Library News

By the numbers 2025 15476 visitors to the library 1034 active card holders, 183 renewals and 105 new card holders check outs 12875 in library, 8475 Libby and 1620 interlibrary loans 14280 website visits 9093 inquires made, 145 programs with 4147 participants 2036 public computer use WIFI 5107 7095 phone calls and emails 3404 minutes of tech help 2121 hours open
APRIL LIBRARY NEWS - Website: https://blindriver.olsn.ca/ HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY BRPL! ~ 1926-2026 PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS March statistics - 1351 patrons, 1728 website hits, 486 Wi-Fi users **NEW FRENCH EBOOKS** – BRPL will be launching our French ebook platform with the Cantook app. These are French only ebooks online. Ask for more details. SEED WORKSHOPS: April 11 @ 10 am. Limited seats. Please register! There is a cost of $5 to reserve your seat. Learn about soil, seeds, seedlings, planting etc. The Horticultural Society has a Seed Library for free seeds at BRPL! PROGRAMS/WORKSHOPS: - Dot Painting/Felting with France -please register -see April calendar - Meet the author Rod Carley Sat. April 18 @ 2pm - Free Healthy Choices workshops with Cathy: April 22th @ 5:30 pm – Heart Health -Tech Time April 22nd @ 1pm -learn to use your device - Storytime and activity, Fridays @ 10:30 am with Wendy BOOK CLUB: “Old City Hall” by Robert Rotenberg is the April book club read. Join the group on April 15th @ 7pm in the library or by zoom. MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE – April’s challenge is: Read a book with a number in the title! TAX CLINICS -Book your free tax session with our volunteers. Conditions apply. Tuesday or Thursday 5-7 pm. Please call 705-356-7616 to register each person a time slot. You must register before your taxes can be completed.
MARCH LIBRARY NEWS - Website: https://blindriver.olsn.ca/ HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY BRPL! ~ 1926-2026 PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS February statistics - 919 patrons, 1459 website hits, 338 Wi-Fi users TAX CLINICS -Book your free tax session with our volunteers. Conditions apply. Tuesdays or Thursdays 1-3 pm or 5-7 pm. Please call 705-356-7616 to register each person a time slot. You must register before your taxes can be completed. Your taxes will be sent electronically and you will get a paper copy before you leave. SEED WORKSHOPS: March 7 & April 11 @ 10 am. Limited seats. Please register! There is a cost of $5 to reserve your seat. Learn about soil, seeds, seedlings, planting etc. The Horticultural Society has a Seed Library for free seeds at BRPL! PROGRAMS/WORKSHOPS: - Felting with France – March 9, 23 & 30th -please register -see March calendar - Free Healthy Choices workshops with Cathy: March 25th @ 5:30 pm - Breast Cancer Prevention Tips. -Tech Time March 25 @ 1pm -learn to use your device MARCH BREAK FUN: -Lego/STEM day, Free skating and craft at the arena March 17 @ 11am, Free movie ‘Wild Robot’ March 17 @ 2 pm, STEM program March 18 @ 1pm, Story and Crafts, game day, ball cups, paper airplanes……lots of fun happening during March break. Thank you to Centennial donors, Centennial committee, BRPL staff and volunteers for making this happen! BOOK CLUB: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot is the March book club read. Join the group on March 18th @ 7pm in the library or by zoom. MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE – March’s challenge is: Read a sci-fi or fantasy!
FEBRUARY LIBRARY NEWS - Website: https://blindriver.olsn.ca/ HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY BRPL! ~ 1926-2026 PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR ONGOING CENTENNIAL PROGRAMS Library will be CLOSED - February 11th for training and February 16th for Family Day January statistics - 981 patrons, 1782 website hits, 392 Wi-Fi users 2025 statistics – 15,476 people used the library, 1,043 card holders, 12,875 items checked out, 8,254 Libby (ebooks), Programs 415 with 4,147 attendees! VALENTINES FOR GOLDEN BIRCHES – Join us at the library to make a Valentine for a patient in Golden Birches. February 2 to 6! Classes and families welcomed. MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE –This is a NEW reading challenge for 2026! Each month the library will have a challenge for you. Pick up a copy to follow us for the 2026 challenge. Enter the draw: February’s challenge is: Read a RED book! FIND THE CUPCAKE SCAVENGER: winner is Solomon M! PROGRAMS/WORKSHOPS: - Felting with France – February 9th @ 1:00 pm is Acorn Felting cost $15, February 23rd @ 1:00 pm is Soap Felting cost is $25. Call to register. -Come play MAGIC the gathering from 5:45-7pm on Thursdays. Come join the fun! - Free Healthy Choices workshops with Cathy: February 25th @ 5:30 pm -Heart Healthily Naturally and March 25th @ 5:30 pm - Breast Cancer Prevention Tips. BOOK CLUB: “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach is the February book club read. Join the group on February 18th @ 7pm in the library.
