September 2021 Greetings from the Library
 So nice to see you!
 
We have enjoyed seeing you inside the library since we unlocked the doors to both branches of our libraries earlier this summer. We appreciate that everyone is following the safety protocols of masking, hand sanitizing, and limiting your inside visits to 30 minutes or less. (If you have a mask exemption, please call us to make alternate arrangements. 705-765-5650 for Port Carling and 705-762-1086 for Bala).
Join Us
Susan P. Kelly Author Event
September 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. on the Zoom platform. Join us as we meet virtually with author and retired registered nurse, Susan P. Kelly. Kelly will discuss her debut book on wellness, Still Sexy After Sixty: 7 secrets to finding life's sweet spot. Signed copies of her book will be available for $20. 
 
Email us to get on the list for this event. Zoom codes will be sent out close to the event date.
 
Check our programs page for all events. 

Silent Auction Report
A great big shout out of thanks and congratulations to our Friends of the Library volunteer group who put in more than 500 hours of work to hold a very successful online auction in support of the library. We can't thank them enough!
By all accounts, you, the bidder, found the online experience of bidding to be easy and fun. We know it is not the same as actually seeing the item but all in all, the online auction site was a very positive experience. Thank you to all who donated and to all who bid! The Friends have reported that the funds from the auction amounted to about $5,000 (all funds have not come in yet for an exact amount.)

Summer's End
The summer of 2021 turned out to be one full of hot, hot days and if you were lucky enough to spend it in and around the cooling waters of Muskoka, you likely will not want to see it end! We wish all a safe and happy return to school and work.
 
Many of our residents may be wondering when the library might get back to in-library programming. At this point, we are in a 'wait and see' scenario until at least Thanksgiving when it will be reassessed. We will keep you posted!
 
In the meantime, please enjoy the online author events, the Story Trails at Hanna Park in Port Carling and the Muskoka Lakes Sportspark in Bala, our Take-and-Make kits, as well as our Nature Club handouts, and our Positivity Packs. Other online ideas are being considered, as well. Watch our social media accounts for instant updates.
 
This and That
  • View the fun 'pass the book' video that you helped make for the 20th anniversary of the Norma and Miller Alloway Muskoka Lakes Library building in Port Carling.
  • The Port Carling branch is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
  • The Bala branch is open 9-3 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • You can use your MLPL card at both the Bala and the Port Carling branch.
  • You can make suggestions online for purchase.
  • Membership application can be done online.
  • We lend out fishing rods and tackle if you want to try fishing before purchasing your own equipment.
  • We have Ontario Parks day-use permits available to check out with your library card.
  • Interlibrary loan service has resumed.
  • Check out our interactive Story Trails in Bala at the Muskoka Lakes Sports Park and in Port Carling at Hanna Park. It's a fun way to enjoy outside and reading at the same time!
  • When you're picking up your library items, please do ask for the latest Take and Make packs as well as our Nature Club packs. Also, look for the latest Positivity Pack.
  • We have used books outside for sale by donation. We are very short on fiction books, at the moment, so if you have some fairly recent books, in good condition, that you would like to donate, please give us a call! 705-765-5650.
  • We have a selection of postcards available for $1, courtesy of local photographer, Arlene Burley.
  • Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
  • Our return boxes are open 24/7.
  • WiFi codes are posted on the front window in Port Carling for use around the perimeter of the building. 
  • Videos cannot be put on hold via the catalogue but they can by telephone. Give us a call!
  • We have free online resources.
  • Ancestry Library Edition is available remotely for a limited time. 
  • The Giving Tree is a wonderful way to support your Muskoka Lakes Public Library.

New to the Shelves and Soon to the Shelves
The No Worries Guide to Raising Your Anxious Child : A Handbook to Help You and Your Anxious Child Thrive
by Ph.D Cassiday, Karen Lynn

Challenging modern cultural pressures to be a 'perfect parent' and warning against the trap of over-accommodation, Dr Cassiday gives advice on how to embrace imperfection and uncertainty and to build resilience, compassion and gratitude so that anxiety can take the back seat in your family. With a focus on acceptance and growth rather than 'curing', this book will help you and your child to thrive and find joy even during the worst bouts of anxiety.
The madness of crowds
by Louise Penny

When a visiting professor spreads lies so that fact and fiction are so confused it’s near impossible to tell them apart, leading to murder, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache must investigate this case as well as this extraordinary popular delusion – and the madness of crowds.
The 99% invisible city : a field guide to the hidden world of everyday design
by Roman Mars

The creators of the record-setting 99% Invisible podcast celebrate the achievements of modern urban design and architecture, sharing the origin stories behind fundamental innovations, from power grids and fire escapes to drinking fountains and street signs.
Enemy at the gates
by Kyle Mills

CIA operative Mitch Rapp accepts a job protecting the world’s first trillionaire, but also uses him as bait to catch a traitor with access to government secrets in the latest addition to the series following Total Power.
The council of animals
by Nick McDonell

In a world ravaged by illness and climate change where very few humans are left, a group of animals debate and vote on whether to help the remaining humans—or to kill and eat them. 

Muskoka Lakes Public Library
Box 189
69 Joseph St
Port Carling, Ontario P0B 1J0
705-765-5650
www.muskokalakes.ca/library