The Blue Mountains Public Library Turns 30 BMPL is celebrating three decades of stories, culture, and community with a series of free public events this fall and winter. Highlights include a limited-edition colouring book by local artist Beverley Smith and a December soirée featuring special guest Ken Haigh, L.E. Shore’s first library CEO. Since opening its doors in 1995, the library has grown into a vibrant GLAM institution, supporting lifelong learning through its library, gallery, museum, and archives.
To help mark this milestone, BMPL invites the community to share their favourite stories, memories, and photos from the past 30 years. Whether it’s a cherished moment, a program that made an impact, or a snapshot of your time at the library, your contributions will help celebrate the legacy of this beloved space. | | An Afternoon with Susan Swan & Julie Mannell Saturday, August 16 from 2- 4pm
( L.E. Shore Library) We’re excited to host Susan Swan, one of Canada’s most acclaimed novelists for a special afternoon of literature and conversation. Swan, best known for her landmark novel The Wives of Bath, will share from her new memoir Big Girls Don’t Cry (HarperCollins, 2025), a bold and timely exploration of women’s lives, identity, and power. She’ll be joined by writer and poet Julie Mannell for a rich discussion about writing, gender, and the stories that shape us. The event will include: This event is free and open to all. Please RSVP online to reserve your spot. About the Authors Susan Swan is a Canadian novelist, journalist, and feminist whose work has shaped conversations about women’s experiences for decades. Her latest memoir, Big Girls Don’t Cry, examines the expectations placed on women across generations and challenges how we think about identity and power. Julie Mannell is a poet, performer, and educator whose writing explores voice, memory, and place. Mark your calendar - Saturday August 16th at 2pm - for this literary afternoon! | Albert Chiarandini, the Unknown Group of Seven Member Saturday, August 30 from 2- 4pm
(The Gallery at L.E. Shore) We are proud to present an exhibition celebrating the life and work of the late Italian-Canadian artist Albert Chiarandini. Born in 1915 in northern Italy, Chiarandini immigrated to Toronto as a teen and studied at the Ontario College of Art. Over his lifetime, he created more than 3,000 works, including intimate portraits of Yorkville’s '60s hippie scene, as well as luminous rural landscapes. Join us for the grand opening to discover the work of this remarkable artist and hear from Rudy Chiarandini, Albert’s son.
All are welcome. | | Catch Us at the Thornbury Farmers Market! The Museum & Archives will be a regular presence at the Thornbury Farmers Market on Sundays throughout the month of August! Be sure to drop by our tent between 10am-2pm to explore a fantastic selection of items from talented local artists, along with unique gift store finds. Every purchase directly supports the Museum & Archives, helping us continue to preserve and share our local heritage. We can't wait to see you there! | Seniors Fitness Classes with Denise Taking a Summer Break Mondays & Wednesdays from 10- 10:45am and 11-11:45am
(L.E. Shore Library) Keep your body moving with easy stretches and gentle aerobics in a welcoming group setting. These 45-minute classes help improve strength and balance, with the second class including some floor exercises. Drop in. Pay by donation. Please note: classes take a short break from August 18 to September 2, and resume on September 3. | | Knit & Knatters Thursdays from 1-3pm
(L.E. Shore Library) Bring your needles, yarn, and a love for conversation. Our informal knitting group welcomes all skill levels for a relaxed afternoon of creativity and connection.
Whether you’re working on a new project or finishing an old one, this is the perfect place to share ideas, learn tips, and make new friends.
Drop in anytime, no registration required. | | How Well Do You Know the World? Take the Flag Quiz! Think you know the flags of the world? Try our fun online quiz and see how many you can get right! It’s easy to play and great for all ages. Play online trivia every Friday night by visiting our website or Facebook page. | | Calling ARTISTS! Apply to Exhibit in 2026! This is YOUR chance to exhibit in The Gallery at L.E. Shore. Applications for our 2026 exhibit schedule are now OPEN. Artists can apply solo, as a group, or as a partial submission. You'll be paired with another artist for a shared exhibit. We welcome all mediums and styles. Visit the application page for full details and forms. Deadline to apply: August 31, 2025. | | Learn to Crochet: A Beginner Workshop Saturday, September 20 from 1- 3:30pm
(L.E. Shore Library) Crochet has made a big comeback, showing up in fashion, home décor, and social media feeds.
