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History LIVES Here at your Guelph Public Library
November’s early evening darkness is a great opportunity to take virtual dives into some of Guelph’s nearly-forgotten history. Register today for these great online events!
Under Where? Guelph’s Underground Tunnels
Tuesday, November 3, 7 to 8 p.m.
Imagine the underground world of Guelph that you’ve never known: shafts for bootlegging and cigarette smuggling, or dank prison tunnels! Historian Susan Ratcliffe explores the real and the mythical aspects of Guelph’s subterranean passages. Adults. Please register.
Bawdy Houses
Tuesday, November 17, 7 to 8 p.m.
Bonnie Durtnall, local author of Bawdy houses, bums & illicit booze: prostitution, vagrancy & murder, Guelph 1870s – 1953, takes you on virtual walk on the wild side of Guelph’s history. Unlawful brewing, big raids, murderers and unrepentant citizens – Bonnie will cover a variety of aspects of our challenging past. Adults. Please register.
Remembering Raymond: Guelphs First Sewing Machine Industry
Thursday, November 19, 7 to 8 p.m.
The Raymond Sewing Machine Company, which operated from 1862 to 1922, was located between Yarmouth and Baker Streets and its owner, Charles Raymond, also built two houses in the pie-shaped wedge of land between Norfolk and Yarmouth. Presented by Toby Binder, sewing machine collector and repair person. Adults. Please register.
From the Archives: Raymond Sewing Machine Factory
This photograph from 1870 shows the original Raymond Sewing Machine factory on Yarmouth Street. It was destroyed by fire in 1875. The building on the right is the old Knox Church.
To learn more about our Archives and Guelph's rich history, please book an appointment with our Archivist, Darcy Hiltz at dhiltz@guelphpl.ca
Connect
Book Bundles for Children
We know families have missed being able to browse library shelves, so we are introducing a new book bundling service for children.
Visit our Book Bundles for Children webpage and fill out a "Book Bundles" request form telling us as much as possible about your child’s reading interests. We will select books and place them on hold for you to pick up at the Guelph Public Library location of your choice.
Have a question about Book Bundles? Please phone your nearest Guelph Public Library location or email askus@guelphpl.ca.
Due to demand, not all choices may be available but we will do our very best.
Happy Reading!
The Rosa Rattray Early Literacy Fund (RRELF)
Established in 2017 in memory of Rosa Rattray, this early literary fund allows us to provide specialized programming and learning tools to nurture a love of literacy for children during their most formative years.
Did you know that by the age of 11, Rosa had read all of the books in the Junior collection of her local library and was given an adult library card! When she moved to Guelph in 1965, she immediately joined the Guelph Public Library where she held a card for more than 50 years, checking out thousands of items. As she raised her family, she shared this passion with those she loved.
Donations to the Rosa Rattray Early Literary Fund support literacy initiatives at our library and ensure all children can enjoy opportunities that will lead to future learning success.
Thanks to Rosa's family and other generous supporters of this fund, we’ve been able to:
- purchase six additional Early Literacy Stations across our system
- provide a collection of new Playaway Launchpads
- support tens of thousands of learning hours each year for children and young minds in the community
- reduce impacts of digital and economic divides, ensuring all families and children have access to critical early literacy tools and technologies
- promote the formation of early literacy and language skills crucial to cognitive, social, communicative and brain development of children and young minds across our community
Thrive
We've Got a Book for That: Pandemic Buzz Words
Each month, Children's Librarian Ben will share books on the topics you ask about. Challenge us with your tough questions by emailing askus@guelphpl.ca or drop by the Main Library Children's Department. November 2020 includes books related to pandemic key "buzz" words such as social bubble, toilet paper crisis and more.
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