This Winter at Your Library

trees across bottom of image, text reads

To learn more about these great services contact the Information Desk at 519-376-6623 ext. 3 or info@library.osngupl.ca

LIBRARY SERVICES

green background with stencil trees, text reads Winter Closures

Winter Holiday Closures

The Library will be closed:

Christmas Holidays:
Tuesday, December 24
Wednesday, December 25

Thursday, December 26

New Year's Holidays:
Tuesday, December 31
Wednesday, January 1

Family Day:

Monday, February 17

P.S. Even though the library is closed, you can access our great online resources 24/7!

Leaves & Literature: GSCA's Environmental Book Club

Date/Time to be determined based on availability of group

Collectively we will explore nature-based titles; learning more about the environment through meaningful and uplifting dialogue. Together we can learn, grow and support one another to help raise environmental awareness.

Join us by emailing: education@
greysauble.on.ca.

Honour with Books

Support the Library by donating to the “Honour with Books” program.

Your contribution helps us purchase books that celebrate loved ones. Each donation not only enriches our collection but also creates a lasting tribute, fostering a love for reading in our community.

Give the gift of knowledge today.

Donate Now

Library Book Sale
*3rd Thursday

Thursday, January 16
2:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Friday, January 17
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thursday, February 20 2:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Auditorium

Drop in to browse and buy. Nearly new, used, paperbacks, fiction, non-fiction, young adult, children’s books, DVDs and specially priced items available! Cash, debit and credit cards accepted. Please help out by bringing your own shopping bag.

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

We’re looking for artists to showcase their work at the 2025 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 4.

Join the Fun!

Library of Things

Winter is coming!

With the return of the snow, you can borrow snowshoes and for added stability on those winter walks, you can also borrow trekking poles.
Keep enjoying being outside in all seasons with an Ontario Parks Pass or Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Pass. Free to borrow at the Library.

Place a Hold

LOTE4Kids

LOTE4Kids is a multilingual digital picture book platform containing thousands of picture books in 70 languages, including American Sign Language. Each book is animated and narrated with subtitles for children learning new languages. Available in early 2025.

Free Online Resources

yellow background with mom and teen taking selfie

Parenting Privacy - Talking to Your Teen About Online Oversharing

Monday, January 13
6:00 pm

Parents & Youth 13+

Auditorium

Sharing stories and best practices, Brad Ross, Chief Information Officer from the Bluewater District School Board will speak with parents and their teens about privacy and security online.

Registration required.

Seed Lending Library

Seedy Saturday is coming!

Save a portion of your harvested seeds to keep the seed lending library self-sustaining. Share seeds from open pollinated plants not hybrids.

Clearly label envelopes with all necessary information and drop off at the Circulation Desk.

Chess Club

Wednesdays,
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Main Level

The Owen Sound Chess Club invites you to join them for a game of chess. Beginners welcome.

Drop in.

socks, makeup and toothbrushes. Text reads

Recycling Location

We are pleased to be hosting a new project with Owen Sound Waste Watchers.

Starting in January, the library will be a location that the public can drop off the following items:

Empty makeup containers
Old socks
Toothbrushes

Take a look around your house and help us keep these items out of the landfill.

Scrabble

Fridays
(starting in January)
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Main Level

Join us on Friday afternoons for a friendly game of Scrabble. Beginners are welcome. Come out for a bit of fun before the weekend!

Drop in.

Painted canvas displayed on wire shelves

Community Art Exhibit

December: Come and see the work of Hillary Hopps this month. Hillary paints with acrylics, on canvas and wood panel and enjoys painting landscapes, flowers, buildings, and still life.

January: View the “Art in the Open” exhibit by local artist Brian Murray. Brian’s oil on canvas embraces his interest in the natural environment and has become the signature theme of his work.

February: Local author and artist Esther Boles’ beautiful pen and ink illustrations from her children’s picture book will be on display.

Want to showcase your work at the Library?

