Event Calendar
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Book Club Info
August 2025
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Sorry for the extra email, and we hope to see you at a book club soon!
Text: Carrot Fest 2025. Carrot fest logo and banner.
August: Carrot Fest celebrates 27 years. 
 
Did you ever wonder how Bradford West Gwillimbury ended up hosting a huge carrot-themed festival, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year?
 
In one sense, the story began 100 years ago. In 1925, Professor William H. Day began construction on an ambitious drainage system that he hoped would transform the vast wetland of Holland Marsh into productive farmland. His plan worked! In the decades since, the Holland Marsh has fed millions as the Salad Bowl of Ontario.
 
Although Carrot Fest would become BWG’s biggest annual event, it is not the first agricultural festival hosted here. In the 1970s, up to 20,000 people attended an annual Salad Festival and parade each summer. The first Harvest Festival and Harvest Queen pageant were held at the former Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Bradford in 1977.
 
In 1991, the new Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury was formed; merging Bradford with parts of Tecumseth and West Gwillimbury. In need of an event to bring these communities together, an open-air market was established on summer weekends. This market blossomed into an annual event with children’s entertainers, main stage performers, contests and a thriving vendor market. In honor of the local farms that now produced over 70% of Canada’s carrots, the annual gathering was given a new name, and in 1998 the community celebrated its first ever Carrot Fest!
 
This summer, as we celebrate Carrot Fest and the 100th anniversary of the Holland Marsh, the Library is excited to launch the Holland Marsh Centennial Art Contest. Open to visual artists of all ages and skill levels, all work inspired by the Holland Marsh is eligible for entry. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Carrot Fest, the legacy of the Holland Marsh, and the dynamic artistic output of our local community.

Kids Programs
For a full list of programs, visit www.bradford.library.on.ca
 
The Trouble with Time Travel book cover. Young child inside a circle surrounded by dinosaurs, outer space, camels, and houses.
Cornelia Li Storytime • Ages 3+ years.
Wednesday, August 13 • 10 - 10:45 a.m.
Join us for a storytime inspired by the imaginative world of Toronto-based illustrator Cornelia Li! We’ll read The Trouble with Time Travel and explore its fun, twisty take on what happens when you try to fix a mistake with a time machine. Then, kids will get the chance to design and craft their very own mini time machines using creative supplies. Get ready for stories, surprises, and a little time-travelling fun!
Sing with Russ • Ages 2 - 5 years.
Wednesday, August 13 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Get ready to move and groove! Join Russ for a high-energy musical adventure filled with singing, clapping, and dancing. Learn new songs or belt out old favourites; it's sure to be an hour of fun for little ones and their grown-ups alike.
Russ performing for a group of children holding up a large drawing of a stick figure.
A Sloth Story movie poster. 3 sloths up front smiling in front of a food truck driven by a 4th sloth.
Kids Movie: A Sloth Story • Ages 6+
Thursday, August 14 • 1 - 3 p.m. • Rated PG
Twelve-year-old sloth Laura defies tradition by embracing speed to help her family’s food truck succeed after relocating to Sanctuary City. Inspired by fast-food mogul Dotti Pace, Laura's changes bring instant success—but also unexpected challenges. As business booms, friendships fray, and family values are tested. Laura must decide what really matters before everything moves too fast to fix.
Welcome to Kindergarten • Ages 3 - 4 years.
Monday - Friday, August 18 - 22 • 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Monday - Friday, August 18 - 22 • 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Get ready for Kindergarten fun! Kids will practice lining up, putting things away, making simple crafts, and joining in on stories and songs, just like in a real classroom. Share your excitements and/or fears as your child begins their school journey and learn tips about planning school lunches and more!
Two timeslots each day. Registration is Required. 
A group of children and a teacher sitting in a circle with their hands in the air.
4 children sitting on a white couch and 4 children on laying on the floor on their stomachs holding game controllers.
Retro Gaming Morning with Autism Ontario
Tuesday, August 26 • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Get down with the classics and level up your summer day with Autism Ontario. Join us for family fun. Play some retro consoles and games with old-school video games like Just Dance.
Not a fan of video games? No problem! We'll have some retro board games too!
Registration required. 
Tweens and Teens
Tween Fun Time. Photos of tweens smiling
Tween Fun Time • Ages 9 - 12 years
Tuesdays, August 5 & 12 • 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Pack your sense of adventure! We’re pitching tents, making crafts, and going wild with trivia, maps, and marshmallows. It’s a trail mix of fun you won’t want to miss!
 
