August 2026
Staff summer picks, books to finish in a weekend.
Barefoot Brian Nature walk

Why Are Libby Wait Times So Long?

If you use the Libby app, you've probably noticed that some eBooks and audiobooks have long wait lists. Unlike print books, libraries don't own digital books outright, they license them.

BMPL shares a digital collection with a consortium of small public libraries across Ontario and purchases additional licenses exclusively for BMPL patrons when demand is high. However, digital licenses are expensive and often expire after 2 years or 26 checkouts, meaning they must be purchased again.

A typical bestselling title costs BMPL approximately:

  • Hardcover book: $25 (kept until it wears out)
  • eBook licence: $85 (expires after 2 years or 26 checkouts)
  • Audiobook licence: $125 (expires after 2 years or 26 checkouts)

How You Can Help

  1. Return digital titles early. As soon as you finish a book, tap "Return Early" so the next person in line gets it faster.
  2. Consider the print edition. BMPL purchases additional print copies when a title reaches 8-10 holds, which is often the quickest way to read a popular book.
  3. Support the collection. If you'd like to make a designated donation to help purchase additional eBook and audiobook licenses, please email LibraryCEO@TheBlueMountains.ca so we can ensure your gift is directed to the digital collection.

Public libraries across Canada are also advocating for fairer eBook pricing. You can learn more through the Canadian Urban Libraries Council.

Seniors Information and Active living fair, save the date
Tech Help
Family Programming and events
Storytime wit Easton and Elizabeth Retter
Mermaid hairbrush workshop

CREATE
Mermaid Hairbrush Workshop

August 8 from 1-2pm

Calling all mermaid lovers—this magical morning is just for you. Join us to design and decorate your very own mermaid hairbrush using seashells, rhinestones, and plenty of imagination.

Free Program. 
Ages 10+
Registration required.

Register Here

Game Board Club!

CONNECT
Game On! Board Game Club!

August 12 & 19 from 2-4pm

Drop in every Wednesday in August from 2-4pm to play with student volunteer William. This relaxed afternoon is a chance to discover new games, challenge your strategy, spark your imagination, and make new friends.

Ages 10+
Drop-in.

Learn More Here

Storytime at Farmers Pantry

STORY TIME
Story time at Farmers Pantry

August 21 at 11am-12pm

Join us for a fun-filled morning of stories, crafts, and time with friendly farm animals, including pigs, bunnies, and goats.

Please note this program happens at Farmers Pantry:788030 Grey County Rd 13, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0

Ages 0-5
Free Program.
Drop-in.

Learn More Here

Ongoing summer programs
Kids Club House Fall registration opens August 24th
The Gallery at L.E.Shore Events and programming
A watercolour painting of trees

WATERCOLOUR SERIES
Continuing with Watercolours | Teresa Przybylski

September 2026 - February 2027

This workshop series will occur at the L.E. Shore Library & Gallery every second Tuesday of the month, 1-3pm, from September 2026 to February 2027. 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31

Learn More Here

Apply to Exhibit in the Gallery for 2027

APPLY NOW
Apply to Exhibit in The Gallery in 2027

Applications Open from June - August 31

Applications are now open for the 2027 exhibition season at The Gallery at L.E. Shore. Emerging and established artists working in all mediums are invited to apply.

Apply Here

 
Craigleith Heritage Depot, news, events and programming

TOWNS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS SERIES - EP. 6 
LIFE AT THE TOP OF THE TOWNSHIP

Explore the rich history of five pioneer communities perched atop the Blue Mountain Escarpment. From legendary apple growers to epic barn raisings, this documentary uncovers the resilience and resourcefulness that defined these early settlements.

Brought to you by the Craigleith Heritage Depot and the Mountain Goat Film Company.

Watch Now

An archival photo of a church

CULTURAL MAP
New Sites Added, including the Clarksburg Public School


Five new sites have been added to our cultural map, including the storied history of the Clarksburg Public School. From its 1892 opening—where students ceremoniously laid the bricks—to its transformation into a private office space, the school’s journey through changing boards, wartime principals, and architectural expansions is now ready for you to explore.

Learn More Here

HERITAGE HIGHLIGHT
Learn about The Many Mills in Thornbury

This month, museum staff took a deep dive into the archives to explore the story of Thornbury’s mills. For much of Thornbury’s early history, these mills were some of the most significant forces in its development. Click the link below to read about the history of the various mills along the Beaver River within Thornbury in this month’s installment of Tales from the Archives.

Read Here

History at Your Fingertips! 

Discover the rich history of our community right from your screen! Our new online museum and archives catalogue is officially public, serving as your digital gateway to the unique stories of our region.

What You Can Explore

  • Local Heritage: Dive into the history of The Blue Mountains, including the Town of Thornbury and the 27 unique communities of the former Collingwood Township.
  • Preserved Treasures: Access a growing collection of physical artifacts, digital records, and archival materials.

A Work in Progress: Our team is continuously uploading new and past records daily. While our digital archive is growing fast, we are actively working toward making our entire physical repository viewable online.

Ready to explore? Click below to start your journey into the past!

Start Exploring Here

Craigleith Heritage Depot Winter Hours, Thursday and Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm and closed Monday to Wednesday
Tech relief at craigleith, registration required please email techhelp@thebluemountains.ca
We are closed Monday August 3