Solar eclipse glasses giveaway starts April 5 The Blue Mountains Public Library is offering free solar eclipse glasses for the April 8 eclipse. These glasses are certified safe and protect your eyes when watching the eclipse. You can get them at L.E. Shore Library and Craigleith Depot starting Friday, April 5, while supplies last. Due to limited supply, one pair per household. An adult must pick them up and supervise their use. Learn more about the eclipse
| | Jamie wins bronze medal! We are incredibly proud to announce that on March 4, Library Clerk Jamie won bronze in Alpine Skiing (Giant Slalom) at The Special Olympics in Calgary. Congratulations, Jamie! | | Volunteer Appreciation Week Join us this National Volunteer Week, April 14-20, as we celebrate the importance of every volunteer and their meaningful contributions to their GLAM and community. Thank you for sharing your time, skills, empathy and creativity! Interested in becoming a volunteer with BMPL? Visit our Volunteer webpage for more information and to apply as a volunteer, or join us at the Volunteer Fair at the Beaver Valley Community Centre on April 17th from 4:00 – 7:00pm. Learn more about volunteering at BMPL
| | Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony & Volunteer Fair at the Beaver Valley Community Centre on April 17 The Town's annual Volunteer Recognition Awards celebrates and honours outstanding residents, community groups and organizations who work to enhance the quality of life in The Blue Mountains. The awards ceremony begins at 5pm on Wednesday, April 17. The Volunteer Fair is an opportunity for groups to connect with local residents looking to volunteer in the community. The Fair runs from 4-7pm. Learn more about the Awards and Fair
| | Celebrate the spectrum on World Autism Awareness Day Tuesday, April 2, 11am-3pm (L.E. Shore Library) Celebrate the Spectrum by dropping by L.E. Shore Library at 11am for a fun and vibrant craft activity (ages 0-5, no registration required), picking up a free mindfulness colouring sheet, or checking out a resource in our collection. More information about autism, Autism Awareness Day, and celebrations across the Globe can be found online through the United Nations, Autism Speaks Canada, or Autism Ontario. Remember to wear blue to show your support. | | | | Learn about the Canadian Dental Care Plan for Seniors Wednesday, April 3, 1-3pm (L.E. Shore Library) Canada started the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to help seniors aged 65 and up afford dental care. Meet a Service Canada rep to learn about it, check if you qualify, and apply. To sign up, contact Beaver Valley Outreach at 519-599-2577 ext. 126 or email seniors@bvo.ca. | | | | Transform your garden to support nature Tuesday, April 16, 7pm (L.E. Shore Library) Many people find pollinator gardening daunting, but PollinateTBM is here to show you otherwise! Learn how to transform a typical urban garden into an oasis that attracts birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Speaker Sandy McMaster will share her front yard journey from lawn to native habitat that includes perennial wild flowers, shrubs, and trees and provide recommendations for what plants to use. Registration is required to reserve your seats. Register for this event | | | Fusion 5 opening in The Gallery Saturday, April 6, 2-4pm (The Gallery at L.E.Shore) Five local artists sharing a love of creative expression have joined forces to present an eclectic range of work for The Gallery’s April exhibit. Fusion 5 showcases fibre art wall hangings, mixed media sculptures and paintings, large and small, abstract and representational, landscape and portraits. Join the artists, Craig Sealy, Heather LaRue, Heather Smiley, Jennifer Nemes and Marion Bartlett, for the launch of their show. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the talent behind the work – all while enjoying complementary wine and refreshments! Left: Painting by Jennifer Nemes. Learn more about the show | | | | Youth Wellness Series Join us for an enlightening journey with the Youth Wellness Series, a collaboration between the Blue Mountains Public Library and Inner Yogies Studio. Beginning on Friday, April 8 at 5pm at the L.E. Shore Library, this specially crafted program, led by Shikha, a seasoned yoga & meditation teacher and Reiki master, aims to guide youth through a four-week exploration of mindfulness practices. April 8: Breathing, Meditation & Awareness
April 15: Building Confidence & Transforming Energy
April 22: Focus
April 29: Sound Healing, Visualization & Meditation All you need is your yoga mat and water bottle. Ages 13+. This series is free but registration is required. Register for this series
