Library News December 2024

What’s Hot at the Library?

Curious about what everyone’s reading right now? These are the books that are flying off our shelves and keeping readers hooked!

Most Anticipated 2025 Thrillers includes books by Freida McFadden, Steve Berry, Harlan Coben, Brad Taylor and Sandra Brown

Trivia. Can you guess how many books James Patterson is publishing in 2025?

Fascinating Nonfiction, Recommended by Library Staff:

Fire Weather by John Vaillant
A riveting account of the 2016 wildfire that blasted through Fort McMurray, the hub of Canada’s oil industry. This book covers a range of topics including history, the science of fire, world climate statistics, and the politics of oil, gas and coal companies while also including detailed accounts of the residents as they fled the disaster. Both entertaining and alarming, this is a must read -Natashia

See More Nonfiction Staff Picks

Historical photo of the Craigleith Station ski train

"Craigleith Station" REEL History Film Premiere

Wednesday, December 18 at 6:30pm
(The Gallery at L.E. Shore)

This captivating film delves into the rich history of this iconic landmark, from its early days as a bustling railway station to its transformation into a vibrant community hub. Discover fascinating stories, rare archival footage, and firsthand accounts that bring the past to life. Watch the trailer below.

RSVP for Craigleith Station Film

"Elements" Opening in The Gallery

Opening reception:
Saturday, November 30 from 2-4pm
(The Gallery at L.E. Shore)

In this duo exhibition, photographers Kathleen Heithorn-Althoff and Karin Modotto present nature's elements of earth, water and sky in a series of larger, fine art photographic works. "Elements" runs until December 31st.

Photograph by Kathleen Heithorn-Althoff

Learn More About the Artists

Iceland - A Ring Road Journey

Thursday, December 5 at 7pm
(The Gallery at L.E. Shore)

Michael Arkless recounts the journey he and his wife, Gillian, recently undertook along the Icelandic Ring Road.

Take a scenic tour around Iceland, exploring the unique landscapes, culture, and hidden gems of this stunning country.

Photograph by Michael Arkless

Register for Iceland

Cover to Cover Reading Challenge is back!

Get ready to read to win! Dave Dick Real Estate and The Blue Mountains Public Library are partnering up once again for the Cover to Cover Reading Challenge.

Swing by L.E. Shore Library to grab your tracking bookmark and start checking out those books.
Read 10 books and score an awesome prize.

It’s the perfect challenge for readers aged 0-17.

Learn More about Cover to Cover

Illustration of Santa created by The Imagination Studio

Letters to Santa

November 21 - December 5
(L.E. Shore Library)

We’ve teamed up with The Imagination Studio this year for Letters to Santa.

1. Visit our Santa Letter Station at L.E. Shore Library
2. Write your note on the beautiful illustrated template and place it in a sealed envelope
3. Address it to: Santa Claus, North Pole

Drop off your letter to our North Pole Mailbox at and we’ll make sure it gets to Santa himself. And who knows… you might even get a reply.

Write to Santa

A Very Vintage Christmas Morning

Saturday, December 14 from 10am-12pm
(L.E. Shore Library)

Kick off Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Library. Join us for a morning filled with holiday cheer, featuring: Festive Crafts, Hot Chocolate & Popcorn.

This drop-in event is perfect for ALL ages, so bring the whole family and make some merry memories together.

Holiday Sing-Along

Friday, December 21 from 11am-12pm
(L.E. Shore Library)

A magical holiday celebration with festive stories, songs, and rhymes, perfect for the whole family.

Everyone is welcome to join us for carols, featuring Mary Hindle on the piano.

It’s a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit—don’t miss out!

The Library Now Loans TOYS

Our Library of Things collection has grown with a variety of new items for all ages! We've added fun and educational children's toys like busy boards, coding robots, tracing tools, and more, perfect for keeping little hands and minds engaged.

Plus, check out our new outdoor projector for unforgettable movie nights under the stars.

These items are available to borrow with your library card—so visit us and discover something new for your next family activity or outdoor adventure.

Explore Library of Things

Craigleith Heritage Depot Branch is Open!

We're excited to announce the reopening of our Museum & Archive doors after a month-long closure. We invite you to explore our collections, exhibitions, and research facilities. We've missed you and can't wait to share our passion for local history and culture with you once again.

See our Hours and Locations

CEO Report

In celebration of 2024, this blog theme is “A Look Back, A Leap Forward.” We will explore the history of L.E. Shore Memorial Library and envision the future as we adapt to meet new and emerging needs. We’ll journey back to 1995, the year the L.E. Shore Memorial Library was built, and conclude with an invitation for the public to share their memories and wish list for the future of library services in the Town of The Blue Mountains.

It’s hard to believe that 29 years have passed since the grand opening of the L.E. Shore Memorial Library on December 2, 1995. This occasion marked a new era of community access to knowledge, culture, and technology.

As we reflect on the past, we're reminded of the iconic features that have shaped our library:

The Story Tower: A space where imagination, stories, and connections flourish.
The Courtyard and Its Sweeping Stone Wall: A peaceful outdoor area perfect for quiet contemplation or community gatherings.
The Gallery: A showcase for local art that fosters a vibrant cultural scene.
The Fireplace: A warm place to gather.
The Window Seats: A comfortable place to enjoy a book.

While some elements have remained constant, the library has adapted to meet the changing needs of our community. From the early days of the online catalog to today's diverse range of programs and services, the L.E. Shore Memorial Library has transformed into a dynamic hub for learning, creativity, and connection. The BMPL now serves as a Gallery, Library, Archive, and Museum— a place where discovery and connection happen. Recent achievements include:

The Library of Things: A collection of various items to promote recreation, fitness, and digital literacy.
The REEL History Film Series: A short documentary series highlighting historical stories intertwined in the fabric of The Blue Mountains.
Wired Wednesdays: An ongoing web series that teaches the community about technology.
Little Free Libraries & Food Pantries: A service offering free book exchanges and pantry items at five locations throughout the Town.
The Cultural Map: A growing interactive map that acts as a portal to the cultural, natural, and historical treasures that define our community.

As we look ahead to the next 30 years, we invite you to share your thoughts and ideas for the future of our library (and don’t forget about the Museum!). How has the BMPL played a role in your life? What services and programs would you like to see in the future?

Share your memories and future vision with us