BRPL Logo JANUARY LIBRARY NEWS - Website: https://blindriver.olsn.ca/ HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY BRPL! ~ 1926-2026 PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR ONGOING CENTENNIAL PROGRAMS Blind River mayor and council has proclaimed 2026 “the Year of the Library” (Resolution 25-249) December statistics - 1000 patrons, 1513 website hits, 298 Wi-Fi users 2025 statistics – 15,476 people used the library, 1043 card holders, 12,875 items checked out, 8,254 Libby (ebooks), Programs 415 with 4,147 attendees! VALENTINES FOR VETS – Join us at the library to make a Valentine for a veteran. Deadline will be January 31st. The library will mail the valentines on February 2! MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE –This is a NEW reading challenge for 2026! Each month the library will have a challenge for you. Pick up a copy to follow us for the 2026 challenge. Enter the draw: January’s challenge is: Read a New Author! FIND THE CUPCAKE SCAVENGER: Come find our hidden “birthday cupcake” and enter our draw. The cupcake moves daily so join us every day! PROGRAMS/WORKSHOPS: - Madalynn from Metis Nation of Ontario will be doing a mini greenhouse workshop on January 13 @ 3:30 pm in the library. All youth are welcome. Registration preferred but walk-ins are welcome! Get ready to garden! -Come play MAGIC the gathering from 5:45-7pm on Thursdays. Come join the fun! -Watch for more Healthy Choices workshops with Cathy: January -Starting the Year off Right, February -Hearth Health and March -Breast Cancer Prevention. BOOK CLUB: “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver is the January book club read. Join the group on January 21st @ 7pm in the library.
DECEMBER LIBRARY NEWS LIBRARY HOURS: Mon to Thurs 10am – 7pm, Fri and Sat 10am - 2pm Website: https://blindriver.olsn.ca/ Phone: 705-356-7616 November statistics - 1344 patrons, 1305 website hits, 508 Wi-Fi users PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR HOLIDAY CLOSURES MITTEN TREE -Our yearly collecting of mittens and hats to give back to the community. If you have any donations please add it to our tree until December 13! MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE –December reading: Read a novel about the Holiday/Christmas season or watch a movie. A display will be in the library. STORYTIME – Come and join us at 10:30 every Friday for a story and craft with Wendy! PROGRAMS -felting workshop with France on December 13th, from 10-2 -please register - Madalynn from Metis Nation of Ontario will be doing a tree ornament workshop on Dec 4 and a mini greenhouse workshop on January 13. Both are in the library from 3:30-4:30 pm. All youth welcome. Registration preferred but walk-ins are welcome! -Come play MAGIC the gathering from 5:45-7pm on Thursdays. Come join the fun! -Watch for more Healthy Choices workshops with Cathy in the new year! BIG NEWS – 2026 is the Year of the Library in Blind River. Our library turns 100! There will be many activities and programs monthly with our birthday party coming July 7, 2026. Stay tuned for more information. Visit our website for all of our upcoming workshops/programs! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! STAY SAFE AND SEE YOU IN 2026!
NOVEMBER LIBRARY NEWS LIBRARY HOURS: Mon to Thurs 10am – 7pm, Fri and Sat 10am - 2pm Website: https://blindriver.olsn.ca/ Phone: 705-356-7616 October statistics - 1444 patrons, 855 website hits, 510 Wi-Fi users PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LIBRARY AT THE TIM HORTONS HOLIDAY COOKIE CAMPAIGN COOKIES AVAILABLE NOV. 17-23! Call to do a preorder or for more information! MITTEN TREE -Our yearly collecting of mittens and hats to give back to the community. If you have any donations please add it to our tree until December 13! BOOK CLUB – The Herd by Emily Edwards is this month’s book. Wednesday, November 19 @ 7pm in the library. NEW: Zoom with us if you cannot make it to the meeting -call or email the library to get the zoom link! CLASS VISITS – TEACHERS bring your class to the library! Storytime, activity, scavenger hunt or get your class library cards. Call to schedule a time today! ROM PASSES –ROM passes for you to get admission to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) and bring 3 guests with you all for FREE. MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE –November reading: Read or watch a staff or Board pick. A display will be in the library. OPLW -Ontario Public Library Week draw winners: T. Ferris, A. Shamma, K. Spence, C. Salminen and K. Cannon. Thank you to everyone who came to the library in support of OPLW! BIG thank you to the library board and staff for a wonderful week and all the extra work you do for our library! Putting Unity in Community! PROGRAMS -Felting workshops, Online safety for kids, -registration required Visit our website for all of our upcoming workshops/programs!
