Library News, January 2024

For the full list, visit Top Circulating Books of 2023 on our website.

"Where We Live" featuring Karen Bowen, Wanda Haayen and Judy Scopes opens Saturday, January 6

Saturday, January 6, 2-4pm (The Gallery at L.E.Shore)

Artists Karen Bowen, Wanda Haayen and Judy Scopes are pleased to share a collection of their artwork in a tri-artist exhibit, Where We Live.

These established artists paint places that are special to them - Canadian scenes from coast to coast which evoke the beauty and drama of our countryside and shorelines. All three spend time exploring Grey/Bruce and Simcoe counties, honouring old barns, heritage towns, hillside farms and the waters of Georgian Bay and its headwater rivers.

Meet the artists at their open reception. Drop-in between 2-4pm to enjoy the open bar, refreshments and gorgeous art.

Left: "Any Way You Look At It" by Karen Bowen

Learn more about the artists

Cookie Dough Bites

Saturday, January 6, 11-12pm (L.E. Shore)

Make your January sweeter with cozy no-bake treats. All ages are welcome to the fun community event. All ages are welcome, but registration is required.

Sign up to make cookie dough bites

Winter Pine Treats

Saturday, January 20, 11-12pm (L.E. Shore)

Join us for sweet and comforting dessert-making twice this January. All ages are welcome, but registration is required.

Sign up for make winter pine treats

After School Homework Help

Thursday, January 11, 4-5pm (L.E. Shore)
Thursday, January 25, 4-5pm (L.E. Shore)

Join retired math/business teacher Murray for free after-school homework help at L.E. Shore Library every other Thursday from 4-5 pm, starting January 11th. This program is tailored for students in grades 7-12. Limited spots available; registration is required.

Register for Homework Help

Celebrating Family Literacy Day

Friday, January 26, 11am-12pm

Come together as a family for an unforgettable day of stories, laughter, and creativity. Let's celebrate literacy and the joy of learning! Bundle up and enjoy enchanting tales under the sky. Sing, dance and get groovy with some music and movement! We will embrace winter creativity with snow painting and after all our outdoor fun, warm up inside the library while creating a delightful craft.

Ages 0-5. Free program. Drop-in.

Knit and Knatters Knitting Club is every Thursday

Every Thursday, 1-3pm (around the fireplace at L.E. Shore)

Our informal knitting club is open to enthusiasts of all skill levels, and we invite you to join us in our cozy and friendly space. All you need to bring are your needles and wool, and you'll have the perfect setting to knit, chat, and forge new friendships. Drop-in program.

Elder Abuse focus group and presentation

Thursday, January 11, 11:30am with a light lunch (L.E. Shore)

Join the Grey Bruce Elder Abuse Prevention initiative as they conduct a special Focus Group session. This is an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the specific needs and available resources in our area concerning elder abuse.

Don't miss out on this important event that aims to raise awareness and create a safer community for our seniors. Mark your calendars and be part of the conversation on elder abuse prevention.

To register, contact Beaver Valley Outreach at 519-599-2577, ext 126 or email seniors@bvo.ca.

Beat the blues on Blue Monday

Monday, January 15 is Blue Monday, a day that sparks discussion about seasonal and post-holiday blues. We have free resources to support you throughout the year. Check them out:

Light Therapy Lamps are available from our Library of Things!

Mental Health resources in our collection

Information on Personal Finances

Canadian Mental Health Association’s Blue Monday Survival Guide

Light therapy lamps for loan

ACC Presents: Scottish Sojourn with Ken Haigh

Tuesday, January 23, 7-8pm (L.E.Shore)

Join Ken Haigh for a Scottish adventure on the island of Iona! Ken volunteered for three months at the restored medieval abbey on Iona, which is now an ecumenical Christian retreat centre. The Iona Community hosts visitors from around the world who wish to experience life in community and to work together for social and environmental justice and world peace. This is a free event, but registration is required.

Book your seats today!

Get tech help on Wired Wednesdays

At 1pm every Wednesday, Ashley posts an instructional video to YouTube and Facebook. Here are the topics for January:

January 3: How to spot scams and fake emails
January 10: Hoopla - eBooks, movies and more
January 17: Android app updates and installation
January 24: Apple app updates and installation
January 31: Phone contacts: adding, editing

From 2-4pm on Wednesdays, drop-in tech help is available at L.E. Shore Library. There will be no tech help drop-in on January 3 and January 24.

Watch Wired Wednesday on YouTube

Your New Year's Resolution: Visit the Museum More often

Erskin Brown carvings on route to the Grey Roots Museum

Artifacts on the move

The Museum has loaned a collection of Erskine Brown carvings to Grey Roots Museum to display for 2024.

Erskine lived in Thornbury and was a farmer and wood carver whose work reflected rural and agricultural life. Here are his pieces in the van on their way to Owen Sound. They will be on exhibit at Grey Roots Museum this summer.

What Should I Read Next?

Looking for your next great book? Are you ready to try something new? Fill out our reading recommendation form and Library Staff will set you up with a curated book list based on your interests.

Request a personalized book list

Owen Sound Memoir Series welcomes Ali Hassan

We’re now a partner of the Owen Sound Memoir Series, a new initiative that will bring nationally recognized Canadian memoir authors to Owen Sound. If you enjoy hearing Canadian stories, want to participate in conversations with Canadian writers, or are interested in writing your own memoir, visit owensoundmemoirseries.com for more information. You can also follow the Memoir Series on Facebook and Instagram.

On February 2 and 3, join comedian and CBC Radio host Ali Hassan as he reads from his memoir, Is There Bacon in Heaven?, and leads a memoir-writing workshop.

Learn more and buy your tickets!

News from the Library Board

While the Board did not meet in December, they joined staff and the community to welcome new CEO Jennifer Murley. The next hybrid Library Board meeting will take place on Thursday, January 18 at 1 pm. The Board package will be posted one week in advance on Thursday, January 11. Learn more about Library Board meetings and stay up-to-date on the latest key messages by monitoring our website.

Learn more about the Library Board