Highlights for August 2026
The Library will be closed Monday, August 3 for the Civic Holiday.
It has been an exciting summer so far at the Library. During the month of July adults and children had access to over 60 programs which were attended by 1012 members of our community. In addition to that 337 children have regsitered to take part in the TD Summer Reading Club and to date (July 30) have, as a group, read 3687 books! 
 
There's still one more month of summer to enjoy at the Library and it's not too late to sign up for a reading challenge (children and adults) or to take part in one of our many programs. What are you waiting for? Check out your Library this August!
Adult Summer Reading Challenge
Road trip across Canada without leaving home! Save on gas this summer by reading books by Canadian authors and/or set in Canadian locations. Every category read earns a ballot for the monthly draws.
 
Drop by the Information Desk to pick up your bookmark and begin your reading journey. Runs until August 31.
Children & Youth Summer Program Schedule
Summer reading and summer programs are here! There's still time to register for the TD Summer Reading Club. 
 
Don't forget to check out our schedule of summer programs for children and youth chock full of fun, learning and community for all ages. 
Summer Programs
Local Artist Showcase: Marie Knapp
The Library is pleased to welcome local artist Marie Knapp to the Community Art Exhibit.
Marie has been developing her acrylic painting skills for more than 3 years.  Her love of connecting to nature and her joy of being creative is evident in her acrylic paintings.
Marie says of her work, “I find a sense of peace as I connect with nature. It feels spiritual.”
Marie’s art will be on display on the main level throughout August.
Library of Things: Summer Edition
Planning a picnic or a family reunion this summer? Looking for something to do outside with visitors? Let the Library help you with your summer plans. Borrow lawn games including bocce, Spike Ball, pickle ball, croquet and more. We also have portable screens for outdoor movie nights. And PFDs to help you get out on the water safely. 
Staff Picks: New Releases July 2026

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. 

July 1 to August 31 - Community Art Exhibit - Marie Knapp

Saturday, August 1: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

The library is pleased to welcome local artist Marie Knapp to the Community Art Exhibit.
Marie has been developing her acrylic painting skills for more than 3 years.  Her love of connecting to nature and her joy of being creative is evident in her artwork.

“I find a sense of peace as I connect with nature. It feels spiritual.  The location of the spot to be painted and subsequently its photograph, would have held a unique sense of meaning for me. There were often places to sit and allow my inner self to connect with the mystery of the earth. You will find most of my paintings include at least two of trees, rocks and water.  I easily  reflect in such venues and I try to bring that state of connection with all life to what I create in my paintings. What comes from within me speaks through my hands art, becoming a means of sharing connection to the spirit of nature with you, the observer.”

Marie’s art will be on display on the main level during the months of July and August.

Want to showcase your work at the Library? Apply Now 

Event Type: Culture Days / Poetry and Story Readings / Art shows

More Info

Author Talk: Jeffrey R. Thomas "The Broken Furrow: The Tale of a Welsh Farmer in Canada"

Friday, August 7: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Join local author Jeffrey R. Thomas as he talks about his memoir "The Broken Furrow: The Tale of a Welsh Farmer in Canada"/ 

Books will be available for purchase. 

Event Type: Other Programming for Adults

More Info

Happy Tails: Read with a Therapy Dog

Friday, August 7: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Grades 1-4 (with a guardian present)

With our friends from St. John Ambulance, it’s time to meet a certified therapy dog! After getting to know a new doggy friend, children and their guardians are able to share a peaceful storytime with a gentle pup. Limited to very small groups (max of 4 children per session).

Registration required.

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: Summer Reading for Children

More Info

Scrabble

Friday, August 7: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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.

Event Type: Other Programming for Adults

More Info

Adult Learning Centre
Looking to walk down a new path? The ALC is here to help. Whether that journey involves completing high school credits, getting ready for an apprenticeship, or upgrading skills for work - come on by to chat about your goals and let us support you in your next steps!
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
Photo of child's hand hold a paintbrush over top of water colour pots, text reads "March Break Art Camp"
Tom Thomson Art Gallery
Shimmer & Re-Worlding: a collaborative art workshop with Michelle Peraza

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: TOM Studio, Tom Thomson Art Gallery
Fee: $30 + HST per participant
Ages: Adults 18+
Capacity: Limited to 12 participants
Register Here
Cartoon image of red sunglasses
Marine & Rail Waterfront Museum
Saturday, August 1. 8, 15 & 22
 
Join us for Sailor Grave Stories & Great Lakes Ghost Ships at Greenwood Cemetery. The tour begins at the mausoleum and takes guests around the cemetery, stopping at key locations such as the Potter’s Field Memorial and the graves of some of Owen Sound’s greatest ship captains. Tickets are $10 each.
Buy Tickets Here
Billy Bishop Museum logo with a paintbrush
Billy Bishop Museum
Trivia Night
 
Friday, August 14
6:00-8:00pm
 
Test your knowledge and enjoy a relaxed evening at Billy Bishop Museum’s Trivia Night. Come with friends or join a team when you arrive—no history degree required.
Bring your snacks and we will provide the beverages. 
Tickets are $60/team.
Buy Tickets Here

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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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