If you’ve been wanting to give it a try, this hands-on class is the perfect place to start. You’ll learn the essential tools, stitches, and techniques to get going.
Cost: $26 for materials. Ages 13 and up | Registration required. | | Story Time in the Courtyard Fridays, August 1, 8, 15, 29 from 11-11:30am (L.E. Shore Library Courtyard) Join us for stories, rhymes, movement, songs and lots of FUN! Remember your hat, water and sunscreen.
If it’s raining, we’ll meet in the Story Tower. Ages 5 and under | Drop-in program. | | Meet Us Downtown Thornbury for Summer Reading Fun! Wednesdays from 11am-12pm
(Hester Parkette, 17 Bruce St. N.) Join us in August for crafty mornings, creative projects, book chats, and summer fun! Kids can enjoy tasty snacks from Goldsmiths, sponsored by Beaver Valley Outreach, while adults can treat themselves to coffee kindly provided by Thornbury Cafe. Bring water, wear sunscreen, and get ready for sunny, crafty fun under the tent, while supplies last! Presented by Blue Mountains Public Library and co-hosted by the Thornbury BIA. | | Create Your Own Treasure Troll Thursday, August 7 at 11:30am
(L.E. Shore Library) Get crafty and make your own cardboard Treasure Trolls, inspired by legendary Scandinavian folklore. Bring your creativity and enjoy some mythical fun while you design and decorate your troll.
Ages 8 and up | Registration required. | | International Youth Day Crafting: Ojo de Dios Tuesday, August 12 at 1pm
(L.E. Shore Library) Celebrate International Youth Day with a hands-on craft session!
We’ll be making Ojo de Dios, a colorful yarn craft rooted in Indigenous traditions of Latin America. It’s a fun way to get creative, learn about culture, and make something beautiful to take home
Ages 10 and up | Registration required.
| | Story Time at The Farmers Pantry Friday, August 22 from 11am-12pm
(Farmers Pantry 788030 Grey County Rd 13) Bring the little ones for an hour of stories, songs, rhymes, and a simple craft, all surrounded by the sights and sounds of the farm. We’ll even have a chance to meet some of the adorable animals. Admission is free during Story Time. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and water, as we’ll be enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Ages 5 and under | Drop-in program. | | Kids Can: Candy Sushi Saturday, August 23 at 11am
(L.E. Shore Library) Join us for a sweet and silly twist on a global favourite! Inspired by our Summer Reading Club theme: Around the World, we’re creating Candied Sushi—a hands-on dessert made with candy, marshmallows, and crispy rice cereal. Roll, shape, and decorate your own delicious sushi treats—no chopsticks required! It’s the perfect mix of creativity and sugary fun.
Ages 8 and up | Registration required. | | TD Summer Reading Club is open! Sign up today! We are sailing through another summer of reading and adventure!
This year’s theme is travel! Swing by L.E. Shore Library to pick up your reading bag, passport, and goodies and get ready start your journey. It is not too late to sign up. Read to win great prizes, collect stamps, and mark your adventures on our world map. Keep reading this summer. Ages 17 and under | Registration required. | | Round 2 Youth Climate Action Fund Recipients Announced The Town of The Blue Mountains has received a second round of funding to support youth-led climate action across the traditional Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Twelve inspiring new projects were selected this July, ranging from a living snow fence in Owen Sound and a Bike Bus in Wiarton, to sustainable period product initiatives, backyard birdhouses in Grey Highlands, and pollinator-friendly butterfly gardens and insect hotels right here in the TBM. A huge congratulations to all the youth leaders driving meaningful environmental change in their communities! Discover the full list of projects at www.thebluemountains.ca/YCAF. | | The L.E. Shore Library will be closed on Monday, August 4 for the Civic Holiday. On Tuesday, August 6, the Museum will open at noon, an hour later than usual, due to filming for our 12th REEL History film. | | | | |
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