Muskoka Lakes Public Library November 2025 Newsletter Banner. The word November across a fall coloured field.

MUSKOKA LAKES PUBLIC LIBRARY
NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CLOSURE – BALA BRANCH

The Bala Library Branch will be closed from Wednesday, October 29th through Friday, November 7th to allow for facility improvements that will enhance safety, accessibility, and service to the community. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Re-opening: Monday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m.


Returns:
The exterior book drop will remain open. All returns will continue to be collected regularly.


Holds:
Reserved items will be held until reopening, or can be arranged for pickup at the Port Carling Branch upon request.

For assistance, please contact library staff at:
info@mlpl.ca | 705-765-5650


Thank you for your understanding as we make these improvements to serve you better.

Cover image of Beneath Enemy Skies book showing a silhouette of two people walking away toward mountains and airplanes flying above, and a portrait of the author, Katrina Lawrence.

Thursday November 6th

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Special Event - Katrina Lawrence Author Talk

Come to our Port Carling branch for an engaging hour with local artist and author Katrina Lawrence.  Katrina's debut novel, Beneath Enemy Skies was published in March 2025, and became a #1 Best Seller on Amazon in the "Women in WWII" category.  

*pre-registration is required

The Shoebox Project for Women inside a red circle, beside a gingham patterned bow.

Muskoka Lakes Public Library is proud to once again be a donation site for the The Muskoka Shoebox Project!

The need is greater than ever this year! Our community’s generosity can truly make all the difference.

Starting November 4th at our PortCarling branch, and November 10th at our Bala branch, we’ll be collecting wrapped shoeboxes filled with essentials and little luxuries for women in need right here in Muskoka.

Spoon with many colours of spoon coming out of the bowl with the words Muskoka Multicultural Association

Discover the World of Shrimp Aquaculture

Wednesday 

November 26th

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

In partnership with the Muskoka Multicultural Association, join us on Wednesday November 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to explore how Mexico has become the world’s second-largest producer of shrimp. Learn about the innovative methods used to cultivate this global delicacy, the challenges faced by producers, and how food traditions like these connect cultures and communities around the world.


The Muskoka Multicultural Association celebrates diversity and inclusion across our region, helping newcomers feel at home and fostering connections through shared culture, learning, and community events.

*pre-registration is required

Dark purple background with a robot hand hovering above the words Artificial Intelligence

AI Digital Literacy for Everyone:
Understanding and Using AI Safely in Your Daily Life

Curious about AI and want to learn more? Join Dr. Ainslie Harris from Zivo on Saturday November 29th from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for an introduction to what AI is, what it can and can’t do, and how to use it safely at home and at work. No technical background needed! This no-jargon session is perfect for adults who want to better understand today’s most talked-about technology.


Participants will receive free access to Zivo’s AI Essentials online course, with the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion.

*pre-registration is required

Yoga on a Chair for Every Body

Tuesdays in Bala/Virtual

November 4th*, 11th, 18th, 25th

10:00 - 10:45 AM

*Location change on this date.  Yoga on a Chair for Every Body will be held at the Trinity St. Alban's Anglican Church in Bala, 1024 Bala Falls Road.


Switch It Up in Bala!

Monday November 17th, 1 - 5pm
Tuesday November 18th, 10 - 2pm
Thursday November 20th, 10 - 2pm

Movie and Pizza Night

Thursday November 27th, 

in Port Carling

Hitpig!

2024 - 1hr 25m - Rated PG

5:00 PM - 6:45 PM

*pre-registration is required

Bala After School Fun

Monday November 10th in Bala, 

3:45 PM - 4:30 PM


Jr. Homeschool Group

Tuesday November 25th

 in Port Carling 

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM


Story Time

Wednesdays in Port Carling

November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM


Boards, Blocks, and Bites

Thursday November 20th,

 in Port Carling 

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM


Art Studio for Youth

Saturdays in Port Carling, 

November 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

*pre-registration is required


Creative Kids Club

Saturdays in Port Carling, 

November 1st, 8th

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

*pre-registration is required

Small Talk

Tuesday November 18th,

 in Port Carling 

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The Phone Call - 21m


Tech 1-on-1

1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 

November 4th, 18th in Port Carling,

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

*pre-registration is required


Book Club

Wednesday November 19th,

Books being discussed:

James by Percival Everett

Off the Record by Peter Mansbridge

 in Port Carling

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM


Discover the World of Shrimp Aquaculture

Wednesday November 26th, 

in Port Carling

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

*pre-registration is required


Katrina Lawrence Author Talk

Thursday November 6th in Port Carling,

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

*pre-registration is required


Intro to Yoga in the Library with Candice

Thursday November 13th,

 in Port Carling

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

*pre-registration is required


Mah Jongg, Euchre and MORE!

Thursdays in Port Carling, 

November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM


Knitting Group

Thursdays in Port Carling,

November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM


Artworks for Adults

Saturday November 15th,

in Port Carling

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Friday November 21st in Port Carling,

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

*pre-registration is required


Seniors' Lunch and Learn

Friday November 28th in Port Carling, 

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

*pre-registration is required


AI Digital Literacy for Everyone: Understanding and Using AI Safely in Your Daily Life

Saturday November 29th,

 in Port Carling

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

*pre-registration is required 

 Some of What's New @MLPL

Image of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library catalogue banner, with the Log In/My Account section highlighted

You can place a hold on any of these items by logging in to your account on the top right of our catalogue search page. 


