Join our network of Community Builders

This network of volunteers will share their unique skills and talents with people who are looking to learn from you.

Community Builders can teach others environmental skills, financial skills, music & art skills, homemaking skills, trade skills, home maintenance skills, computer & technology skills, employable skills, or education topics. Those interested in learning a skill can let us know, and we’ll match you with someone in your community who is wanting to help you learn. This volunteer program is all about neighbours helping neighbours in the library.

Become a Community Builder today

International Youth Day Arts & Crafts

Monday, August 12 at 1pm (L.E. Shore Library)

International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12th to celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today's global society. Join us at the library to celebrate and create beautiful nature-inspired wind chimes. Ages 13+

Click here to register for Wind Chimes

Share your stories and let's build our Cultural Map together

Tuesday, August 20 from 10am-12pm (L.E. Shore Library)
Tuesday, August 27 from 10am-12pm (L.E. Shore Library)

Calling all local history buffs, architecture aficionados, and culture lovers! We're mapping our community's heart and soul. Share your stories and let's build an interactive cultural map together. Join museum staff at LE. Shore Library on August 20^th and 27^th from 10am – 12 pm.

Unveil the tapestry of The Blue Mountains cultural landscape with our ever-evolving digital map. Explore a world of hidden gems, vibrant arts, and rich history. We're thrilled to announce 5 exciting new additions to our map, showcasing the community’s history. From the Craigleith Lilacs to William Weir’s Hotel, there's something for everyone.

Our map is a living document, constantly evolving to reflect the areas dynamic character. Visit every month to uncover fresh perspectives, new events, and emerging talents.

Visit the Cultural Map

Uncover prehistoric secrets with fossils

Sunday, September 1 from 2-4pm (Craigleith Heritage Depot)

Join us for a thrilling fossil discovery event on Sunday, September 1st from 2pm to 4pm at the Craigleith Heritage Depot. Get ready to become a paleontologist for the day as you crack open fossils that are over 250 million years old! This is a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of prehistoric life and make incredible discoveries. Book your spot now to secure your place at this exciting event!

Sign up to discover fossils

Ditch the Screens! Childhood Unplugged

Thursday, September 12 from 6-7pm (L.E. Shore Library)

Southern Georgian Bay author, Katherine Martinko, will talk about the importance of reclaiming childhood from devices and how to go about implementing a digital minimalist philosophy in your home with kids of all ages. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A, where listeners can ask questions and share their own experiences.

Sign up for Childhood Unplugged

Pause, reflect, and celebrate on Emancipation Day

Did you know that in 2021, Canada officially designated August 1st as Emancipation Day, but that Grey County is celebrating the 162^nd Emancipation Day Festival this August 2-4 in Owen Sound?

The Emancipation Day Festival is the longest and most continuous festival in North America and commemorates the British Commonwealth Emancipation Act of August 1, 1834, outlawing the owning, buying, and selling of humans as property throughout all Britain’s colonies. This Act marked the start of freedom for over 800,000 Africans and their descendants.

Learn more about the Emancipation Day Festival and access Black history resources at emancipation.ca, or visit the Library to see resources on display. Additional resources about the history of slavery of Black and Indigenous people in Canada are provided below.

Visit:
Sheffield Park Black History Museum
Grey Roots Museum & Archives

Watch:
As Is, Where Is: Negro Creek Documentary

Read:
Emancipation Day Book List
Public Service Alliance of Canada’s Anti-Racism Resources
Government of Canada: Resources on the History of Black and Indigenous Enslavement in Canada

Get tech help

Wednesdays from 2-4pm (L.E. Shore Library)

We can help you to:

• Troubleshoot an issue on your tablet or personal device
• Use library online collections, including eBooks and digital audio books
• Complete tasks in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and other computer software

If you would like to book an appointment for another time, contact the Library or complete the Book a Tech Help Appointment form.

Book a Tech Help Appointment
 

Have you seen our new computers?

L.E. Shore Library and Craigleith Heritage Depot now have brand new computers available for public use.

These computers have internet access and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. They print black & white and colour.

You don't need a library card—just sit down and log in. Each session lasts for one hour, but staff can extend your time if needed.

Calling all artists! Apply now to exhibit in The Gallery in 2025

Deadline: Saturday, August 31, 2024

Apply today to exhibit in The Gallery at L.E. Shore in 2025. Individual artists, as well as groups, of all mediums are welcome. Applications are available on our website and print copies are available at the L.E. Shore Library.

Apply today
 

Share the Stage accepting applications

Calling all performers! The Gallery is inviting writers, poets, comedians, and musicians to share their original stories, thoughts, and music with an audience. Performances will take place on October 18 and 19 at The Gallery at L.E. Shore.

The deadline to apply is end of day September 2, 2024. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to call 519-599 3681 x148 or email TheGallery@TheBlueMountains.ca.

Apply to perform

Horizons opens in The Gallery August 31

Opening reception: Saturday, August 31 from 2-4pm in the Gallery at L.E. Shore Library

Whether it's a farmer's field stretching into the distance or the shimmering waters of Georgian Bay...

Five painters, Dorothy Embacher, Michelle Languedoc Fleming, Brian Fray, Dean Raeburn-Bell and Paula Rivers have all been captivated and inspired by this beautiful area and have come together to share their visions.
 

Share your Arts & Crafts Walk experience

Did you attend the Arts & Crafts Walk this past Saturday, July 6? We want to hear from you!

Fill out our short survey to let us know how it went and how we can improve your experience in years to come.

Left: the team that brought you the 2024 Arts & Crafts Walk.

Complete the survey

Test your knowledge with Friday night online trivia

Fill your house with laughter and glee as you answer questions and compete for the top-spot on our scoreboard. Not available on Friday nights? Don't worry! You'll be able to play Trivia Game Night throughout the week. Visit our Event Calendar or Facebook page on Fridays for the link.

August 2: Animal Tracks
August 9: True or False
August 16: Synonyms and Antonyms
August 23: Name the Flag
August 30: Logos

Visit our Event Calendar

Sun, sand and stories

Dive into summer with our curated list of beach reads—your perfect companions for sun-soaked afternoons and bay breezes.

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
In Clare Pooley's "How to Age Disgracefully," a senior citizens' center and a daycare collide with hilarious results. Lydia takes over the Senior Citizens' Social Club and meets quirky characters like Art, a kleptomaniac ex-actor; Daphne, hiding her past; and Ruby, a rebellious knitter. When the city council threatens their community center, they team up with the daycare, a teenage dad, and a senior dog to save it. This book is engaging, funny, and full of unique characters, focusing on older people without stereotypes. I LOL a lot! - Jennifer D
 

See more Beach Reads

 

Apply for a Youth Climate Action Fund microgrant by August 12

The Town of The Blue Mountains is proud to be one of 100 communities worldwide to receive funding and technical assistance to support youth-driven climate action.

A total of $50,000 USD will be distributed as microgrants to fund youth-led climate initiatives. From mobilizing tree-planting or public education campaigns, to launching waste reduction initiatives, to participating in climate change mitigation planning or preparedness programs, efforts stemming from the new Youth Climate Action Fund will advance critical community goals such as meeting decarbonization commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions. All projects must align with and support The Blue Mountains and Grey County’s climate change goals and actions.

Applications are due by August 12, 2024. Successful projects will be announced on August 26, 2024. To determine your eligibility and to apply, visit the Town of The Blue Mountains’ website for more info.

Learn more about the grant