October Library News

Highlights for October 2025

The Library will be closed Monday, October 13 for Thanksgiving

Poet Laureate 2026-27 Call for Applications

Application Deadline: 4:00pm, Friday, October 31

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

Selection of the Poet Laureate is based on writing skills, publications, public speaking and performance ability, and communication and interpersonal skills. Short-listed finalists will be interviewed by the Poet Laureate Advisory Committee.

All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Celebrate Ontario Public Library Week

October 19-25

Libraries aren’t just for books — they’re for life.

From your first story time to discovering new hobbies in retirement — your local library is with you every step of the way.

During Ontario Public Library Week, we celebrate the stories, support, and opportunities libraries offer every stage of life. Whether it’s digital literacy programs, book clubs, computer access, or just a quiet place to reflect — libraries evolve as we do.

Visit the Library this week and fill in a ballot to win a library swag bag including: canvas library tote, library logo sticker, full set of library season bookmarks, library pencil & $10 coupon for the library book sale.

OSNGUPL Local Author Book Fair!

Friday, October 24, 1-4pm

And Saturday, October 25, 1-4pm

The Local Author Book Fair will showcase a wide range of genres and give the public a chance to get to know the authors, purchase their books and enter to win prizes.

The biggest local author event in the region! We are pleased to showcase nearly 50 local authors all in one place.

More Information

Write @ Your Library Contest

Write @ Your Library - Call for Submissions

Submission deadline: October 24

Are you a young writer with a story to tell? The 2025 Write @ Your Library creative writing contest is seeking submissions of short stories, poems, and cover art. Open to students in grades 7 to 12 from across Grey and Bruce Counties. Winning entries will receive cash prizes of up to $100 and will be published in the “Write for 2025” anthology.

Guidelines for both the writing and the design contests can be found at public libraries across Grey and Bruce Counties, or you can download them from our website.

OSAAVA Volunteer Fair

Wednesday, October 1, 3-6pm
In the Auditorium

The Owen Sound & Area Association of Volunteer Administrators (OSAAVA) is hosting a volunteer fair at the Library. Stop by for an opportunity to speak with over 20 local organizations.

Admission is free.

For more information, or to register your organization email osaava.os@gmail.com.

Library Community Kiosks

As a member of the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library you have access to two Library Community Kiosks. They are located at the Keady Community Centre and the Shallow Lake and District Community Centre.

Kiosks have a vending machine that loans books and DVDs as well as a dop box, so borrowed materials can be returned at these locations. Whether you’re at hockey practice or just driving through the village, stop by and visit a kiosk today.

*Access to the kiosks is dependent upon the hours of the community centres.

Library of Things Feature:

Radon Detector

Did you know that you can borrow radon detectors from the Library?

Winter is often considered the ideal season for radon testing because homes are generally more sealed during colder months. When windows and doors remain closed to retain heat, the reduced ventilation allows radon gas to accumulate more easily, making it easier to detect any elevated levels.

Digital Radon Detector

Online Resource Feature:

Creativebug

Creativebug is an online learning platform dedicated to arts and crafts courses, offering over 1,000 video classes taught by expert designers and artists. Use your library card to enjoy unlimited access to classes covering a wide range of topics including painting, knitting, crocheting, and sewing.

Creativebug

Upcoming Events at the Library

For a full listing of all programs coming up at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library, click on the button below.

Valentines for Veterans: Children's Craft in Youth Services

Saturday, November 1: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Supplies available in Youth Services from November 1 to 10

This Remembrance Day season, thank Canadian Veterans by making them a hand-made valentine. Return your card to Youth Services staff and we’ll send it to Veterans Affairs Canada, who will mail out the cards for Valentine’s Day 2026.

Event Type: Children

More Info

Preschool Storytime

Tuesday, November 4: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

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

Event Type: Children

More Info

LEGO Building Competition: Building Bee

Tuesday, November 4: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Open for JK - Grade 8 & Family Builds

Come build together in preparation for the Library’s LEGO Building Competition. Using the Library’s LEGO collection, let your imagination run wild! Participants are encouraged to submit
their creations for judging.

Please note: If you are unable to attend a program you have registered for, provide a minimum of 24 hours notice by phone or by email. A no-show fee of $2 per child will apply for each program.

Event Type: Children

More Info

Teen Advisory Group

Tuesday, November 4: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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.

Event Type: Teens

More Info

Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity with Award-Winning Journalist Joseph Lee

Wednesday, November 5: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

You’re invited to learn from journalist and author Joseph Lee as he chats online with us about his stirring memoir, Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity. In it, he explores Indigenous identity in proximity to land that serves as an iconic vacationing spot for the wealthy–the “island paradise” Martha’s Vineyard.

This is an online event, see link below to register

Event Type: Adults

More Info

Discover All Our Upcoming Events

Adult Learning Centre

If you’re looking to upgrade your reading, writing, or math skills, reach out to us at the Adult Learning Centre! These skills are essential for achieving personal and academic success, improving employment and income, navigating daily life, advocating for oneself, and contributing to one’s community. We can help you reach your goals with flexible and supportive learning options!

Adult Learning Centre

Hours
Mon. 8:30am-4:30pm
Tues.- Fri. 8:30am-5pm

Contact:
owensoundlearning@adultlearningcentres.ca
519-376-6623 ext. 2
alcentres.ca
Facebook: @owensoundalc
Instagram: @alc_owensound