Shki Kendaang / Learning New Things Together
First Nations Public Library Week takes place this year from October 4 to 8, 2021. Guelph Public Library acknowledges and honours the creations of all Indigenous nations equally. 
 
Every year since 2000, we take time to celebrate the important work accomplished by First Nation librarians and acknowledge the importance of libraries as community and cultural hubs.

This year’s theme is Shki Kendaang / Learning New Things Together. Over the past 2 years, we have all had to learn new ways of doing the work we do. Shki Kendaang encompasses the challenges and successes that library staff have had serving communities during the pandemic. 

Subscribe to our First Nations Métis Inuit NextReads newsletter to receive reading recommendations in your inbox from the First Nation Communities Read 2021-22 Longlist. Each month’s newsletter is the result of a mutual relationship and collaboration between members of the Indigenous community in Guelph and the Guelph Public Library.

In Indigenous ways of living and learning, each story has and gifts its own voice. The shared voices of the storyteller, creator, author and illustrator are unique gifts too. Likewise, if you receive these ‘story gifts’, your voice has its own unique response.

Educational Toy Lending Collection Now Available
Creative play is invaluable in promoting lifelong learning and early literacy development in children. Stimulate your child’s imagination with the help of your Guelph Public Library. Now available at all library locations is the new Toy Lending collection for babies to 3 years old. These educational toys are made of natural materials, contain no electronic parts and encourage children to explore playtime fun at their level and ability.

This toy lending collection is made possible thanks to the generous donation from the Schneider Family, in memory of Kiera Schneider and the special part the library played in her life, along with an exciting new partnership with the Toy Exchange Club. This collaboration gives these toys a second life and creates equitable access to their benefits for everyone in our community.

Visit any library location today with your library card to check out these educational toys for up to three weeks or place your holds in the library's catalogue by searching for "educational toys” and then select the nearest library location for pick up!

Celebrate Ontario Public Library Week
One library card, one million possibilities! Visit any of our six locations or check us out online to discover exciting new books, explore Guelph's history, join a free program, stream a movie or download music, immerse yourself in our state-of-the-art Makerspace, research your family history or enjoy essential services such as WiFi, computer access and online resources. Library staff are here to support you. Let us help you connect to your next great read, your community, your home away from home at www.guelphpl.ca. 

Borrow Items From Another Library System 
Are you looking for an item that the library currently doesn't have? Request an Interlibrary Loan (ILLO). Fiction and nonfiction print materials plus audiobooks that are over one year old may be eligible for borrowing from other public libraries in Ontario.

It's easy to get started. Visit the library's website. Click on the Services tab and then Borrow From Another Library. You can request an ILLO by phoning any library location or fill out the online Interlibrary Loan request form.

Want to search for your own books? Sign up for a self-serve account so you can browse the INFOntario Interlibrary Loan System.

For more information on costs, available items, or suggesting a purchase, please visit our website.