class during which you will be guided by Nancy Hunter in an easy-to-follow, interactive session. 
$45 per class, registration required by contacting Nancy Hunter at art@nancyhunter.ca

Join us at our Bala branch on Saturday August 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a unique, hands-on workshop that turns big questions into even bigger ideas! Through the story of Nico and the Notebook of Questions, children will explore their own thoughts and wonders in a supportive, discussion-based environment. Guided by trained facilitators from Eudaimonia Kids, participants will create their own “Book of Wonder,” engage in meaningful conversations, and discover that sometimes, not knowing is the best place to begin. Let your child’s curiosity shine—because questions are treasures! Geared for ages 6-10.

Registration is required by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing  info@mlpl.ca 

Stop by the Bala branch all summer long to paint a rock which we will add  to our ever growing rock snake, and while you're there, leave your artistic mark on the drop box!  Special paint markers will be provided, along with rocks for our Make-a-Snake.  

Launching on June 23rd at both locations, you'll be able to enjoy 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 in Bala,  as well as Hanna Park  in Port Carling.

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 27th, and ends on Saturday August 30th.