Playaway Launchpads Tablets for Kids
Have you checked out a Playaway Launchpad - a kid’s only learning tablet - that both kids and adults will love?

Each Playaway Launchpad is pre­‐loaded with high­‐quality, ad-free learning apps and games, providing hours of interactive learning and play.

Apps are grouped onto Launchpads by subject area, theme, grade level and age. Featuring popular characters and brands, apps content spans subject areas from math and science to critical thinking and creativity, and themed from animals to princesses, fantasy, nature and more.   

Kids, ages 3 to 12 years, will love the Launchpad experience, which lets them design a personal avatar before game play and choose an app adventure they’re most interested in.

Adults will love that Launchpads are 100% secure, ensuring that will not be exposed to unintended content, and that the informational console will let them monitor how time is spent on the tablet. Check one out today with your library card!

From the Archives: Bands of Music in Guelph
Music is certainly an important aspect of the human experience. In the work, The Bands of Music in Guelph, Ross W. Irwin writes that even before the building of the priory “a gala celebration was held August 12 and at the feast a small band of musicians (from little York) performed a number of appropriate airs without the building.”

The author takes us on a musical journey writing about some of Guelph's early brass, military, boys and girls’ bands, and even privately sponsored bands, such as the Bell Organ Co. Band established in 1884 and the Silver Creek Brewery Band starting in 1894. The Guelph City Band was organized in 1878. This book includes a brief discussion around pipe bands such as the Highland Pipe Band which was formed in 1922. 

If you wish to explore some of Guelph's musical band history, consider this work as a starting point. Interested in learning more about the Library's Archives, contact our Archivist, Darcy.

Back to School is Right Around the Corner!
Here are four ways the Guelph Public Library can help:

1. Read books about starting or going to school. Check out these back to school books available in our collection with your library card.
2. Attend a library program. Participation in one of our library programs supports early literacy development and offers a great opportunity to practice sharing, listening, communication and cooperation skills.
3. Check out the digital resources available for students. We offer helpful online resources for free to both elementary and secondary aged students.
4. Use the library as a destination for practicing your new school morning routine. Adjusting to a new routine can be hard. Before school starts in September, practice your school morning routine by visiting one of our library locations!

Apply to Become a Teen Advisory Group Member!
Are you looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? Apply to join the Guelph Public Library's Teen Advisory Group (TAG). Teens living in Guelph entering grades 7 through 12 are eligible to apply.

TAG is a chance to get involved in developing library collections, services and programs that are offered to teens and youth.  At monthly meetings, you will have the chance to share your ideas, participate in special projects and provide feedback about what the library offers all while having fun and making new friends!  

For more information about the library's Teen Advisory Group (TAG) and to apply, visit www.guelphpl.ca/tag.