OCTOBER LIBRARY NEWS LIBRARY HOURS: Mon to Thurs 10am – 7pm, Fri and Sat 10am - 2pm Website: https://blindriver.olsn.ca/ Phone: 705-356-7616 September statistics - 1292 patrons, 1095 website hits, 490 Wi-Fi users CANADIAN LIBRARY MONTH! -Visit the library this month to show support in our community. Donations welcome! Bring a friend and sign up for a library card! OPLW -Ontario Public Library Week Oct. 19-25! **Show staff your library card to enter in a draw for a $25 Indigo card!** Check out our website for more details about activities! Oct 21 -Halloween Safety Workshop and craft -Metis Nation of Ontario Oct 22 -Tech Talk -call to register -North Channel Literacy Council HALLOWEEN COSTUME SWAP – Don’t pay for another costume… Come and swap your old costume and get a “new to you” costume. Costume donations welcome! HERBAL TEA WORKSHOP -October 29 @ 2pm. Call to register. See our website for more details. Hosted by Cathy Piche-Lendrum. DIAMOND DOT WORKSHOP -October 18 @ 10:30am. $5/coaster/magnet BOOK CLUB – Brain Damage by Freida McFadden is this month’s book. Wednesday, October 15 @ 7pm in the library. NEW: Zoom -call the library to get the zoom link! CLASS VISITS – TEACHERS bring your class to the library! Storytime, activity, scavenger hunt or get your class library cards. Call to schedule a time today! ROM PASSES – **NEW** ROM passes for you to get admission to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) and bring 3 guests with you all for FREE. MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE –October reading: Embrace the scary by reading a creepy horror or ghost story. We will have items on display for this monthly challenge.
SEPTEMBER LIBRARY NEWS LIBRARY HOURS: Mon to Thurs 10 am - 7pm, Fri and Sat 10 am - 2 pm Website: https://blindriver.olsn.ca/ Phone: 705-356-7616 August statistics - 1619 patrons, 1036 website hits, 633 Wi-Fi users, 5196 Libby checkouts in 2025 HALLOWEEN COSTUME SWAP – Come and swap your old costume or get a “new to you” costume by donation. Costume donations welcome! BOOK CLUB – Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout is this month’s book. Come join the group on Wednesday, September 17 @ 7pm in the library. NEW: If you want to join everyone by zoom please call the library to get the zoom link sent to your email! CLASS VISITS – Teachers bring your class to the library! Storytime, activity, scavenger hunt or just an adventure. Call the library to reserve a time today! WALKING GROUP – MONDAYS at 9am. Meet at the back entrance of the library. Last walk until spring will be September 29th. Come and join a half hour morning stroll. EXPLORE BLIND RIVER – CONGRATULATIONS to D. Spooner on winning a $25 Indigo gift card in the August selfie-around-Town contest! MAGIC THE GATHERING - THURSDAYS 5:45- 6:45 pm in the library. Everyone is welcome to attend. Join in the fun and learn how to play the game! MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE –September reading challenge: Read an indigenous book. We will have items on display for this monthly challenge. PARKS PASSES – We have free Parks Passes at the library again this year! You need your BRPL card to check one out and enjoy a day at a Provincial Park! FREE FISHING RODS – The library has again partnered with Tackleshare to bring free rods and tackle boxes to our library. Use your library card to sign out a rod & tackle box today!
Blind River Public Library AUGUST LIBRARY NEWS LIBRARY HOURS: Mon to Thurs 10 am - 7pm, Fri and Sat 10 am - 2 pm July statistics - 1691 patrons, 903 website hits, 811 Wi-Fi users FREE FISHING RODS – The library has again partnered with Tackleshare to bring free rods and tackle boxes to our library. Use your library card to sign out a rod & tackle box today! TDSRC – Summer reading program with stories and crafts. Every Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 am. Registration also available online. Ask staff for details. EXPLORE BLIND RIVER -Pick up your list to take a selfie around Town. Show library staff your pictures for your chance to win a $25 Indigo gift card. CONGRATULATIONS to A. Sidock on winning the July contest! SCIENTISTS IN SCHOOLS – “Investigate It!”. August 7th @ 10:30am. Registration required as spots limited. Call 705-356-7616. TOTE BAG PAINTING -Join Madalynn at the library to paint a tote bag on Thursday, August 21st at 1:00 pm. All materials provided. Register by August 18th. Call the library at 705-356-7616 or Madalynn at the Metis Nation of Ontario office 705-849-3099. WALKING GROUP – Every MONDAY at 9am. Meet at the back entrance. MAGIC THE GATHERING - Now EVERY THURSDAY 5:45 pm in the library. Everyone is welcome to attend. Join in the fun and learn how to play the game! MONTHLY READING CHALLENGE –August reading challenge: Read a non-fiction book. We will have some items on display for this challenge. PARKS PASSES – We have free Parks Passes at the library again this year! You need your BRPL card to check one out and enjoy a day at a Provincial Park!
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