| | | | Earth Calling this Earth Week Thursday, April 25 (L.E. Shore Library) Join us for a day of mindful connection, wellness, and creativity as we celebrate Earth Day together. 10:30am: Inner Yogies - All ages
Gentle chair yoga/meditation; refreshment break; Sharing circle (please bring a cherished item for reflection) 1pm: Live Life Fit - Mothers/fathers/caregivers and tots
Bring your baby or tot (up to 2-years-old) and join us for an introduction to a circuit-style workout. Have a go at strength conditioning, mobility exercises, and low-impact cardio, all with your child. 3pm: Inner Yogies - Families and youth
Connect with your family and engage with us in a playful yoga flow and guided meditation. Chat about wellness, have fun with healing instruments, and more. 6pm: Willow Weaving with Andrea Matrosovs - All ages
Join Andrea Matrosovs, mayor and artist, in weaving the grounding and inspiring energies of the day by creating art from willow grown on her farm. Register for Earth Calling programs
| | | ACC Presents: A Baroque Cello's Journey Thursday, April 11, 7pm (L.E.Shore) A musical evening with Kerri McGonigle - from the first pieces of music written for solo cello, to the height of the Baroque with Bach's Cello Suite 1 and beyond, this is a journey of the music, the Baroque cello and anecdotes in historically informed performance (HIP). Entry by donation, with all proceeds forwarded to the performer. Registration is required to reserve your seats. Book your seats today | | REEL History Film Festival celebrates Blue Mountains history Local documentaries, expert speakers, and free popcorn! Starting Canadian National Film Day, then every Tuesday until May 7. Shows start at 7pm at the L.E. Shore Library. Final show with filmmaker Q&A at the Simcoe St. Theatre in Collingwood on Saturday, May 18. Admission: pay by donation. All proceeds will go towards making more documentaries and preserving local history. Wed April 17: Into the Orchards - Films: "Apple Industry" & "Apple Harvest"
- Speaker: TK Ferri Orchards on Abandoned Orchards
Tues April 23: On the Hill & In the Bay - Films: "Ski Industry" & "Mary Ward 360"
- Speaker: Toronto Ski Club on 100th Anniversary
Tues April 30: Amid Indigeneity - Films: "Indigenous History" & "Pathway 360"
- Speaker: Heather McIntyre on her Indigenous journey
Tues May 7: Through Ancient Rocks & Trees - Films: "Niagara Escarpment" & "Craigleith Fossils"
- Speaker: Stu Collier on local fossils and identification
Sat May 18: Beyond Blue Mountain Pottery (at The Simcoe Street Theatre) - Film: "Blue Clay"
- Speaker: Tracey Strnad filmmaker Q&A
Help your local community Museum make more films! Space is limited, register today. Get your tickets for the Film Fest
| | | | Story time with Meg Baginski Friday, April 19, 11am (L.E. Shore) Join us for a fairy tale adventure in the Story Tower! Local author Meg Baginski takes us on a journey into the enchanting world of The Secret Cottage on the Hill, her debut children's book! We encourage you and your kiddos to dress up in your favourite fairy tale costume and fully engage in the fun and magic of this story time. Additionally, copies of Meg's book will be available for purchase for $12. | | | | Poetry reading with Mary Barnes Saturday, April 27, 11am (L.E. Shore) Join us for a captivating poetry reading featuring Mary Barnes, the talented author of two exquisite collections: "What the Fox Knew" and "Moving Upstream." Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Mary Barnes' poetry, as she shares her insights and takes you on a journey through the subtle yet enchanting landscapes she paints with her words. Register for Mary Barnes
| | | Gardener-in-Residence Office Hours: Seed Starting and Hardening Off Tuesday, April 23, 12:30-2:30pm (L.E. Shore) Blue Mountains Public Library’s (BMPL) Gardener-in-Residence program supports Grey County Master Gardeners' exchanges between gardeners and the community. The Gardener-in-Residence creates and delivers programs, meets with gardeners in the community, and can provide feedback on garden plans and plants. The Gardener-in-Residence will be in The Gallery on April 23, and every fourth Tuesday, from 12:30-2:30. April’s theme is Seed Starting and Hardening Off. Learn about Grey County Master Gardeners. | | Remembering the River Rat Race Every spring thaw was a rush from Slabtown to Thornbury. Filled to the brim with homemade boats and riverside spectators. Visit the Museum to see posters and photos of the memorable Beaver River Rat Race. | | Through the Wild Lens photo contest open to all ages The Blue Mountains Public Library is pleased to announce the "Through the Wild Lens" Photo Contest which is open to individuals of all ages. This competition is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your photography skills and capture the beauty of nature in our local community from your unique perspective. Whether you're drawn to landscapes, wildlife, or stunning sunsets, we encourage you to participate in this contest and share your love for nature through the art of photography. The winning photographs will be featured in the Craigleith Heritage Depot's Natural Heritage exhibit space, providing a physical showcase for talented photographers. Get the contest details
| | Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority parking passes are now available to borrow Did you know the Library loans passes for Ontario Parks, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and Nottawasaga Conservation Authority? The new Nottawasaga Conservation Authority parking passes can be borrowed for a week. You can pick them up at both L.E. Shore Library and the Craigleith Depot. These passes allow one vehicle and its passengers to access nine Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority properties: Fort Willow, Glencairn, Minesing Wetlands, Nottawasaga Bluffs, Osprey Wetlands, Petun, Tiffin, Utopia, and Elba Wetlands. Place a hold on a Pass | | Exhibit on skateboard and snowboard innovator Willi Winkels Wee Willi Winkels enjoyed a life full of adventure, and a passion he shared with the world. New this month is a special exhibit on the achievements of the local athlete and innovator. Check out skateboard and snowboard prototypes, and see photos of the man in action. | | Volunteers needed for Blue Mountain Pottery Collectors Club The BMPCC is looking for volunteers. Their annual convention will be at the Collingwood Leisure Time Club on July 13-14. This is a good opportunity to be the first to see the show and sales of Blue Mountain Pottery and meet some wonderful people! For more information and to volunteer please contact the BMPCC through their website. | | Coming of Age staff picks Check out our list of Coming of Age books for captivating tales of growth and self-discovery. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is more than a book—it's a journey into Ponyboy Curtis's world. Facing societal divisions between Socs and Greasers, Ponyboy grapples with identity and belonging. The phrase "Stay Gold, Ponyboy" captures the essence of preserving innocence. It's a tale of friendship, loyalty, and brotherhood, inspiring hope in the face of adversity. A must-read! I often recommend it to others. - Jen See more Coming of Age
| | Meet award-winning Anishinaabe writer Cody Caetano Friday, April 19, 7pm, Author Talk & Saturday, April 20, 1pm, Workshop (Owen Sound Public Library) This month, the Owen Sound Memoir Series continues with Anishinaabe and Portuguese Canadian writer Cody Caetano. Caetano will read from his memoir, Half-Bads in White Regalia, and discuss how he wrote this creative and emotional book. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with insight into the experiences of Indigenous Canadians and mixed-race families, and personal anecdotes from his family history. Friday will conclude with a Q&A moderated by Lauren Best, a former Owen Sound Poet Laureate. Saturday, Caetano will lead a memoir writing workshop. Both events will be held at the Harmony Centre, 890 4th Ave E, in Owen Sound. Get your tickets
| | Are you looking for a meaningful summer job or internship? Come join our team! We're seeking: - Full-time summer program students (35 hrs/week for 8 weeks) to plan, promote, and deliver fun and inclusive programs for children and youth, and help work the circulation desk at the Library.
- A full-time Special Collections Technician (6-month museum internship) to support us in maintaining museum collections and innovative exhibits.
Applications are due by April 15 at 4pm. Learn more and apply
| | News from the Library Board On March 21, the Library Board held its regular meeting and welcomed new member Carol Sackville-Duyvelshoff. Carol was appointed to the Board by the Town of The Blue Mountains Council on Monday, March 11, 2024, and brings years of government, strategy planning, human resources, and project management experience to the team. The next regular Library Board meeting will take place on April 18 at 1 pm in the boardroom at L.E. Shore. Learn more about Library Board meetings and stay up to date on the latest key messages on our website. Learn more about the Library Board
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