Winter Holiday Closures

The Library will be closed: 

Christmas 
Monday, December 25 
Tuesday, December 26

New Year's Day
Monday, January 1

Family Day 
Monday, February 19

Owen Sound
Mini Con:
Artist’s Alley Call for Applicants

We’re looking for artists to showcase their work at the 2024 Owen Sound Mini Con. If you’re an artist who creates comics or fandom related content, we’d like to invite you to join us!

Complete the Exhibitor Application form and submit it for consideration by April 5. 

Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, February 10
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Youth Services & Main 

Join us for Lunar New Year celebrations with our friends from the Grey Bruce Chinese Heritage and Culture Association.

 Enjoy crafts and cultural activities for children and adults to ring in the Year of the Dragon.
Drop-in.

Photo Digitization

Do you have a lot of old 35mm film lying around that you’re not sure what to do with? Relive old memories and preserve your photos by digitizing. The Library now loans a Magnasonic All-in-One scanner to help you digitize 35mm film, super 8 film and slides. 

Trekking Poles

A new addition to our Library of Things! Need a little extra stability on your hikes or maybe you’re just looking for more of a full body workout – the Library now loans trekking poles!

 And don’t forget, with the return of the snow, you can borrow snowshoes too!

Envoy Connect Audiobook Player

Starting in January, the Library will have two Envoy Connect players to loan. The Envoy Connect is a portable audiobook player for people with print disabilities.  

Library Book Sale 
*3rd Thursday

Thursday, January 18
2:00 pm - 7:30 pm 
Friday, January 19
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday, February 15
2:00 pm - 7:30 pm 
Auditorium

Browse and buy gently used paperbacks, fiction, non-fiction, young adult, children’s books, DVDs and other specially priced items.

Cash, debit and credit cards accepted. 
Please help out by bringing your own shopping bag.

Library Podcast – The Bulletin

Beginning in January!

The Library is starting a podcast! Listen monthly to hear about upcoming programs and exciting events. Each episode will feature guests from within the library and from our community, who will share anecdotes and expertise.

 Check social media for more information.

Calling All Poets

The Owen Sound Poet Laureate carries out a number of official duties and acts as an ambassador for poetry and literary arts within the community. 

Applications must be emailed to info@library.osngupl.ca and an application package must be delivered to the Library no later than January 29, 2024

at 4:00 pm.

Holiday Crafts 

Friday, December 8
 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Main Level

Drop by to make a selection of holiday crafts while supplies last.

Stitch It Together

Thursdays,
December 14 & 28, January 11 & 25,
February 8 & 22
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Boardroom

Do you knit, crochet, spin, cross-stitch, embroider, rug hook, needle felt, hand sew or mend?

Bring your own stitch project, and travel mug, for a relaxing afternoon of making.
Meet other crafty folk and stitch your stress away. Drop-in.

Adult Winter Reading Bingo

January 1 to March 31 
Bingo cards are available  at the end of December

Grab a bingo card and complete all the challenges by the end of March. 
Get 5 in a row – up, down, across or diagonal – to receive a prize draw ballot!  
Return completed sheet to the Information Desk for a chance to win a bonus prize!

Smart Kids,
Struggling Readers

Monday, December 18
7:00 pm
 Auditorium
Presented by Daniella Green from International Dyslexia Awareness Ontario

Daniella will discuss her path from assisting her struggling reader to advocacy with the International Dyslexia Association of Ontario. Join her as she shares her journey and why she is a proud mom of a child with dyslexia. This talk offers knowledge and resources on supporting all learners and those with dyslexia at home and at school to learn to read.

Winter Scrabble
@ the Library

Fridays
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

You are invited to join us for a game of Scrabble. Beginners welcome.

Pop-Up Museum @ the Library

Wednesdays,

January 10 & February 7
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Carnegie

Join Zack McLean, the Curator / Manager of the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre for a pop-up museum program at the Library. 

Astronomy Talks with Stargazer John: Top Ten Astronomy and Space Facts

Wednesday, January 3 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Auditorium
All ages

Come and see actual space rocks from famous meteorite falls! Find out ten interesting facts about Astronomy and Space Science, including the truth about the first footprints on the Moon, space rocks that are falling on your head, and an aurora named “STEVE”. 
Registration required.

Astronomy Talks with Stargazer John: The Lights they call “Aurora” and “Steve”

Tuesday, January 16
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Auditorium
All ages

Look up! See the most awe-inspiring light show in our night sky.
View spectacular images of the Aurora Borealis and the Aurora Australis. Discover what causes them. This is prime time for local aurora watching promising some magnificent displays. 

