2026 October Library News

Highlights for October 2026

The Library will be closed Monday, October 12 for Thanksgiving.

After a busy summer with library programs focused on encouraging patrons to read, read, read - we find ourselves moving into fall and shifting from the enjoyment of reading to the craft of writing. The annual Write @ Your Library creative writing contest for teens is seeking submissions and our Local Author Book Fair and the launch of library hosted writing groups are also on the agenda. Also, why not check out our online author talks and watch for regular fireside chats with local authors resuming in the new year.

Local Author Book Fair

Friday, October 23, 1:00-4:00pm
Saturday, October 24, 1:00–4:00pm

Join us for our third annual Local Author Book Fair. The fair takes place on all levels of the Library, showcasing a wide range of genres and gives the public a chance to get to know the authors, purchase their books and win fun prizes!

Local Author Book Fair

Submission deadline: Friday, October 23

Write @ Your Library - Contest Guidelines

Write @ Your Library Contest: Call for Submissions

Are you a young writer with a story to tell? The 2026 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 2026” 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 28

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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.

Kanopy

River District Trick-or-Treat Trail

Saturday, October 31
10:00am–1:00pm

The Library will be participating in the River District Trick-or-Treat Trail this year. Families will be able to stop at the Library when making their way through the River District in search of treats. Kid-friendly Halloween short films will be screened in the Auditorium at this time, using streaming media from Kanopy with public performance rights.

Local Writers - Local Opportunities

Looking for an opportunity to get together with other writers to talk about the craft and your creative journey? The Library is planning sessions for the fall and winter. We’ll share tips and techniques, support each other, and grow our local writing community - plus, you’ll leave with fresh motivation to keep working on your projects!

For more information and upcoming workshop dates, contact info@library.osngupl.ca

Teen Programs Return

We’re back this fall with a new schedule of programs for students in grades 7-12. Looking for help with your subjects? Wednesday afternoons feature a weekly study group. Or drop-in for Unplug & Unwind happening every Thursday after school. This weekly screen-free program alternates between crafting and board games. More details in the Library’s events calendar.

Local Artist Showcase: Elaine Doy

Elaine is a local oil painter who is inspired by all life has to offer. She wrote and illustrated the children’s book Owen’s Adventures, available at the Ginger Press in Owen Sound and the Library.

Elaine’s art will be on display on the main level during the month of October.

Online Author Talks

Get a chance to hear from bestselling authors about the books you love and the creative process behind them. This free, virtual series takes place 2-3 times a month and includes the opportunity to submit questions to the author.

Online Author Talks

Staff Picks: Books to Scare Your Socks Off

hist whist / little ghostthings / tip-toe / twinkle-toe... (e.e. cummings)

Spooky season is here, and with it you can find an excellent selection of books at the Library to make you shiver and want to sleep with the lights on - if you can sleep at all! Be warned, these books aren't for the faint of heart.

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.

October - Community Art Exhibit - Elaine Doy

Thursday, October 1: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Library welcomes local author and artist Elaine Doy to the Community Art Exhibit for the month of October.

Elaine is a local oil painter who is inspired by all life has to offer – from Georgian Bay gems to portraiture to issues of social justice. Her first love, though, is painting animals. She wrote and illustrated the children’s book “Owen’s Adventures”, available at the Ginger Press in Owen Sound and the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library. https://osngupl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S192C4822032

Elaine is a member of the Bruce Peninsula Society of Artists and an Exhibiting Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. More of Elaine’s work can be viewed on Facebook.com/Elaine.Doy/Albums.

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

More Info

Preschool Storytime

Tuesday, October 6: 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: Early Literacy and Early Learning

More Info

Let's Colour! A Colouring Program for Adults

Tuesday, October 6: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Join us Tuesday afternoons for some colouring fun at the library. All materials provided.

Event Type: Other Programming for Adults > Arts Programming

More Info

Wednesday Word Games and Puzzles

Wednesday, October 7: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Try to solve one of the many word searches, crosswords or Sudoku puzzles the library has to offer.

Library Main Level.

Drop in.

Event Type: Adult Learning

More Info

Teen Study Group

Wednesday, October 7: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Looking for a welcoming study space where you can ask peers for help? Come solo or with friends to the Library for a quiet, comfortable place to hang out and get work done. Light snacks provided. Drop in. Grades 7-12.

Event Type: Teen Programs

More Info

Discover All Our Upcoming Events

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

Tom Thomson Art Gallery

Palette to Palate: Let’s Go Wild!

Saturday, November 7, 7-10pm

At the Tom Thomson Art Gallery

Join us for an evening of fun at this wild-themed event.

More details coming soon!

Tom Thomson Art Gallery

Marine & Rail Waterfront Museum

Visit the Marine & Rail Museum for “The Family Fleet,” a history of the Hindman Transportation Company. Learn about the fleet of freighters and tugboats, the family that ran them, and the stories they created.

For current open hours, visit the Museum's website.

Marine & Rail Waterfront Museum

Billy Bishop Museum

Halloween Trivia Night

Friday, October 30

Test your knowledge of all things spooky!

Doors open at 6:30pm | Trivia starts at 7:00pm
$15 per person | Teams of 2 - 8 players
Prize for winning team. Event 19+

Event Tickets

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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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