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June 2026 | Vol. 1, Issue 6
| BWG Library Chapters | | Welcome to the latest chapter of our story! Each month, we open our doors—and our pages—to share the vibrant life of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library.
In this edition, you will hear directly from the people who make our space thrive. We invite you to explore what each area of the library has on the horizon as we celebrate our collective accomplishments and look forward to being your neighbour for many years to come. | |
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Library Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday | 9:30 am - 8 pm Wednesday, Thursday | 9:30 am - 9 pm Saturday | 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday | 1 - 5 pm | |
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Welcome to the newest chapter of our library story! As we bid farewell to May and look toward the start of June, we are entering one of our most active seasons of the year with a calendar packed full of programs and community events.
I am thrilled to share that our newly redesigned website is live! We have worked hard to smooth out the final kinks to ensure the platform is mobile-friendly, modern, and easy to navigate. Our goal is to provide you with the best digital experience possible, whether you are reserving a study room or browsing our collections from home.
Looking back at May, it was wonderful to see so many of you engaging with our local history by reminiscing about the '90s. We also had a fantastic turnout for our evening with Steve Paikin These moments of connection are exactly what make our library a community hub.
June is jam-packed with excitement as we celebrate Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month. Our upcoming programs are thoughtfully designed to spread awareness, promote community, and encourage a deeper understanding of the diverse voices that shape our region. Throughout the month, peruse special themed storytimes, workshops, and displays.
We're also once again host to a Barrie Bluesfest performer. Come in to enjoy "jazzy-bluesy-eclecty" music and the intriguing guitar styles of Gerry Markman in a free, one-day-only concert.
Our staff team has evolved again.
Please join me in welcoming back our beloved Destiny, who has returned from maternity leave! Her smiling face has been greatly missed, and we are incredibly glad to have her back. We are also pleased to announce that avid library user Kaitlyn will be stepping into our Senior Page position. Her extensive customer service experience is a welcome addition to the team. Finally, Kara has joined us for the summer as our Student Page. We always love to see our "library kids" grow from student volunteers into staff members!
Be sure to keep an eye out for our summer events, starting with the African and Caribbean Festival later in July. As the weather warms up, remember the library is always a perfect place to stop in, cool down, and discover something new.
Warmly,
Nina Cunniff CEO, BWG Library |
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Visitor Guide
| Frequent flyers share their library stories. This month, you'll hear from Dannie, a member of our new 2SLGBTQI+ Advisory Committee. |
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After nearly 30 years away I moved back to Bradford in late 2022. Though I visited relatively often because my grandmother lives here, many things have changed since 1995. One of those things is the town library, a beautiful new building and an impressive pillar of the community.
When I first visited the library after moving back I was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and programs; no matter what time I showed up something always seemed to be happening. When I saw the Gender Affirming Closet project on the first floor it inspired me to get involved with the new 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Group. We’ve already had our first meeting and I’m excited to see what we can do in the future.
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Every time I visit the BWG Library I’m greeted by friendly faces and a welcoming environment. After my first visit I immediately knew that this was where I could get involved with the community and get reacquainted with Bradford. Long gone are the days of the library being a place of exclusively silent study (though they still have lots of spaces for that too!). I’m already looking forward to joining more programs and dropping by the Creative Lab to print some accessibility items for my home.
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Alan's Blueprint
| Emerging Technologies Specialist Alan will guide you through Creative Lab DIY. |
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I love old-school grunge music. I have more band t-shirts than I know what to do with. Yet, given the opportunity, I will always add to my collection. Unfortunately for my closet, the library has a sublimation printer. This means that I can create my own custom shirts for just the cost of a t-shirt and a small materials fee.
It doesn't stop at t-shirts, either. I have towels, socks, keychains, mugs—you name it, I have printed it. It means that my family gets unique, creative, one-of-a-kind, and totally useful gifts for all of their birthdays and special occasions.
If you also want to supply yourself and your family with unlimited memorabilia, look no further than the Creative Lab. This June, you |
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can sign up for a class where I'll show you how to print on a mini towel. You could have a decorative hand towel for every occasion. What beats that?
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Culturally Yours,
| From the sidelines to the spotlight, Gail shares the cultural highlights that move our community. |
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June invites us to pause and reflect on the stories that are woven into the land around us.