Apply Now

Fireplace Chats: Call for Authors

Tuesdays,
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Thursdays,
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

January - May 2025

Carnegie

Are you a local author looking to promote your book?

Sign up for our Fireplace Chats author series. Authors will have the opportunity to discuss their book, do a short reading and sell their books in front of the fireplace.

HiLo Books Online

We offer Reader’s Advisory services at the library. Sometimes patrons may want a shorter read or one that isn’t too difficult to read. These books might be called HiLo books (high interest – low vocabulary).

New readers, readers where English is a second language and some adults with memory challenges may appreciate these titles. We have purchased additional HiLo resources through our Libby / Overdrive platform.

Ask about HiLo books and Reader’s Advisory at the Information Desk.

Lunar New Year Events

Make & Take
Wednesday, January 29

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

All ages

Main Level

Decorate a paper lantern to celebrate the year of the snake.

Drop in.

Qigong with May Ip
Tuesday, February 4
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Adults + Seniors
Auditorium

Join May Ip of the Grey Bruce Chinese Heritage and Culture Association for an interactive Qigong demonstration. Qigong (pronounced "chi gong") is a traditional Chinese practice that combines movement, breathing, and meditation for wellbeing.

Drop-in Celebrations
February 3 - February 7

All ages

Youth Services

Prepare to celebrate the Year of the Snake! Drop-in crafts and activities will be available in Youth Services along with informational displays to learn more about this joyful holiday.

ADULT PROGRAMS & SERVICES

To register, contact the Information Desk at 519-376-6623 ext. 3 or info@library.osngupl.ca

Adult Programs

Learn about your eReader

Tuesday, December 10

Tuesday, January 14

10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Auditorium

Do you require additional help with your eReader? Join staff and learn the basics of your device, how to troubleshoot problems and download free eBooks to your device.

Registration required.

blue background, text reads Bruce C Project impact Assessment

Bruce C Project Community Information Session

Tuesday, December 10

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Auditorium

With the demand for electricity expected to increase, Bruce Power is undergoing a federal integrated Impact Assessment to create an option to build up to 4,800 megawatts of nuclear capacity at the Bruce Power site — a project referred to as Bruce C.

Interested in learning more?

Attend this presentation and discussion with a member of the Bruce C Project Public Engagement team.

hands reaching into pile of yarn, knitting

Stitch It Together

Thursdays,
December 12,
January 9 & 23,
February 13 & 27
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Carnegie & Boardroom

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

Bring your own stitch project for a relaxing afternoon of chatting and making. Get inspired, meet other crafty folk, and stitch your stress away.

Drop-in.

Holiday Crafting

Friday, December 13

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Main Level

Drop by to make a holiday card and gift tags while supplies last.

Repair Café

Saturdays,
December 14, January 11 & February 8
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Auditorium

Skilled volunteers are eager to fix your broken items for free, from clothing to household items. Enjoy refreshments, connect with your community, and save money while keeping items out of landfills.

In partnership with the Georgian Bluffs Climate Action Team

book with mug of hot chocolate, cozy blanket

Gift of Reading

Monday, December 16 – Friday, December 27

Feeling festive? Visit our website as of December 16th to fill out the Gift of Reading form.

We'll surprise you with a few festive reads for the holidays!

OSNGUPL Ukes

Mondays,
December 16, January 20 & February 10
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Auditorium

Join Sharon, Cvitka, and their Ukes while singing and strumming some fun tunes.

No Ukulele? No worries, just borrow a Ukulele Kit with your library card. All skill levels.
Non-instructional.
Music provided.

Registration required

popcorn container on blue background with clapboard

Afternoon @
the Movies with Kanopy

Tuesdays,
December 17, January 21 & February 18
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Auditorium

Enjoy an afternoon film with Kanopy.
December - Christmas with the Kranks
January - The Boy in the Woods

February -The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

Doors open at 1:45 pm. Film begins at 2:00 pm.

