| | LIBRARY ANALOGUE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE Pick up your Analogue Summer Bingo Card at the L.E. Shore Library, complete nostalgic reading and screen-free challenges, then submit it for your chance to win a $50 Bruce Wine Bar gift card. CONTEST RUNS JULY 2 - SEPTEMBER 2 Learn More Here | | | | GALLERY APPLY TO EXHIBIT IN THE GALLERY IN 2027 Have you ever wanted your art to hang in the Gallery at L.E. Shore? Well, now is your chance to apply to the 2027 exhibition year! APPLICATIONS OPEN FROM JUNE 2 - AUGUST 31 Learn More Here | | | | MUSEUM TOWNS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS Episode 6 Episode 6 of our latest Towns of the Blue Mountains series 'Life at the Top of the Township' is officially released! Watch it Here | | | | | CREATE The Blue Pen Writer's Group Starting August 19 from 2-4pm Craigleith Heritage Depot Through fun prompts, writing exercises, and supportive discussion, participants are encouraged to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), explore new ideas, and discover where their words can take them. Free program. Ages 18+ Registration required. Meeting every third Wednesday from August - December. Register Here | | | | LEARN Sewing Machine Basics with Woven Wolf August 14 from 1-4pm L.E. Shore Library Learn the basics of sewing with The Woven Wolf as you create a beginner-friendly project, with all materials provided and plenty of hands-on guidance. Free program. Ages 13+ Registration Required. Register Here | | | | WIN A $50 GIFT CARD Analogue Summer Reading Challenge Runs July 2 - September 2 L.E. Shore Library Pick up your Analogue Summer Bingo Card at the L.E. Shore Library, complete nostalgic reading and screen-free challenges, then submit it for your chance to win a $50 Bruce Wine Bar gift card. Ages 18+ Free Program. Register Here | | | 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 - Return digital titles early. As soon as you finish a book, tap "Return Early" so the next person in line gets it faster.
- 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.
- 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. | | | | Drop-In Tech Help Every Wednesday in August 2-4pm Stop by with your device and passwords for 15-minute one-on-one assistance, no appointment needed, first-come, first-served. | | | WATCH Online Museum & Archives Catalogue August 12 from 2-4pm Ashley is going to run through how to access our online museum and archives collection. | | | | IN-PERSON PROGRAM Are My Files on My Computer or in OneDrive? August 19 from 1-1:45pm Join us for a hands-on session to demystify OneDrive, understand the difference between local and cloud storage, and make sure your files are safe. Drop-in. All ages. Learn More Here | | | WATCH Birding Made Easy: Introduction to Merlin Bird ID August 26 from 3-4pm Learn all about the Merlin Bird ID App! Ashley will lead you through how to use and download the app! | | | | 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 | | | | 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 | | | | 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 | | | | | 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 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 | | | 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 | | | 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 | | | | | |