Fall/Winter Hours at Bala Branch

Beginning this September, the Bala Branch will be moving to Fall/Winter hours:

  • Monday: 1:00 – 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

We look forward to welcoming you during these times!  Join us at our first after school program of the season on Monday September 22 – more info below!

A Successful 2025 Auction and A Bright Future Ahead


The Friends of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library Silent Auction was a tremendous success this summer, raising over $8,500! A huge thanks to all who donated and bid! 

Thanks to this community support, funds from the Friends in 2025 have helped make possible:

  • A new projector for the activity room
  • Stars Under the Stars outdoor movie nights in Port Carling
  • Special summer programming in Bala
  • Additions to our Library of Things, books, and movies

As we look ahead to the 25th anniversary of library service from the Norma and Miller Alloway Muskoka Lakes Library (Port Carling branch) in 2026, these contributions are helping us modernize, expand programming, and plan for the future needs of our community. With your continued support, the Library will remain a welcoming place for learning, creativity, and connection.

New Things Just Landed at the Library!

Our Library of Things collection continues to grow! Now you can borrow ukuleles in addition to binoculars, pickleball sets, walking poles, carbon monoxide monitors, and more — along with classics like fishing rods, board games, Ontario Parks passes and puzzles!

Perfect for trying something new, saving money, or just having fun – no purchase required.


We’re still looking for feedback on what you would like to see! Help us grow the collection by completing this quick survey.  

Yoga on a Chair for Every Body

Tuesdays in Bala/Virtual

September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

10:00 AM- 10:45 AM


Movie and Pizza Night

Thursday September 25th, 

in Port Carling

 Flow

2024 - 84m - Rated G

5:00 PM - 6:45 PM

*pre-registration is required


Switch It Up!

Fridays in Port Carling, 

September 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

Nature Club

Monday September 22nd in Bala

3:45 PM - 4:30 PM


Story Time

Wednesdays in Port Carling

September 17th, 24th

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM


Build a Trash Monster!

Thursday September 18th, 

in Port Carling

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

*pre-registration is required


After School LEGO

Thursdays in Port Carling,

September 4th, 11th, 25th

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Tech 1-on-1

1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 

September 2nd, 16th in Port Carling,

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

*pre-registration is required


Book Club

Wednesday September 17th,

 in Port Carling

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM


Orange Shirt Day Pin Workshop

Wednesday September 17th, 

in Port Carling, 

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

*pre-registration is required


Mah Jongg, Euchre and MORE!

Thursdays in Port Carling, 

September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM


Knitting Group

Thursdays in Port Carling,

September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 Some of What's New @MLPL

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 we'll do it on your behalf!

How to Train Your Dragon

(DVD)


How to Train Your Dragon comes to life like never before as Oscar® nominee Dean DeBlois, turns his beloved animated film into a stunning live-action spectacle. On the isle of Berk, Vikings and dragons have battled for generations, but that won't stop Hiccup, the son of Chief Stoick the Vast, from building an unlikely bond with the feared dragon, Toothless. With an ancient evil threatening their worlds, it's up to Hiccup, Toothless, and their courageous companion Astrid to make the realm realize they're stronger together, and only through friendship and bravery can they overcome the challenges of a high-flying adventure.

The Call of the Honeyguide

by Rob Dunn

(Adult non-fiction book)


How rethinking our relationships with other species can help us reimagine the future of humankind. In the woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, sometime deep in our species' past, something strange happened: a bird called out, not to warn others of human presence, but to call attention to herself. Having found a beehive, that bird -- a honeyguide -- sought human aid to break in. We humans often act as though we are all alone, independent from the rest of life. As The Call of the Honeyguide shows, we are not. It is a call to action for a more beneficent, less lonely future.

Talking to My Father's Ghost

by Alex Krokus

(Adult Graphic Novel)


Inspired by real-life experience, Alex Krokus's graphic novel is a heartfelt and humorous story of losing a parent and getting to know him better after his passing.

Katabasis: a novel

by R.F. Kuang

(Adult fiction book)


In this all-new dark academia fantasy from the author of Yellowface, two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul - perhaps at the cost of their own.

My Street Remembers

by Karen Krossing

(Juvenile picture book)


How many footsteps have walked your street in the past? My Street Remembers peels back the history of one city street in North America to reveal the greater story of the land on which we live.

Influenced

by Sarah Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis

(Young adult fiction book)


Tenth grader Lainey struggles with her anxiety and shifting friendships after her twin brother moves away, but when her confident friend Bliss goes missing, Lainey uncovers a web of secrets about Bliss's hidden struggles.

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 Andrew's Author Anecdotes

Economix:how our economy works (and doesn't work) in words and pictures

by Michael Goodwin

(Adult graphic novel) 


Who knew economics could be this entertaining? Economix takes the “dismal science” and gives it a witty, visual makeover. With clever illustrations by Dan E. Burr, this graphic novel breaks down complex economic concepts and historical shifts with surprising clarity—and even a bit of sass. Think of it as Schoolhouse Rock! meets Freakonomics—a fun, eye-opening crash course you’ll actually want to finish.

Movement for Makers

46 minutes - via Creativebug


Whether you're a painter, crafter, or creator of any kind, you'll learn techniques to build strength, flexibility, and mental clarity while addressing common areas of tension like shoulders and hips. Liza also guides you through a luxurious self-massage practice that'll leave you limber. Use these essential motions to warm up, improve blood flow and coordination, or integrate them as short movement breaks during your creative sessions for longer-lasting comfort and productivity.

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