Registration required.

Astronomy Talks with
Stargazer John:
A Star Named “Sol”

Wednesday, January 31 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Auditorium
All ages

Our “Sol” is the closest star to us in our solar system.

What’s inside that ball of fire? Why are there spots on the Sun? And other mysteries illuminated.

Followed by safe outdoor viewing through a telescope
(weather permitting).
Registration required. 

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: "The Journey of Support Starts Here"

 Tuesday, January 23 2:00 pm - 3:00pm
Boardroom

Join Sandra Hong, Public Education Coordinator at Alzheimer Society Grey Bruce, for an enlightening session that will delve into various aspects related to Alzheimer's and dementia support within our community.  
Registration required.

CELA (Centre for Equitable
Library Access)
Information Session

Wednesday, January 24 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Auditorium

CELA is a free service for people who have difficulty reading print material. Join library staff as they explain how to expand your collection of free accessible reading material courtesy of CELA and your library card.
Registration required.

Online Resources

Tuesday, January 30
2:00 pm
Monday, February 19
7:00 pm
Auditorium

Choose one of two dates to attend a short presentation about accessing the many digital resources available free at the Library.

These materials are available to serve your entertainment, education and employment needs.
Registration required.

Owen Sound Memoir Author Reading & Workshop Series 

The library is pleased to be a partner with Arlen Wiebe, personal historian, writer and editor on his new Owen Sound Memoir  Author Reading and Workshop series. Local individuals will have an opportunity to learn from the Canadian memoir authors in a workshop setting. 

We are honoured to be hosting Canadian comedian, CBC Radio host, and memoir author of "Is There Bacon in Heaven?", Ali Hassan on February 2 - 3

Blind Date
with a Book 

February 1 to 14

We’re playing matchmaker again this year!
Tell us your favourite authors, books and/or movies before February 11 and we’ll be your Valentine’s Day matchmaker.

Keep an eye on our website for the link as of February 1st.

Fiction Short Story Writing with Rob Ritchie Workshop Series

Fridays,
February 9 - March 1
 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Boardroom 

Have you ever wanted to write and just did not know where to start? Hosted by author Rob Ritchie whose latest novel, Between the Sand and the Sea was published last year. This 4-week workshop will teach beginners how to write a fiction short story. Sign up quickly as space is limited! 

Cost is only $40 per person for all 4 sessions. Registration required

Library Taskmaster

 Tuesday, February 13 7:00 pm
Auditorium

Get ready for an evening of hilarity! Register as a team of 4-5 people to compete in a series of ridiculous tasks and a chance to win the Golden Head! 

Don’t want to play? Join as part of our Taskmaster audience.
Registration deadline
for teams is February 2.

East Side Story….
A 1950s
Murder Mystery

Friday, February 23
6:30 pm
Carnegie

Register by January 31
to receive your invitation and character for this after hours’ party.

There’s going to be a cold-blooded murder!

An Evening with Tony Miller

Wednesday, February 28 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Auditorium

In honour of Black History Month, please join us for an evening presentation with local artist and author Tony Miller. Listen as he shares inspiration about his art, his book Daddy Hall: A Biography in 80 Linocuts and learn about his family history. Registration required.

Seed Library

Donate by February 29 

The Seed Library needs seeds! Consider donating open pollinated vegetable and flower seeds to our community seed lending library. Include the common or scientific name, variety, days to maturity, year saved, and location grown.

Seedy Saturday will take place on March 23.

Grey Sauble
Conservation Authority’s Environmental Book Club 

Date/time to be determined based on the availability of the participating group.

Collectively we will explore nature-based titles, providing a great opportunity to learn more about the environment, spark meaningful conversations and share ideas with others who are interested in these topics. Together we can learn, grow and support one another in shared efforts to raise environmental awareness.

To register,
please email:
c.vieira@
greysauble.on.ca

Survey for Writers:
Writing Programs @ the Library

Recently, we invited local writers to come out to a planning session so that we could talk about possible library programs that might interest them.

We have a short 11 question survey.
Tell us what dates and times might work for you. Find out about some of the resources, programs and services that we offer local writers. 

Youth Social Justice Group

Thursdays,
January 11 & February 8
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Auditorium

Students in grades 7-12 and community educators come together to discuss social justice issues in our community. Come chat, make art, and share your thoughts!