Join Gail and Lyuba for fun, themed activities each week. 
Teen Bullet Journalling • Ages 13 - 15 years
Monday, August 11 • 2 - 3 p.m.
Discover how bullet journaling can help you stay on top of your schedule and tap into your creativity. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to design and personalize your own journal. It's perfect for tracking goals, boosting productivity, and expressing yourself through art, doodles, and layouts that work for you. 
Teenage girl wearing headphones around her neck writing in a journal.
Example of air dry clay: odd little monster with large eyes and antennas.
Teen Air Dry Clay • Ages 13 - 15 years
Wednesday, August 13 • 2 - 3 p.m.
Get creative with air-dry clay! In this hands-on session, you'll learn basic clay techniques and make your own one-of-a-kind creation. Relax, get a little messy, and make something awesome to take home. 
Teen Book ReviewsYoung girl with a large stack of books
If you love to read, drop a review of your favourite book or graphic novel.
 
You can get one hour of community service for each review for a maximum of 5 hours. 
 
 I want to write a review!
 

Adult and Senior Programs
 Group of people holding a sign that reads: Find what you're missing at the BWG Library!
 
The BWG Library offers a variety of programs for adults and seniors. Drop in and join a supportive group of community members who share your interests.
For a full list of programs, visit www.bradford.library.on.ca

BWG Writers' Circle Logo
BWG Writers' Circle
Thursday, August 7 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Fiction writer? Poet? Memoirist? Whether you're traditionally published, indie, or just starting out you're welcome at the BWG Writers’ Circle. Connect with fellow writers for support, tips, publishing news, and optional sharing in a relaxed and welcoming space.
 
The next meeting will take place Tuesday, August 19 on Zoom.
Self-Care Toolkit
Monday, August 11 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This popular program brings together people who are ready to find more peace and joy in their lives. With support from Andréa and the group, you’ll be encouraged to explore what works best for you. It’s a welcoming space to stay accountable to yourself, share ideas, and learn to embrace life’s challenges with curiosity and an open mind. Together, you’ll start noticing and appreciating the little things.
Text: Cutthroat Paint Night. Colourful paint splashes on a back background.
Three women sitting an smiling with their babies. Text: you are not alone.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Thursdays • 10 - 11:30 a.m.
You  are not alone!
Join a free, supportive group where new moms can share stories, ask questions, and get encouragement in a relaxed, welcoming space. Led by a Public Health Nurse, this group is here to help you feel confident, connected, and supported no matter where you are in your baby feeding journey.
English Conversation Corner
Thursday, August 14 & 28 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Looking to practice your English in a relaxed, friendly space? Join us for casual conversations, new connections, and a chance to build confidence in your speaking skills. Everyone is welcome. 
Presented in partnership with the Bradford Baha'i Community.
Sketched group of adults smiling at each other. Text: English Conversation Corner
Mocktails. Photo of 6 party-ready dips.
Pantry Hacks
Monday, August 25 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hosting game night or a backyard BBQ? Try some new dip recipes that are sure to impress.
Gail’s sharing irresistible dip recipes so good, you’ll need extra chips. Tempting enough to test the willpower of even the most hesitant double-dippers (but we won’t encourage it).

