|
July 2026
| Welcome to our monthly newsletter featuring all that's happening at your library.
Swiss chard harvested from the Komoka Library's garden. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summer at the Library is off to a fantastic start! In less than three weeks, we've already enjoyed so many memorable programs and activities across Middlesex County Library. These photos highlight:
- Participants solving the Stranger Things Escape Room at the Dorchester Library.
- A creative "Reading Buddies" habitat made at the Lucan Library.
- Hands-on building and creating with Sparkblocks at the Komoka Library.
- Learning about an ambulance at the Thorndale Library's Touch-a-Truck event.
There's many more amazing programs to come! Explore our online event calendar to find out what's happening near you! |
| Explore Summer Events |
|
|
Find Your Book Joy
It's not too late to register for our summer reading motivation programs! Visit your local Middlesex County Library branch to learn how you can participate - there's programs and prizes for all ages!
Learn more about reading programs for all ages. |
|
|
Teen Edition: Library Quest 2026
Registration is still open! Teens can complete challenges, explore new worlds through books and activities, and earn ballot entries for our Grand Prize Draw along the way.
Learn more about Library Quest. |
|
|
Pool Passes are Back!
Community pool passes are now available to be borrowed from the Dorchester, Lucan, Mt. Brydges, Strathroy and Thorndale Libraries. Passes are available on a first come, first served basis. Learn more about pool passes. |
|
|
Best First Day School Supplies Drive
Join the United Way, Thames Valley Education Foundation and Labour United in making the first day of school the Best First Day for every student. How You Can Help:
Know a family in need of school supplies? Contact the child’s school principal for details. |
|
|
| Software Migration Update | |
 |
Middlesex County Library has recently moved to a new software system. We thank you for your understanding and patience while we make this change to serve you better. Things to know about this recent change:
- Update your bookmarks! Our online catalogue can now be found at catalogue.middlesex.ca
- Your PIN may have been reset to the last four digits of your phone number. If this doesn't work, please email us at librarian@middlesex.ca
or contact your local branch.
- Middlesex County Library is now fine free: overdue fines will not be charged on any items going forward. Replacement fees will still be charged for unreturned or damaged items.
- The hold pick-up period for all items is now five open days.
- Your online account has a new look! Information previously found using 'My Bookshelf' can now be found in your 'Account Portal':
- In order to maintain up to date demographic information to better serve our communities, we will be asking for your birthdate when you renew your card, or when registering for the first time.
- The MyLibrary app is no longer be available, but our new app will be launching soon! Watch for more information to come.
|
| Learn More |
|
|
|
Park Days
Join us outdoors this summer for play-based activities, fresh air, and opportunities to connect with other local families! During Park Days, EarlyON programs move to parks throughout Middlesex County for fun-filled mornings (and some afternoons) of exploration, play, and community connection.
For dates, times and locations, visit our online event calendar or download a PDF schedule. |
|
|
Ages & Stages Questionnaire Drop-in Clinic
Families with children under 6 are invited for an Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Drop-in Clinic hosted by Thames Valley District School Board. This free drop-in is a wonderful opportunity to: • Complete your child's ASQ with support from TVDSB school social workers and speech-language pathologists. • Learn about community and school-based supports available for your family.
• Connect with Allison from EarlyON to learn about EarlyON programs and services, including Check & Connect, as well as library programs and services for young children.
Where: Early Years Space, Strathroy Library, 34 Frank Street
When: Wednesday, July 22 from 9:00am until 12:00pm No registration is required. |
|
|
| For more information about Middlesex EarlyON email earlyon@middlesex.ca or call 519-666-3227. |
| Staff Picks |
|
|
Click on the book cover to place a hold. |
|
|
Tress of the Emerald Sea |
Brandon Sanderson |
The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea.
Suggested by Andrea, Komoka Branch Assistant |
|
|
The Pigeon Won't Count to 10!
| Mo Willems | The pigeon refuses to count to 10. Why? Because he doesn't want to! Will he ever count to 10?
Suggested by Anne, Lucan Branch Assistant |
|
|
|
| Charlotte McConaghy |
Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica. Home to the world's largest seed bank, Shearwater was once full of researchers, but with sea levels rising, the Salts are now its final inhabitants. Until, during the worst storm the island has ever seen, a woman mysteriously washes ashore. Isolation has taken its toll on the Salts, but as they nurse the woman, Rowan, back to strength, it begins to feel like she might just be what they need.
Suggested by Katie, Thorndale Branch Assistant |
|
|
|
| Shelley Wood |
Reluctant midwife Emma Trimpany is just 17 when she assists at the harrowing birth of the Dionne quintuplets: five tiny miracles born to French farmers in hardscrabble Northern Ontario in 1934. Emma cares for them through their perilous first days and when the government decides to remove the babies from their francophone parents, making them wards of the British king, Emma signs on as their nurse.Over 6,000 daily visitors come to ogle the identical Quints playing in their custom-built playground; at the height of the Great Depression, the tourism and advertising dollars pour in. As the fight over custody and revenues turns increasingly explosive, Emma is torn between the fishbowl sanctuary of Quintland and the wider world, now teetering on the brink of war.
Suggested by Leslie-Anne, Coldstream Supervisor |
|
|
|
| Jason Skrobar |
In The Book of Sandwiches, you'll find sandwich recipes for every day of the week and every week of the year. Sandwiches for comfort food cravings, for quick meals to grab and go, even for high-impact (low-key) ways to impress your friends. (Make someone a great sandwich and you've got a friend for life!) Inside are sandwiches for late nights when the hunger hits, and for the next morning when your energy is low . . . Try the very best new versions of well-known sandwiches, plus tons of truly inventive ideas for sandwiches you've never thought of before.
Suggested by Laura, Library Technician |
|
|
Wingspan (Board Game) |
You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats (actions). These habitats focus on several key aspects of growth: - Gain food tokens via custom dice in a birdfeeder dice tower
- Lay eggs using egg miniatures in a variety of colors
- Draw from hundreds of unique bird cards and play them
The winner is the player with the most points after 4 rounds.
Suggested by Krista, Ailsa Craig Branch Assistant |
|
|
Follow us on social media for all the latest happenings.
|
|
|
|