May not be suitable for all ages.

Drop-in.

Decluttering and Downsizing Information Session

Saturday, January 11

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Auditorium

Join Professional Organizer Tracy from House ‘n Order as she talks about the technique of decluttering and downsizing. Learn tips and tricks from someone who specializes in estate clearing, downsizing, professional organizing and decluttering.

Tracy is a Professional Organizer, and has further qualifications as a Hoarding Specialist, and a Chronic Disorganization Specialist. Tracy is a member of Professional Organizers in Canada, and the Institute for Chronic Disorganization.

Registration required.

Health Literacy: The Cure for Modern Day Snake Oil

Monday, January 20
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Auditorium

We all need information to improve our health but many of us don’t understand it.

Come to this presentation to learn about health literacy and how you can empower yourself to access health information in an effective way.

Registration required.

Groupe de conversation en français / French Conversations

Mondays,
January 20 &
February 24

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Boardroom

Vous avez envie de pratiquer votre français ? Que vous soyez débutants ou bilingues, vous êtes les bienvenus pour papoter dans une atmosphère détendue. L'essentiel est de participer.

Have you been meaning to practice your French? Whether you're a beginner or bilingual, you're welcome to come and chat in a relaxed atmosphere. Give it a try!

Elder Law

Tuesday, January 21
10:30 am

Topic: Fraud and Scams

Tuesday, February 18 10:30 am

Topic: Housing Continuum

Tuesday, March 18
10:30 am

Topic: Aging and Driving

Auditorium

Join lawyer Angela Yenssen of the Grey Bruce Community Legal Clinic who will present information and answer questions covering various legal issues related to seniors.

Registration required.

Writing Prompts

Mondays,
January 27 &
February 24

6:30 pm

Auditorium

Attend a meeting with writing prompts supportive of your writing goals. Everyone will free write using the prompt and those interested can share samples from their writing. Participants can edit and add to the work and briefly share at the next meeting.

devices sprawled on white background, text reads

Online Resources

Monday, January 27
3:00 pm

Boardroom

Monday, February 10
7:00 pm

Auditorium

Did you know that you have 24-7 access to hundreds of thousands of online materials and resources that are provided by the library? Attend one of our short presentations about accessing the many digital resources available FREE with your Library card.

Registration required.

dark forest with silhouette of person standing

True Crime Book Club

Mondays,

February 3, April 7, June 2, August 11, October 6 & December 1

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Boardroom

Do you love going down the rabbit hole?
Reserve your spot now.

Registration required.

SPECS

The Community Waterfront Heritage Centre (CWHC) has introduced the Social Prescriptions Engage Cultural Seniors (SPECS) program. This is a new initiative aimed at improving senior well-being in Owen Sound and nearby areas through cultural and community engagement.

Through SPECS, seniors can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences. Interested seniors can contact the CWHC for more information or to get started, and volunteers are invited to help run the program. 519-371-3333 specs@waterfrontheritage.ca.

More Info

Adult Winter Reading Challenge – Diversify Your Reading!

January 1 to March 31

Bookmarks available at the end of December.

Read or listen to 10 books in 10 categories during the snowy days of winter.

Every category read earns a ballot for a chance to win a prize.

Blind Date with
a Book

February 3 - 14

We’re playing matchmaker again this year! Tell us your favourite authors, books and/or movies and we’ll be your literary matchmaker for Valentine’s Day.
Keep an eye on our website for the link as of February 3rd.

Going Green in Grey

Wednesday, February 5

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Auditorium

Join the Grey County Climate Team to explore how our climate is changing, the steps our community is taking to tackle these changes, and simple ways you can make your home and neighborhood more resilient to a changing climate.

Registration recommended.

Take Action

Celebrate Black History Month

Saturday, February 8

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Auditorium

Join members of the British Methodist Episcopal Church group for an information session in honour of Black History Month. Learn as they discuss local Black history, the on-going BME Church restoration project and the history of the building, which is now a designated Ontario Heritage site.