On June 21, communities across Canada recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day. The date itself carries deep significance, falling on the summer solstice. The longest day of the year, and a time that has long been marked by gathering, celebration, and the sharing of knowledge within many Indigenous communities. While the day was officially recognized in 1996, its roots reach back generations, grounded in tradition, connection to the land, and the passing of stories from one generation to the next.
Over time, this day has grown into an opportunity not only to celebrate |
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First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures, but also to reflect on the relationships that continue to shape our communities today. It reminds us that learning and understanding are ongoing, and that there is value in taking the time to listen.
Here in Bradford West Gwillimbury, that spirit of recognition will be felt through a day of community connection. Celebration Square will come alive with local Indigenous businesses and artisans, alongside moments of teaching, music, and dance that invite people to gather, experience, and learn together in a meaningful way.
Throughout the month of June, the library will continue to create space for this learning through workshops that celebrate Indigenous heritage. These programs offer opportunities to engage more deeply, a way to listen, and to better understand the traditions and perspectives that are an important part of our shared community.
June 21 is more than a single day. It’s a reminder that the work of listening, learning, and growing together continues, and that community is strengthened when we make space for those stories to be heard. |
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Program Prose
| Highlights and fun insights brought to you by the Programs Team. |
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There is a unique energy that fills the library when different generations cross paths. This June, we are celebrating milestones at both ends of the spectrum—honouring our community seniors for Seniors Month, while supporting our local high school seniors as they tackle their final exams.
Our celebration kicks off with Seniors Walk and Roll. Enjoy a facilitated morning walk around the library (or the BWG Leisure Centre track if it rains), followed by an insightful healthy eating discussion with nutritionist Lindsay Reid.
To help you maintain independence and confidence, we are also hosting a practical Fall Prevention Presentation. Experts from Body |
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and Balance Physiotherapy will share evidence-based techniques to improve your balance, strength, and mobility—the key factors in reducing fall risks.
Meanwhile, high school students are gearing up for academic tests. Exam Cram is here to motivate you to cross the finish line! The library is the ultimate study zone to help you ace your exams. Complete ballots to win fantastic prizes just for hitting the books.
From practicing physical balance to balancing the textbooks, June at the library is all about growth, health, and community achievement. See you on the path! | By the way: Summer Reading Club is Coming! |
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Click the image to watch the teaser video! |
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Melissa's Must Haves
| Melissa is our Acquisitions and Collections Specialist and she's always on the hunt for "things" to add to our collection. |
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My kids have always been fascinated by astronomy and anything to do with space, and they were the inspiration behind the addition of our Stargazing Kits almost two years ago. Have you had a chance to check one out yet?
We chose user-friendly binoculars instead of a telescope to make stargazing approachable for all ages and experience levels. Each kit also includes the annual Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Night Sky Guide, helping you discover incredible celestial sights throughout the year. Whether you’re spotting the moon’s craters, tracking constellations, or catching a meteor shower, there’s always something amazing happening overhead. |
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When you’re ready to bring your head back down from the stars, you can travel through history with a visit to the Simcoe County Museum. Located just north of Barrie, the museum is home to more than 30,000 artifacts displayed throughout indoor galleries and outdoor heritage buildings. Explore everything from prehistoric artifacts to modern machinery, then stroll through a replica 19th-century streetscape complete with a settler church, log cabin, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and historic train station. Perfect for families, explorers, and history lovers alike, it’s a wonderful way to experience the past brought to life.
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Local Histo-Bri
| Local History Assistant Brianna shares stories from the past. |
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Inclusivity Crosswalk on Holland Street
In 2022, the Town of BWG installed two new inclusivity crosswalks along Holland Street West, featuring the Progress Pride Flag. These crosswalks are located specifically between Drury Street and Moore Street.
Council approved the selection of the Progress Pride Flag design after it was brought forward by the town’s 2021 Deputy Mayor, James Leduc, and the Healthy Community Advisory Committee.
Activist Daniel Quasar created the Progress Pride Flag in 2018. It features the traditional six-striped rainbow flag with the addition of |
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black and brown stripes to represent Indigenous people and people of colour within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as the colours of the transgender and non-binary pride flag. These additional colours are arranged in the shape of an arrow to represent the need for further progress.
Pride reminds us to continue working to become better facilitators of respectful and inclusive spaces that not only accept diversity, but welcome it.
