BWG Library Chapters

Get Involved in the Culture

For more information, contact David: dalexander@bradford.library.on.ca.

dispenser by printing a new cutting edge when the original piece snapped off.

Since we opened the lab in November, we've done 13,111 minutes of printing (53 jobs), so it isn't often that a user walks in with a print idea that stops me in my tracks, but in April, it happened! A local high school student came in to print an anatomically correct cross-section of a human head for a school project.

This student took a complex, abstract concept from a textbook and turned it into a tangible, high-definition model he could hold in his hands. It’s one thing to see a diagram of human biology; it’s another thing entirely to build it from the ground up. Watching that happen really brings home the idea that the Lab is here to help people build a better understanding of their world.

explore the cultural significance of sweetgrass and create sweetgrass mist, learning about smoke‑free smudging as a respectful alternative in certain spaces. This workshop offers space for learning, reflection, and connection through hands‑on making. 

Music fills our space later in the month as we welcome the Bradford District High School Grades 11 and 12 Concert Band. Their performance brings with it a story of dedication and achievement. This year, the band earned a Silver Plus Award at the OBA Provincial Band Festival, along with the Woodwind Excellence Award and the Spirit of the Festival Award, celebrating not only musicianship, but positivity, professionalism, and encouragement of others. Their journey continues as they prepare to represent BDHS at MusicFest Nationals; we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments with our community. 

May also creates room for conversation and connection as we welcome Councillor Jonathan Scott, who will be hosting two events at the library. The first brings the community together around important conversations on housing, food insecurity, and poverty in Bradford. On Wednesday, May 27, we’ll gather in the Zima Room for a screening of Thinking Beyond the Market: A Film About Genuinely Affordable Housing by Dr. Brian Doucet, followed by space for reflection and discussion. 

The dialogue continues  on May 30 with an evening featuring legendary Canadian broadcaster and author Steve Paikin, who will join us for a conversation and author talk, with a book signing to follow. This is an opportunity to hear stories, share ideas, and connect through conversation. 

Throughout May, Cultural Services becomes a place for remembrance, creativity, music, and dialogue. Where stories are shared, voices are lifted, and community gathers.  

our shelves for everyone to see. More brainy than artsy? Sign up for our first-ever Teen Trivia Night for snacks, brain-teasers, and prizes.

You know we have always got fun stuff for kids, but this May be the time to come see our stockpile of ideas for kindred spirits of all ages! 

unique themes to choose from, there’s something for every curious explorer. These backpacks are a great way to get the whole family outdoors learning, discovering, and playing together. Pair your adventure with an Ontario Parks pass, available through the library. These passes provide unlimited day-use access for one vehicle and its occupants to all Ontario provincial parks where fees apply—making it even easier to explore the great outdoors. 

And for those quieter moments, especially if your kids are anything like mine, graphic novels and comics are always a hit. With ComicsPlus, you get unlimited digital access to thousands of comics, graphic novels, and manga—available anytime, anywhere, on your phone, tablet, or computer with your library card.

Believe me when I say, your library card is ready for whatever comes next! 

  Local Histo-Bri

Bradford West Gwillimbury looked like during its decade as a “90s baby.” 

Or visit our StoryMap to compare our archival photos directly to their modern Google Maps street view! 

Soon, reading became part of their daily routine. They read in the morning, after lunch, and always before bed. Some books they read over and over again—Nina’s favorite about a pigeon driving a bus was requested at least ten times. But her dad didn’t mind. “Every time we read it,” he said, “your brain is growing stronger.” 

As the days turned into weeks, Nina noticed something magical happening. She started recognizing words, imagining her own endings to stories. Sometimes, Nina would even line up her stuffed animals and read to them—and to her cat, who blinked slowly and flicked its tail, clearly unimpressed but an excellent listener all the same. 

Their reading time wasn’t just about books—it was filled with laughter, questions, and cuddles. 

Every so often, they returned to the library. When Nina reached 100 books, she proudly walked up to the front desk and received a small prize. “I did it!” she whispered, clutching it tightly. 

“On to the next 100,” her dad said with a wink. 

They also began attending Storytime at the library. There, Nina sang songs, clapped to rhymes, and listened to stories with other children. It made reading feel like a celebration. 

By the time Nina reached 500 books, she could hardly believe it. At the library, she received a special “halfway there” prize and held it up like a trophy. “I’m halfway to a thousand!” she announced proudly, already excited for all the stories still to come. 

Finally, one cozy evening, after finishing a story about a grumpy monkey, Nina coloured in her very last circle. “One thousand,” her dad said softly. 

At the library, Nina received a certificate and a grand prize, but what mattered most to her wasn’t the reward—it was the journey. The stories, the laughter, the quiet moments together. 

As they walked home, Nina looked up and said, “Can we keep reading even after kindergarten?” 

Her dad smiled. “Of course. I have a feeling you're going to need a lot more shelves for all your books someday...” 

chance we can assist. At the desk, for a small fee, patrons can purchase helpful supplies like USB drives, wired headphones, and envelopes—perfect for using our computers and printing services. 

For anyone who comes to the library to study, socialize, or relax with friends, we have some fun, free options available. The front desk offers games like UNO, decks of cards, chess sets, and Jenga. The whiteboards in the Teen Area are also available to use; just ask at the desk for a whiteboard marker kit, which includes different coloured markers and a dry eraser. As with all borrowed materials, be sure to return the kits to CSS staff when you’re done. These items do not require you to use a library card, and can be used by anyone in the library.