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May has arrived—and with it (hopefully!) a stretch of beautiful Spring weather. Whether you’re looking to get out and explore, try something new, or simply connect with others, the Muskoka Lakes Public Library has a full lineup of programs and experiences for all ages. Take a look below and take note of some extra special events happening at the end of May!
Did you know? You don’t need a Yoto Player to enjoy our collection of Yoto Cards! Simply download the Yoto App on your smartphone, create a free account, and gain access to the full collection of children’s stories, non-fiction, and music available at MLPL—with new titles being added all the time.
We’re also excited to launch our Local Passes on May 16th, we have one family pass to the Muskoka Lakes Museum and one to the Muskoka Heritage Place. Pair it with one of our park passes and make it a true Muskoka weekend! Don’t forget—we also offer passes to the Royal Ontario Museum and a growing Library of Things collection.
Please note that both Bala and Port Carling branches will be closed Monday, May 18th for Victoria Day, with regular hours resuming Tuesday. |
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Join us for our final Lunch & Learn of the season at our Port Carling branch!
This month will feature a special presentation from Muskoka Arts & Crafts, and with it being our last session before the summer break, we’re excited to open it up to even more seniors (ages 55+) in the community. Lunch will be provided for the first 30 registered participants, with additional space available for anyone interested in attending the talk. This gathering is especially meaningful as it will also be our final Lunch & Learn with Nancy (more on that below). A huge thank you to the Friends of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library for their continued support in making this program possible.
We hope you’ll join us for this final Spring gathering before the series returns in the Fall! To register, please contact info@mlpl.ca or call the library. |
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Celebrating Nancy – Retirement & Art Showcase
Join us on May 29 from 1:00–3:00pm at the library in Port Carling as we celebrate the retirement of a truly special member of our library family.
A longtime staff member in Port Carling, Nancy has been our unofficial artist-in-residence, sharing her creativity, patience, and passion with our community for many years. Those who had the opportunity, whether themselves, their children, or their grandchildren, to take part in her classes know just how exceptional a teacher she is. Nancy’s presence has been a gift to both staff and library users alike. She has brought warmth, calm, and kindness into the library every day, while also leaving behind a legacy of incredible programming that has beautified our spaces and the lives of those who participated.
While we are deeply saddened to see such a valued colleague retire, we are equally excited for what lies ahead for her. We hope this next chapter gives Nancy more time to create her beautiful artwork! And, we hope, continue to share it with all of us.
This will be a drop-in event, with light refreshments, offering an opportunity to connect, share memories, and celebrate a remarkable career—and an even more remarkable person. |
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Call for Submissions!
As part of Nancy’s send-off, we would love to display artwork inspired by her—or created through one of her programs—during the lead up to, and during, the celebration. If you or someone you know created something with Nancy, we invite you to share it with us.
To participate or coordinate a submission please email us or just bring your piece to show off at the event. Can’t make it in person? We would still love to include your work—simply send along a photo (or message) and we’ll find a way to incorporate it!
Drop in to the Port Carling branch to enjoy a display of artwork featuring the drawings and paintings of students who have attended Nancy's art programs, Artworks for Adults and Art Studio for Youth. The exhibit will be on from May 2nd to May 29th during regular library hours. |
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Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for an informative hour to learn about local services being offered by Hospice Muskoka, including Andy's House at Home. This session will be facilitated by Sarah Hudson, Community Programs Director at Hospice Muskoka.
Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca. |
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Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for an engaging hour with local author Yvonne Heath. Yvonne Heath's newest book, Addiction, Grief and Joy - A Son's Struggle And A Mother's Love is a gritty and authentic view of the all-consuming and heartbreaking realities, the illness of addiction (and mental illness) causes those that suffer and their families. Yvonne’s honesty, resilience and empathy teach us grace and acceptance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca. |
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Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 14th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for our Spring Seedling Swap.
Did you grow an abundance of one type of seeds and not so many of another? Join us at our seedling event where you can trade your extra seedlings for another variety that someone else grew.
Drop-in, all ages welcome! |
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On Wednesday May 20th in Port Carling, our fabulous Friends of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library group is hosting its Annual General Meeting and all are welcome!
The Friends of the MLPL are a group dedicated to promoting, supporting and improving the services and facilities of the MLPL branches in Port Carling and Bala.
The meeting begins at 11:00 a.m. in the Heritage Room and is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about this group. |
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Come to our Port Carling branch on Thursday May 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. for an adult crafting evening where you will be guided through the steps of sewing a custom tote bag. All materials and supplies are provided.
Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca. |
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| Community Concert May 29th
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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Join us for a special evening celebrating some of the voices of our community! On May 29 at 5:30pm, our Port Carling branch will come alive with music as The Muskoka Lakes Children’s Choir takes to the stage. This year’s performance will be a fun and memorable showcase of everything they’ve been working on with the help of their intrepid Choir leaders.
