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Ontario Public Library Week is from October 18 to 24, 2020. More than just a place to find books, libraries promote cultural awareness, engage in the community, provide educational programs, support freedom of expression and so much more. 2020 Theme: One card, one million possibilities.

This is a postcard image of the Guelph Public Library Carnegie Library - shown from the back of it. This item is in our Archives collection.

From the Archives:
Celebrate Ontario Public Library Week
October 18 to 24, 2020 is Ontario Public Library week. A strong library system is the cornerstone of a great community! Did you know that the Guelph Public Library is the oldest free public library in Ontario?

The library's Archives collection has a number of wonderful photographs reflecting Guelph's history. Guelph once had a Carnegie Library situated on the corner of Paisley Road and Norfolk Street. Torn down in 1964, it was one of the controversial issues of the day. Unfortunately, while stately looking from the outside, the building was no longer able to meet the library space requirements of a growing Guelph population.

More than just a place to find books, libraries promote cultural awareness, engage in the community, provide educational programs, support freedom of expression and so much more.

This October, take time to "celebrate your library" and recognize the important contribution libraries make to education, literacy, life-long learning and providing entertainment to our community.

2020 Theme: One card, one million possibilities. How will you use your library card this month?

Thank You to Regional Tourism Organization 4, RTO4!
The Library is pleased to have been awarded a grant from the Regional Tourism Organization 4, RTO4. Their Tourism, Marketing & Digital Support Program provided funds to create a Google 360 tour of our Westminster Square Branch Makerspace.

Our Makerspace allows users to discover, experiment and create in a safe, socially-distanced experience. Book an appointment to explore this newly launched tech hub by phoning 519-829-4404 extension 323 or by emailing makerspace@guelphpl.ca.

Thank you very much to RTO4 and local photographer Thai Mac for allowing us to share the Library's Makerspace with our community.

Celebrate Culture Days! Drop by the Main Library to view a late 1800s sewing machine from Guelph and learn more about The Raymond Sewing Machine Company which operated in Guelph from 1862 to 1922.

Connect with fellow book lovers online to discuss "The City of Brass" by S. A. Chakraborty. eBook copies are available through Hoopla and Cloud Library. Registration for this virtual book club is required.

It's a Murder Mystery Party! Monday, October 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. You are invited to attend a frightful night full of mystery, terror, and murder! Work together with other party goers to determine who is the guilty culprit. Adults. Registration is required.

Register for this free, live chat between famed author Barbara Kingsolver and CBC arts journalist, Aparita Bhandari. Register in advance and tune in LIVE on October 15 from 12 to 1 p.m. EDT on the One Page Crowdcast channel.

Connect

The library provides eResources that help kids with school, research, and personal enrichment. A valid library card is required to use them.

From the Kids Korner:
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.

October 2020 "We've Got a Book for That" topics include: Community Helpers and Characters in Books with Diverse Backgrounds. Watch the video to learn more!

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. October 2020 "We've Got a Book for That" topics include: Community Helpers and Characters in Books with Diverse Backgrounds.

Welcome to Itty Bitty Artists! Pick up your craft kit at the Scottsdale Branch and then join us virtually for stories, rhymes and a creative art project. Ages 2 to 5 years. Please register each child you wish to attend.

Are you ready to journey into the dark places, where only the brave and fool-hardy go? Join other teens for a mini-campaign of the popular role-playing game. Teen. Grades 7 to 12. Registration required.

Participate in live one-on-one, online tutoring for students of all ages as well as have access to worksheets and study materials with the library's eResource Tutor.com. All you need is your library card. Open every day from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Thrive

Borrowing Materials From Other Library Systems
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the library's collection, you may be able to obtain an Interlibrary Loan (ILLO). Print materials (fiction and nonfiction) and audiobooks must be over one year old to be eligible for borrowing from other public libraries across the province. Please note that DVDs, Blu-rays, video games and book club sets are no longer available through ILLO.

It's easy. Here's how:

From our website, click on “Services” then "Borrow From Another Library."

You can request an ILLO by phoning your nearest Guelph Public Library location or completing the online Interlibrary Loan request form.
OR
To manage your own Interlibrary loans, please register for a self-serve account so you can browse the INFOntario Interlibrary Loan System for materials.

For more information on costs, available items, or suggesting a purchase, please visit our website or call the Interlibrary Loans department at 519-824-6220, extension 248 or 261.

Guelph Public Library requires customers to wear a face covering in the Library. This could be a mask, bandana or scarf. Wearing a mask or face covering over both your nose and mouth helps protect everyone and slows the spread of COVID-19. For more information about the Library's health and safety precautions during this time, please visit https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/services/services.aspx

Community Connections: Attend Court Virtually
Do you have a court appearance scheduled in Guelph? Did you know that all Guelph court appearances are now operating via Zoom video conference or by telephone? How can you attend your court date if you are unable to access a computer, smartphone or internet? Your Guelph Public Library is here to help!

The Library, in partnership with Legal Aid Ontario and the John Howard Society of Waterloo-Wellington, is now offering court tablets for individuals to use if they need to attend Guelph court appearances virtually. Visit the Main Library at 100 Norfolk Street with your mask over both your nose and mouth and use hand sanitizer when entering the building. Ask Library staff for a court tablet. You are not required to have a Guelph Public Library card; however, you will be required to provide some form of collateral, such as identification, to borrow the court tablet. If you require any assistance, please ask Library staff. When your court appearance is over, you will return the court tablet to library staff in exchange for your collateral.

The Library continues to help bridge the digital divide in our community while connecting people to various resources and local organizations.

All Guelph Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2020.