 You can even tell us which branch you'd like to pick your item(s) up at, either Bala or Port Carling!  


Not interested in doing it yourself? Just shoot us an email info@mlpl.ca or give us a call at 705-765-5650 and staff will be happy to help!

Brad Pitt in front of a racecar, wearing a racing uniform

F1 The Movie

(DVD)


Sonny Hayes was the most promising phenom in the 1990s in Formula 1 until an accident on the track. Thirty years later, his former teammate Ruben Cervantes convinces him to come back and drive alongside hotshot rookie Joshua Pearce for one last shot at being the best in the world. Sonny's past catches up with him, and he finds that the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.

Cover of Future Boy with a streak of flames coming out of the back of a car with lightning strikes going up the hood.

Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum

by Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry

(Adult non-fiction book)


Future Boy is a heartfelt and funny memoir about how, in 1985, Michael J. Fox brought to life two iconic roles simultaneously - Alex P. Keaton in 'Family Ties' and Marty McFly in 'Back to the Future'. An amazing true story as only Michael J. Fox can tell it.

Winter scene with a red cabin and chimney smoke in the background, and small white dog with black spots on it, three sap buckets on trees and a person collecting sap while dressed up for winter.

Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession

by Peter Kuitenbrouwer

(Adult non-fiction book)


Maple Syrup is a forester's enlightening journey to uncover the story behind Canada's iconic sweet nectar. Blending history, culture, science and personal reflection, this illustrated love letter to maple syrup will appeal to fans of Canadiana and those interested in how maple syrup became Canada's obsession.

Woman dressed in an elaborate gown, golden on top and animal skulls as the skirt. She has a partial mask on, covering her cheeks.

Boleyn Traitor

by Philippa Gregory

(Adult fiction book)


Her secrets shaped a kingdom. Her loyalty was deadly. Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where nothing is more powerful than a secret. And power rests on the edge of a tyrant king's sword. She wears many masks--loving wife, devoted sister, and obedient spy. It's what a woman must do to survive. The only weapon she has is her voice. They say Jane's whispers sealed the fate of two queens. They called her a liar and a traitor. But the truth is far more dangerous.

Cartoon closeup of a quokka smiling with large eyes under the book title I Am NOT Happy!

I Am Not Happy!

by Caroline L. Perry

(Juvenile picture book)


This hilarious picture book introduces the adorable quokka, who - despite his ever-present smile - is definitely not as happy as he looks!

Cartoon Axolotl waving and appearing socially uncomfortable.

Max a Little Axolotl

by Joey Spiotta

(Juvenile graphic novel)


It's Max's first day at Coral Elementary school. The school is filled with marine animals, like dolphins, crabs, and octopus. But none of the other students have ever seen an axolotl before ... and they have SO MANY QUESTIONS. Can this little axolotl adjust to his new underwater school or will the pressure just be too much? This silly and sweet graphic novel explores themes of friendship, nature conservation,and so much more!

Each month we will include a title or two that a staff member has recently read. Yes, we could call it Staff Picks, but where's the alliterative fun in that?


So, without further ado, please enjoy Nancy's Novel Notes!

Portrait image of Nancy smiling
Steam train approaching with lights on through fog.

The Paris Express

by Emma Donoghue

(Adult fiction book) 


For fans of Emma Donoghue (Room, Pull of the Stars), this is a must read! Based on an incredible, actual event, the author tells a story of what takes place in a single day on a train bound for Paris in 1895.

The reader is introduced to a range of characters, all passengers from different classes- as the author uses their individual stories to enhance the anticipation of the outcome. As the train gets closer to its destination, we learn more about the main characters and their reasons for this journey, adding to the anxiety created of how this story will end for everyone.

A quick read, only 262 pages, but this historical novel packed a punch!

This was a great ride with an incredibly, unexpected ending!

Readers must not be tempted to search this historical event beforehand and do NOT flip to the back pages of this book until you have finished reading it!

Coming Soon to our Library of Things collection later this month!

Get ready to explore, create, and brighten your days with our newest additions:

  • Happy Light  – boost your mood with a little extra light this winter.

  • Heavy Duty Coin Sorter/Counter – make quick work of loose change (supply your own coin rolls)

  • Meta VR Headset – step into virtual worlds without leaving home.

  • Blu-ray Player – enjoy movie nights, old or new, in high definition (use with our collection of 100s of Blu-ray discs!)

  • Cricut Explore 4 - Available to book for in-house use in mid-November! Bring your own supplies and get creating! Need a tutor?  Staff will be available to teach 1-on-1 sessions, similar to our Tech 1-on-1 program. 

Plus, explore favourites already in the collection like walking poles, bionoculars, parks passes and more!

Man sitting in a throne with the word HAMLET beside him.
Hamlet - Ian McKellen - Feature Film - 2024 - Trailer - 4K

Hamlet

1hr 57 minutes - via kanopy


A tale of revenge that has stood the test of time, Shakespeare's classic tragedy is reimagined for the modern day as a gripping psychological thriller! Transcending the confines of the stage in a uniquely modern take, the film utilises nearly every room of the Theatre Royal Windsor to transform it into the immortal Elsinore Castle, from basement dungeon to roof-top battlement. 

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Muskoka Lakes Public Library
Box 189
69 Joseph St
Port Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0
705-765-5650
mlpl.ca