Check out this link for a timeline of Canada’s Queer Pride. https://www.queerevents.ca/canada/pride/history |
 | Photo of a pride crosswalk. Bradford West Gwillimbury Topic. July 23, 2022 |
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Just Ask Siiri
| Community Engagement Facilitator Siiri shares ways the library is connecting with our community.
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When you see the library team out in the community, we are doing so much more than just handing out flyers or setting up information booths. We are building bridges. As the Community Engagement Facilitator, my passion is ensuring that every resident knows the library is a space where they truly belong.
Outreach takes many shapes. You might see us hosting library tours, visiting local schools, or partnering with community organizations to promote essential programs. We coordinate critical social supports like the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and champion core initiatives like Welcome to Kindergarten and the Summer Reading Club. Whether we are sharing resources at a local festival or bringing the library directly to a classroom, our goal is to meet people exactly |
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where they are.
We do this because the library is a vital equalizer. We offer completely free resources tailored to every stage of life, providing essential tools and technology so no one gets left behind. Beyond books, libraries offer profound social support; we are a safe haven for those experiencing isolation and a welcoming space to discover more about yourself and others.
A massive part of this mission focuses on our youngest community members. Early literacy is the foundation for lifelong success. By engaging with children early on through school visits and specialized programming, we help them connect with their community and develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Teaching and supporting others is at the very core of what I do. There is nothing quite like the joy of empowering someone with a new skill or connecting them to a resource that changes their daily life. The library is a safe space to grow, and you'll find our team out there in the community, ensuring our doors—and our resources—remain wide open to everyone. |
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Reader's Advisory, EH?
| We dare you to find someone who loves books more than our Information Services Specialists. We'll wait... And while we're waiting, Elisa will spill their secrets on literary trends and deep-dive research tips. |
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The Library is for EVERYONE!
The Information Services team works hard to make sure our collection reflects the many voices, cultures, and experiences that make up our community, with book displays that help patrons see themselves represented while also discovering new perspectives and experiences.
June is an especially busy and meaningful month at the library, with a focus on both Indigenous History Month and Pride Month.
Our Indigenous History Month display celebrates the cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples through stories, memoirs, history, and books by Indigenous authors. |
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Our Pride Month display celebrates 2SLGBTQ+ voices and stories, with books that explore identity, belonging, acceptance, and community for readers of all ages.
Stop by the library to check out these displays, pick up a book, and learn more about these important communities and voices. While you're here, feel free to browse our juvenile and adult multilingual collections! |
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Tea with Emma
| Customer Service Representative Emma spills the tea with anecdotes and straight answers to frequently asked questions. |
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Your library is very popular during the summer, even with the warm weather! During the summer months, our public computers tend to see a lot more use. CSS staff often receive questions about how to use a computer in the library, so I thought I’d take a moment to explain the different computer options available and how you can use them.
We offer three types of computers in the library: public desktop computers, Chromebook laptops, and Creative Lab computers.
Creative Lab computers are all iMac computers with full Adobe Suite features. If you’re interested in using them for a creative project, stop by the Creative Lab's open hours.
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Our public desktop computers are located right next to the Service Desk. We have six computers available for anyone to use at any time. To log in, simply create a unique ID—this can be your name, a favourite colour, or even a few numbers. Just make sure your login is appropriate and something you’ll remember, especially if you need to print or request a time extension. Each session begins with a one-hour time limit, which may be extended if the library is not too busy. These computers automatically connect to our printers. Since there are only six, they can fill up quickly... if they’re all in use, we encourage you to try our laptop kiosk!
The laptop kiosk is located across from the Service Desk. We have 12 laptops available for use inside the library only. A physical library card and your account password are required to check one out. If you’ve forgotten either, please visit the CSS desk and we’ll be happy to help. Once checked out, laptops can be used anywhere in the library, including study rooms, lounge areas, and on either floor. Like the public PCs, laptops connect automatically to the internet and printers.
Please remember to sign out of all personal accounts and shut down your device when you’re finished. Although these computers are located throughout the library, one important thing they all have in common is that once your time is up, all personal information is wiped from the device.
That’s all for this month. I hope you enjoy the sunshine, the summertime, and that you’ve learned something new about your library. Take care, everyone! |
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Do you have a story to tell?
Submit your stories, thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. Have your voice heard. |
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