Book Clubs
Psychological Thriller + Mystery Book Club
Book Cover of Silver Nitrate
 
Wednesday, August 20 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
 
This club meets every other month, online and in-person, to explore the worlds of psychological thrillers and mysteries.
This month's book is:
Silver Nitrate by Silva Moreno-Garcia.
 
Send an email to Elizabeth at 
ecampbell@bradford.library.on.ca 
to reserve a copy of the book.
 
New members are always welcome!
  
Silver Nitrate is our Simcoe Reads pick!
Join our champion, Marzana, online or in person, as we dive into this gripping and atmospheric novel. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the conversation!
 
Adult Book Club
Book Cover of Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting.
 
Tuesday, August 26 • 2 - 3 p.m.   
Wednesday, August 27 • 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
 
This club meets every month, online and in-person, to explore great books.
This month's book is: 
Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley.
 
Send an email to Elizabeth at 
ecampbell@bradford.library.on.ca 
to reserve a copy of the book.
 
New members are always welcome!
 
We make it easy! Get weekly reminders of all our programs and events for Adults and Seniors. Subscribe to our Updates.
 

Events and Workshops
Graphic of three children dancing under a bunting. Music notes in the air.
Summer Fun Party
Friday, August 15 • 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the end of the TD Summer Reading Club with us!
Drop in anytime between 12 and 1:30 p.m. for a casual wrap-up featuring games, crafts, activities, and a chance to share your summer reading adventures. This will be the last day to collect your prizes!
Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament
Wednesday, August 27 • 1 - 2:30 p.m.
What’s your first move? Do you throw rock to crush your opponent, paper to block their play, or scissors to cut through the competition? Whatever your strategy, bring your best game to Bradford’s Rock, Paper, Scissors showdown! Registration opens at 1 p.m., and the tournament kicks off at 1:15 p.m. Get ready to battle it out. May the smartest throw win!
Pie chart graphic with 3 sections. Blue section has graphic of a closed fist (rock), green section has graphic of an open hand (paper), purple section has a graphic of two fingers (scissors).
Arm extended for a handshake.
MEGA Job Fair
Thursday, August 28 • 2 - 4 p.m.
Looking for your next opportunity? Join us at the MEGA Job Fair to connect with BWG employers who are actively hiring. Whether you’re starting your career or seeking a new path, this is your chance to make a strong impression. Be sure to bring your resume and dress professionally to stand out. 

Read Everywhere
Pile of books with an ereader on top in the centre.
 
Pack without compromise. Bring your entire library wherever you go!
 
    Your reading possibilities are endless with PressReader, CloudLibrary,
    TumbleBooks, Novelist, ComicsPlus, LOTE4Kids, and EBSCO.
    Take your reading and listening materials with you wherever you go and access 
    them from anywhere in the world.
    Download titles to read offline or browse the online library anytime you want.
  
Check it out!
 

Well, well, well. What do we have here?
ROM. Photo of a dinosaur skull
Listening Meets Learning!
 
Wonderbooks® are a fantastic way to help your child build reading skills while enjoying their favourite stories. These unique books combine a physical copy with a built-in audiobook, allowing kids to listen and read along at their own pace. With two interactive modes, Read-Along and Learning, Wonderbooks® support comprehension and encourage thoughtful discussions. Backed by the Universal Design for Learning credential, they are designed to support diverse learners and make reading fun and accessible for every child. Give your child the gift of confidence and engagement with Wonderbooks® today.
 
Access our catalogue and search Wonderbook to explore your options.
 
Simcoe Reads
Simcoe Reads. 8 Libraries. 8 Books. 1 Winner. Our Champion: Marzana Ahmed Khan. Our Book: Silver Nitrate by Silva Moreno-Garcia. Photo of Marzana and the book's cover. The book's cover is red and black featuring large, wide, fear-filled eyes.
Library Hours
Monday - Friday • 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday • 1 to 5 p.m.
 
Upcoming Closures
Sunday, August 3
Monday, August 4

General questions?
Try our Chat/Contact Us box.