Registration recommended.

Search Health Databases Like a Pro

Friday, February 14

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Auditorium

Join Erin to learn about the library’s health databases and the best search strategies to find relevant and reliable information.

Registration required.

Bruce C Table Talk

Wednesday,
February 12

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Auditorium

Join a small group of fellow community members for an informal conversation about the option to build up to 4,800 megawatts of nuclear capacity at the Bruce Power site – a project referred to as Bruce C. We’ll start with a brief presentation about the Bruce C Project Impact Assessment, and then open the floor for questions and discussion.

Save a Spot

Freedom to Read: Blind Date with a Challenged Book

February 23 - March 1

Main Level

Freedom to Read is a yearly reminder of our intellectual freedom.

This Freedom to Read Week, visit the library and select a pre-wrapped book from our main level display. Sign the book out at the desk, and open at home for a reading surprise.

woman and senior looking at book together, laughing

How To: Create Your Own Memory Kit

Wednesday,
February 26
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Boardroom

Memory Kits include activities that people living with dementia find engaging and that can be adapted as abilities change. Learn how to create one for your loved one.

Registration required.

Fireplace Chats

Tuesdays,

January - May 2025
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Thursdays,
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Carnegie

Join a local author as they discuss their book, do a short reading and sell their book in front of the fireplace.

Find Out More

Upcoming Chats
Thursdays, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

February 13 - Suzanne Sloan
“Corky” (fiction) and others
March 6 - Lyn Carlson
“I had in mind…” (poetry) and others
March 20 - Lynne Porter
Author of “Zion Keppel the Way it Was” (non-fiction) and others
April 10 - Richard-Yves Sitoski “Butterfly Tongue and Other Plays” (poetry) and others
May 1 - Cindy Matthews
“The Roach Family and Other Stories” (short story / essay) and others

TEEN PROGRAMS & SERVICES

To learn more about our programs and services for teens (grades 7-12) or to register, contact the Youth Services Desk at 519-376-6623 ext. 4 or ysinfo@library.osngupl.ca

Teen Programs

microphone on stage with bright colours behind

OSDSS Equity Council Holiday Coffeehouse

Friday, December 13
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Auditorium

This student-founded community event focuses on creating safe, open spaces for youth to express themselves and socialize with their peers. Each year the holiday coffeehouse features young musicians who perform throughout the evening, as well as art displays from students at OSDSS. Entry by donation, a portion of proceeds always supports a local charity.

animated hands reaching towards lightbulb

Teen Advisory Group

Tuesdays, December 3, January 7 & February 4
7:00 pm
Grades 7-12
Boardroom

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.

Stationery Design & Crafting

Thursday, January 2

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Grades 7-12

Auditorium

Design stationery, stickers, and other fun journaling crafts that will help you get organized for the new year!

Registration required.

writing note book in front of director cut board

Teen Creative Workshop –
Film & Writing

Tuesdays, January 14, February 11 & March 11

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Grades 7-12

Auditorium

Are you interested in submitting a project to the Grey Bruce Youth Film Fest or Write @ Your Library contests? Join like-minded peers at our creative workshop to discuss ideas, get feedback, and practice your writing and filmmaking skills!

Registration recommended

Escape Room – In a Box!

Friday, January 17

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Grades 7-12

Boardroom

Have fun and test your puzzle solving skills! Come with friends or meet new people, and work together to see if you can solve a mini escape room within one hour. Snacks provided.

Drop-in.

Dungeons and Dragons dice set in front of mountain background

Dungeons & Dragons – After-School Club

Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Ages 12-18

Boardroom

Join a recurring after-school D&D adventure! Make your own character and start a quest with other players – both beginners and experienced players are welcome. Take part in an exciting and expansive fantasy story that will grow with you as you level up. Snacks provided.

Registration required.

