The Blue Mountains Public Library News March 2024

March Break at the Library

Ignite your spark this March Break 2024 with Collingwood Circus Company! Join the Hula Hoop Demo & Workshop on Monday, March 11.

Throughout the week, engage in various activities like Geometric Painted Pot Workshop on Tuesday, Canvas Bag Stamping on Wednesday, Pressed Flowers & Light Bulb Workshop on Thursday, and Button Bowl DIY on Friday.

Register for March Break programs

Collaborative Climate Action with Mayor Matrosovs

Tuesday, March 5, 7pm (L.E.Shore Library)

Join us for a special presentation with Mayor Andrea Matrosovs, as she discusses her recent trip to the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai.

With over 500 mayors, governors, and regional leaders, Mayor Matrosovs represented The Town of The Blue Mountains in a global summit about climate action. Learn more about the conference and frequently asked questions on the Town of the Blue Mountains' website.

This event is free but registration is required. To submit a question in advance, please email LibraryPrograms@TheBlueMountains.ca.

Register for the Climate Action talk
 

Chasing After Wind by Mikael Sandblom

Ephemeral Structures opens in The Gallery on Saturday, March 2

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

Ephemeral Structures brings together Martin Kimble, Susan Henry-Scott and Mikael Sandblom to grapple with the idea of structure in very different ways. The opening will take place Saturday, March 2 from 2-4pm with the artists in attendance. All are welcome to attend to celebrate the launch and enjoy the open wine bar and refreshments.

Learn more about the artists
 

Pages of Erskine Brown's journal

Erskine Brown journals donated to the Craigleith Heritage Depot

Erskine was a local farmer who created many intricate carvings during his retirement that reflected the mechanics and transportation involved in agricultural life. He kept meticulous journals of everyday occurrences and happenings in the area. Staff are excited to read the stories found inside.

Erskine Brown folk art
Erskine Brown folk art

Erskine Brown folk art at the Grey Roots Museum

The Craigleith Heritage Depot has lent ten Erskine Brown folk art carvings to the Grey Roots Museum for an exhibit featuring the local artist and retired farmer until the month of May. Visit our county museum, Grey Roots, to see the exhibit during March Break.

Man and woman looking over their taxes

Canada Tax Benefits and Credits for Seniors

Thursday, March 21, 1-3pm (L.E. Shore Library)

Learn about federal tax credits and benefits for adults aged 65+ and different ways to file your taxes, including free clinics. Bring your questions for Cindy Marlor of the Canadian Revenue Agency.

Register for this program by calling Beaver Valley Outreach at 519-599-2577 ext. 126 or emailing seniors@bvo.ca.

Tax return

Understanding Ontario’s Personal Income Tax, Credits and Benefits for Seniors

Tuesday, March 26, 1-3pm (L.E. Shore Library)

Jeremy Bertrand from the Ontario Ministry of Finance will share simple tips for completing your return, along with an overview of Ontario tax credits and benefits you may be able to claim on your return.

Register for this program by calling Beaver Valley Outreach at 519-599-2577 ext. 126 or emailing seniors@bvo.ca.

The boots of a hiker in the forest

ACC Presents: A Hidden Gem: Kolapore Wilderness Trails

Tuesday, March 19, 7pm (L.E.Shore)

The Gallery at L.E. Shore is pleased to host a presentation with Stephen Couchman and Bruce King to explore the Kolapore wilderness trails. Join us for an evening of storytelling about the history of the trails and discover some of the hidden gems that lie through the woods and down the path. Registration is required.

Book your seats today

Kids Clubhouse

Kids Clubhouse spring registration opens March 4

Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30pm (L.E. Shore Library)

Spring Kids Clubhouse registration opens Monday, March 4 at 10 am. The Spring session runs from Tuesday March 26 to June 25th. Kids Clubhouse, where fun meets exploration! Dive into arts and crafts, STEM programs, and science experiments! Limited spaces available. For children 8 and up.

Register for Kids Clubhouse

Spring Rolls

Kids Can Cook spring rolls!

Saturday, April 6, 11am (L.E. Shore Library)

Join us at the library for 'Kids Can Cook', an event that introduces easy snacks and meals to children.

The first recipe we will be making is Spring Rolls, a fun and easy no-cook dinner idea. Children will be shown the proper way to wash and cut vegetables. Registration is required, and the event is open to children aged 10 and up.

Register for Spring Rolls
 

After School Homework Help

Thursday, March 7, 4-5pm (L.E. Shore)
Thursday, March 21, 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. This program is tailored for students in grades 7-12. Limited spots available; registration is required.

Register for Homework Help

Girl carrying a tall stack of books

Register now for a Teen Lit Kit

All you need is your library card, and you'll get a surprise book, goodies, and an activity to do at home.

March theme: Bravery and Courage

Register for a Teen Lit Kit

Skiiers lining up for the Ski Train

Get ready to switch off your power and join the Earth Hour!