 Registration required.

Teen Advisory Group

Tuesdays,
December 5, January 2, and February 6
7:00 pm
Boardroom

Recruiting students in grades 7-12! 

This volunteer youth board works to develop library programming for youth and build our young adult collection. Develop your leadership skills and make a difference in your community.

Teen Writing Group

Wednesdays,
January & February
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Grades 7-12
Boardroom

Meet other young writers in your community.
Give and receive constructive feedback in
a safe creative space.
Drop-in.

Percussion Instruments

Our latest Toy Kits contain a selection of percussion instruments including cowbells, spoons, shakers, bells, castanets and more.

The perfect thing if your little one really wants to make some noise or you’re ready to start a family band!
Thank you to the Big Sound for donating these items to the Library.

Library 2 School

In-Person Class Visits and Library Field Trips

Encourage literacy and library use with our engaging tours and activities, or let us come to your classroom! See what cool things the library has to offer children — from books and programs, to tech toys, games, and more.

Book Bundles

Youth Services are offering book bundles for parents and kids for pickup.

Bundles will have an assortment of 10 books that can be both customized or pre-selected by staff.

Be sure to include your child’s age and interests to help us find your next great read!

Preschool Storytime

Tuesdays, 10:30 am
(on hiatus
January 16 & January 23)
Youth Services

Join us for stories, songs, and movement!
Bring your singing
voice as we acquire early literacy skills.
Drop-in.

Babytime

Thursdays, 10:30 am
(on hiatus
January 18 & January 25)

Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes! Meet other parents and build your baby’s pre-literacy skills! Babytime is at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery on the last Thursday of the month except January.
For babies ages
birth to 18 months.
Drop-in. 

LEGO® Club

Wednesday, December 20,
January 17, and
February 21
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Grades K-6
Youth Services 

Join us on the third Wednesday of the month to bring your LEGO® designs to life! Each month, club participants will be given a different building challenge.
What will you build?
Drop-in. 

LEGO® Building Competition: Building Bee

Wednesday,
December 27
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Open for JK - Grade 8 & Family Builds
Auditorium

Come build together in preparation for the Library’s LEGO® Building Competition. Standardized LEGO® kits will be provided, and participants are encouraged to submit their creations for judging.
Registration required.

LEGO® Building Competition

Viewing and Voting
Friday, December 29
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Saturday, December 30 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Awards Ceremony
Saturday, December 30 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Open for JK - Grade 8 & Family Builds
Auditorium

Do you love building with LEGO®? Do you love looking at LEGO® creations? Test your LEGO® skills and win LEGO® prizes!

Pick up an information package from Youth Services today.
Register by Thursday, December 28

Scientists in School: Science Snippets

Friday, January 5
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Ages 4-12
Online
(Microsoft Teams)

Join our friends from Scientists in School for a hands-on, at-home workshop on chemistry, biology, and physics! All materials provided in advance of the program.
Registration required. 

Family Literacy Day: Alphabet Zoo!

Saturday, January 27 10:00 am - 11:30 am 
Ages 0-6
Auditorium

Celebrate Family Literacy Day with our friends from EarlyON! Enjoy circle time, crafts, and activities! Tickets are required, available beginning on Tuesday, January 2
at the Library and the East Ridge EarlyON site.

PD Day Scientists in School: Shoot, Score, Science, and More!

Friday, February 2
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Ages 4-12
Online
(Microsoft Teams) 

Explore the science of sports with Scientists in School! Explore dominance, balance through sculpture, engineer a better hockey puck, and build a mini golf course.
All materials provided.
Registration required.

PD Day:
Game On! 

Friday, February 2
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Grades 1-6
Auditorium

Show off your gaming skills with our retro consoles and cool video games!
Try out old favourites and hidden gems at this casual gaming buffet.
Drop-in.   

Winter Hours

This year, the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre will have Winter Hours!

We will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. 

You can also email info@waterfrontheritage.ca to arrange a visit any day of the week.

Christmas at Billy Bishop Museum

Our home will be decorated and visitors are welcomed to join us for Christmas Open House December 5 – 8 from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

There will be three Christmas teas with one sitting per date. 

J. James:
Living Histories

Guest curated by 
Richard J. Thomas
Dec 9, 2023 - Mar 9, 2024

An exhibition of historical photographs by local photographer J. James illuminating the history of Owen Sound.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a collection of personal family photographs and stories by locals related to the history of Owen Sound.