Bring your family, friends, and neighbours and enjoy an uplifting evening filled with music, community spirit, and plenty of proud moments. |
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Move and Mingle
Mondays in Bala, May 4th, 11th, 25th 2:00 - 4:45 PM
Yoga on a Chair for Every Body Tuesdays in Bala, May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
10:00 - 10:45 AM
Spring Seedling Swap
Thursday May 14th, in Port Carling, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Movie and Pizza Night Thursday May 28th, in Port Carling
Shaun the Sheep Movie 2015 - 1hr 25m - Rated PG 5:00 PM - 6:45 PM
*pre-registration is required
Muskoka Children's Choir Concert
Friday May 29th in Port Carling, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
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Art Studio for Youth
Saturdays in Port Carling, May 2nd, 9th 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM *full, waitlist available
Creative Kids Club Saturdays in Port Carling,
May 2nd, 9th 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM *pre-registration is required
Muskoka Children's Choir Tuesdays in Port Carling, May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
4:45 PM - 6:00 PM *pre-registration in required
Story Time Wednesdays in Port Carling, May 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Boards, Blocks, and Bites
Thursday May 14th, in Port Carling, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
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Tech 1-on-1
Tuesdays in Port Carling, May 5th, 19th 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM *pre-registration is required
Andy's House at Home Information Session with Hospice Muskoka Thursday May 7th,
in Port Carling 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM *pre-registration is required
Mah Jongg, Euchre and MORE! Thursdays in Port Carling, May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Knitting Group
Thursdays in Port Carling, May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Intro to Yoga in the Library with Candice Thursday May 7th, in Port Carling
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM Saturday May 23rd, in Port Carling 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
*pre-registration is required
Author Talk with Yvonne Heath Thursday May 14th,
in Port Carling 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM *pre-registration is required
Small Talk Tuesday May 19th, in Port Carling
The Masterpiece - 20m 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Friends of the Library AGM Wednesday May 20th, in Port Carling,
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Book Club
Wednesday May 20th, in Port Carling 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Books being discussed:
The Innocents by Michael Crummey
One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This
by Omar El Akkad
Beaded Medicine Wheel and Teachings with MIFCC
Thursday May 21st, in Port Carling, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM *pre-registration is required
Intro to Sewing for Adults - Sew a Tote Bag Thursday May 21st,
in Port Carling 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM *pre-registration is required
Seniors' Lunch and Learn Friday May 29th, in Port Carling,
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM *pre-registration is required |
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(DVD)
The Allies, led by the unyielding chief prosecutor, Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon), have the task of ensuring high ranking Nazi officials answer for the Holocaust in the trial of the century, while a US Army psychiatrist (Rami Malek) is locked in a dramatic psychological duel with former Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring (Russell Crowe) revealing the sobering truth that ordinary men commit extraordinary evil. |
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by Christine Flynn(Adult non-fiction book)
Easy Does It offers 98 simple recipes that save time and money without sacrificing flavour or style. Drawing from decades of restaurant experience, Christine Flynn shares strategies for enhancing your culinary repertoire with less effort, time, and waste.
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by Kerry Clare(Adult fiction book)
Clemence Lathbury returns to her hometown resolved to build a life for herself that is good and substantial, to become the kind of sensible woman who won't be distracted by frippery and romance. It's supposed to be 'Eat, Pray, Love', without the love part. But Clemence soon finds herself attracted to two very different men - each a romantic lead in his own right. But how to choose? And never mind the complications of her quirky family.
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by Neil Sharpson(Juvenile picture book)
A supposed nature guide humorously warns readers why they should never trust fish, exploring their mysterious and villainous nature. |
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by Joyce Grant(Juvenile non-fiction book)
We are all in information bubbles, whether we realize it or not. The content that fills our bubble is the product of all the likes, clicks, and shares we make online. While we may enjoy what the algorithm pushes to us, we can gradually lose sight of perspectives and points of view that are different from our own. 'Burst Your Bubble' provides insight into the dangers of limited information and offers tangible suggestions on how to move beyond it. |
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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! |
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by Iain Reid(Adult fiction book)
After searching for something different to read, I decided to take a chance with a psychological, sci-fi thriller.
The book titled, Foe, one of Canada Reads 2026 contenders, written by Iain Reid, turned out to be a hit, rather than a miss. The story introduces us to a couple who live a quiet, isolated life on a farm, far from the city, when late one night, a visitor arrives.
“We don’t get visitors. Never have. Not out here.” From the first page, the suspense begins. A stranger arrives with an announcement that will change the couple’s lives forever. I was immediately captivated by the opening scenario.
The story then follows the husband, Junior, as he struggles with the disruption caused by this visitor who moves into their home, with the purpose of preparing Junior for a trip he is about to go on. Conflict and suspicion increase between the three, as they navigate their way through this odd situation. The suspense continues to build, with barely a pause between each brief chapter. Filled with unsettling questions and vague explanations about the real reasons surrounding the stranger’s presence, I found this little book to be a real page- turner with a shocking ending.
You think you know what is going on, until you don’t! |
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Everyone knows boredom — but everyone experiences it differently. Is it painful emptiness or the engine of creativity? Nerve-racking restlessness or peaceful calm? Psychologists, neuroscientists and philosophers are getting to the bottom of this mysterious feeling through fascinating experiments: Why is boredom more tolerable for some than for others? How much boredom is actually good for us — and what really happens in the brain when “nothing” happens? Spoiler: quite a lot. |
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