Saturday, March 23

Since 2007, people across the Globe have been showing collective support for the planet by participating in a “lights off” moment called Earth Hour. “Switching off” can mean exploring (or cleaning up) a nearby park, reading a book, or even playing guitar.

If you’re looking for a book to read, or an instrument to play, check out our Library of Things and tag us on social media to show us how you’re giving your hour with the hashtag #MyHourForEarth.

A Hoppy Easter scavenger hunt

Saturday, March 30 all day (L.E. Shore Library)

We will be hiding Easter egg images all over the library. Once you find all the eggs, submit your ballot at the front desk and collect your prize. This event is open to children up to age 10 and is available while supplies last. Drop-in program.

A Cabbage Patch Kid and a number of other toys from the past

Playful new exhibits at the Museum

There are two new fun-filled exhibits at the Museum! Reimagine your childhood with a "Toy Story" display. Explore toys through the decades, from 1910 to 2010. Do you remember playing with some of the dolls or miniatures? The Museum is looking to collect more toys and games from the communities within the Blue Mountains.

Slide over to the Winter Recreation exhibit for more fun! See what other Winter activities people have done in Blue Mountains, besides skiiing.

The ski club exhibit

Don't miss the Ski Club exhibit

Last chance to see this winter's exhibit on the Ski Clubs of Blue Mountains.

From Osler to Peaks, follow the history of the clubs beginning with Toronto Ski Club, which celebrates its 100th aniversary this year!

Man holding a child in front of Camperdown

Camperdown call-out

The Craigleith Heritage Depot, your local Museum and Archive for the Town of the Blue Mountains, is looking for items related to the history of Camperdown.

Share your stories, documents, and photographs from the communities of Camperdown and Sandhill.

Ask Museum staff about the option to not part with your original items by donating digitally.

Please visit the Museum at 113 Lakeshore Rd East, contact us via email at museum@thebluemountains.ca, or call 519-599-3681 ext 6.

township of Collingwood crest

Collingwood Township vs. Town of Collingwood

The Craigleith Heritage Depot and the Collingwood Museum have collaborated on a community exhibit which is now on display.

Did you know that the Town of the Blue Mountains used to be named Collingwood Township, and that the Town of Collingwood was named Hens and Chicks?

Both communities have a shared past that transcends boundaries and connections beyond the railway. Visit the Collingwood Museum during the month of March to see it.

Get tech help on Wired Wednesdays

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

March 6:  Explaining Artificial Intelligence
March 13: Unleashing Creativity: Exploring Generative AI
March 20: Making and Detecting Deep Fake Videos
March 27: Watch out! Exposing Phone Scams


From 2-4pm on Wednesdays, drop-in tech help is available at L.E. Shore Library.

Watch Wired Wednesday on YouTube

Transparent Language Online includes 120+ languages including Ojibwe,Oji-Cree, and American Sign Language

BMPL now subscribes to Transparent Language Online!

Combining robust courses, supplemental vocabulary, and grammar resources, Transparent Language Online is the most complete language-learning system. With over 110 languages to choose from, including English for speakers of over 30 languages, there is something for every learner. Best of all, with mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, learners can enjoy the freedom to learn at home, in the library, or on the go. Watch Ashley's Wired Wednesday video below to learn more about using Transparent Language Online.

Meet former track and field star Valerie Jerome in Owen Sound

Friday, March 1, 7pm (Owen Sound Library)

Did you know that we’re a proud partner of the Owen Sound Memoir Series, a new initiative that brings nationally recognized Canadian memoir authors to Owen Sound?

Tickets are now available for March’s event with former Canadian track and field star Valerie Jerome, who discusses her memoir, "Races: The Trials & Triumphs of Canada’s Fastest Family," a deeply moving account of her experiences growing up Black and competing as a Canadian Olympian.

Get your tickets and learn more about this event

A sailor of Austria by John Biggins

Historical fiction staff picks

A Sailor of Austria by John Biggins

A Sailor of Austria is the first book in a series that follows the career of Lieutenant Otto Prohaska of the Imperial and Royal Austro-Hungarian Navy through the course of W.W.I. Prohashka, a Czech, is sent to captain a deathtrap of a submarine in the tiny and antiquated Austrian navy. He must cope with a recalcitrant crew (who speak eleven languages), petrol poisoning and exploding toilets. The height of absurdity is reached when he is ordered to deliver a camel, in a submarine, from North Africa to Crete. There is adventure, yes, but also humour, written with literary flair. Biggins paints a fascinating picture of life in the last years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The series will appeal to readers who liked Patrick O'Brian and other tales of naval derring-do. - Ken

See more Historical Fiction
 

Have you visited our Library of Things lately?

News from the Library Board

The next hybrid Library Board meeting will take place on Thursday, March 21 at 1 pm. Learn more about Library Board meetings and stay up-to-date on the latest key messages by monitoring our website.

All branches of The Blue Mountains Public Library will be closed on Friday, March 29 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 1 (Easter Monday). Schedule your visit in advance or access online collections, archive, and museum services from home at TheBlueMountainsLibrary.ca