2025 Grey Bruce Youth Film Festival - Call for Submissions!

Deadline: Friday, May 9, 2025

Attention young filmmakers! The libraries of Grey and Bruce counties want your films for the Grey Bruce Youth Film Festival. Short animated or live action films of a maximum of 10 minutes in length from students in grades 7 through 12 are eligible.

Interested teens can pick up an application form from their public library or email kmcleish@library.osngupl.ca for more information.

Submit Now!

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS & SERVICES

To learn more about our programs and services for children (birth to grade 6) or to register, contact the Youth Services Desk at
519-376-6623 ext. 4 or ysinfo@library.osngupl.ca

Children's Programs

Preschool Storytime

Tuesdays, 10:30 am
(on hiatus December 24 & December 31)
Youth Services

Join us for stories, songs, early literacy, and movement! Bring your singing voice as we work together to acquire early literacy skills.

Drop-in.

Babytime

Thursdays, 10:30 am
(on hiatus December 26 & January 2)
Birth to 18 months
Youth Services

Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes! Meet other parents and build your baby’s pre-literacy skills!

Drop-in.

LEGO® Club

Wednesdays,
December 18, January 15 & February 19

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.

Cozy Up Crafternoon
and Games

Friday, January 3

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Grades K-6

Auditorium

Come to the Library over the break for a winter crafternoon. Cozy up with a board game, make a festive craft, and more!

Drop-in.

DND dice in front of coloured background

Dungeons & Dragons – Family Adventure

Saturday, January 11
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Boardroom
All Ages

Join a family-friendly adventuring party! Youth (aged 6-12) can sign up with their older sibling or adult guardian for this Dungeons & Dragons adventure. Bring your own Level 1 character or use a pre-made one. Good for beginners and experienced players. Snacks provided.

Registration required.

Tech it Out Tuesdays!

Tuesdays, January 28 & February 25

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
and 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Grades 2-6

Youth Services

January: Edison Bots

February: Makey Makey

On the last Tuesday of the month, let’s get hands on with equipment from the Library’s Tech Toy and Creation Station collections. Each session will highlight a different technology that kids can either borrow or use at the Library.

Registration required.

Family Literacy Day:
Polar Pals

Saturday, January 25

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Auditorium

For families with children ages birth to six years

Join the Library and EarlyON for a Family Literacy Day celebration! Enjoy polar-themed crafts, activities, snacks, and circle time.

FREE tickets are required for each family member. Tickets available at the Library and EarlyON East Ridge beginning Thursday, January 2.

PD Day:
Game On!

Friday, January 31

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

All Ages

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.

3D Printing 101

Thursdays, February 6 & February 13

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Grades 4-8

Auditorium

Do you want to learn all about 3D printing with the Library? From experimenting with strong shapes to making your own 3D models in Tinkercad, this 2-part workshop will walk students through the basics of 3D printing and modeling. Materials provided.

Registration required.

OPEN CARD PARTNERS

Find out what's happening with our Open Card partners: Billy Bishop Museum, Marine & Rail Museum and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.

Community Waterfront Heritage Centre Hours

The CWHC is now open by appointment.

Regular hours will resume May 2025. In the meantime, keep an eye out for our special events and programs!

You can also arrange a visit: 519-371-3333
info@waterfront
heritage.ca

Check It Out

Victorian Christmas Tea

Join us this December for a delightful Victorian Christmas at the museum!

Experience the charm of the season and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere while enjoying a selection of treats that will transport you back in time.

Tickets & Info

Tom Thomson: Homecoming

Exhibit dates: June 8th, 2024 - January 4th, 2025

An exhibition that brings together works by Tom Thomson that depict his hometown and surrounding areas.

The show includes drawings, paintings, and artifacts from the Gallery’s Collection along with borrowed works from other public and private collections.

Visit the TOM

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Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library
824 1st Ave. W. Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K4
Phone: (519) 376-6623

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