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Curbside Services at all locations start Saturday, April 3
In response to the Ontario Government’s COVID-19 province-wide shutdown, the Guelph Public Library will be temporarily closing all Guelph Public Library locations to the public. All locations will offer Curbside Services starting Saturday, April 3. No appointments are required and a selection of grab and go materials will be available for quick checkout.
Online access to the library's virtual services and programs remains accessible at www.guelphpl.ca. Download eBooks, eAudiobooks and magazines; stream movies and music; and many more services are all available from the comfort of your home with your library card. Participate in one of our many virtual program offerings by registering online.
Need a library card? Guelph residents can register for virtual library cards through the library's catalogue to access curbside pickup.
Do you need help filling out your Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) Covid-19 Vaccine pre-registration or appointment booking forms? Phone any library location during open hours for one-on-one help.
Be sure to check the Library's website frequently for any COVID-19 service updates. Enjoy reading, watching, listening and loving your Guelph Public Library items while remaining safe and healthy!
From the Archives: St. George’s Day, April 23rd, 1827
Did you know that the City of Guelph was established on April 23, 1827? Learn more about our city's history. This library archives photograph from 1977 shows a sign that was displayed on one of the floats during the celebration parade for Guelph's 150th anniversary.
Guelph Public Library Archives Image, 1977: F45-0-10-0-0-1436. Visit the library's website to learn more about our Archives collection.
Celebrate National Library Outreach Day, April 7
Starting with horse-drawn vehicles sending boxes of books to general stores and post offices more than a century ago, the Guelph Public Library has a long tradition of providing outreach services to support lifelong learning in our community. Did you know that the library’s Bookmobile provides access to almost every service that can be found in a library branch including free WiFi, reader’s advisory services and more?
On Wednesday, April 7, 2021, the Guelph Public Library encourages you to celebrate National Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day) to recognize the vital contributions our Bookmobile and library services make to our community.
“Libraries are engines of opportunity. The Bookmobile allows the library to go beyond physical walls to provide equal access to information for all. This service levels the playing field for every member of our community,” says Eleni Hughes, Supervisor of Bookmobile Services and Bullfrog Branch.
This spring, the Bookmobile will be visiting Shelldale Family Gateway on Mondays from 3 to 4 p.m. starting on April 12, 2021. Look for the Bookmobile parked in the Shelldale parking lot across from the skate park and check us out!
Library outreach services provide all members of the community with free access to resources and services linking people to the information they need during this difficult time and beyond. Learn more about the Guelph Public Library’s Bookmobile schedule and outreach services today.
Connect
Book a Virtual eExpert Session
Did you know you can receive one-on-one help with your technology? Our librarians can assist you with your tech questions and provide you with an opportunity to learn something new in a virtual eExpert session. We can help you to learn how to use our online resources, borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks plus learn some basic digital literacy skills. Request your virtual eExpert session today!
Library Stories: My Makerspace Experience
"I was very excited when the makerspace at the Westminster branch was unveiled – the space was modern and bright, and there were machines that I had never seen before that could do things I hadn’t imagined. I initially gave the space a wide berth because I am not a tech wizard and if the problem can’t be fixed by restarting the device, then I give up.
One day though I went up and just asked what the space was about, what was in there and how it could be used. The staff answered my questions graciously, kindly and patiently, and made me feel really welcome! I signed up my son to use the Glowforge, and the 3D printer. He got to play on the VR headset in the game room, and he started to think about projects and possibilities in wholly new ways.
I signed myself up to use the embroidery machine in November 2020, and I fell in love. Because the makerspace staff generously (and patiently!) shared their time and knowledge in teaching me how to use the machine, I have been working on and dreaming up new projects ever since. I have since purchased my own embroidery machine and started a small business working on custom embroidery, focusing on making bright, colorful things for kids. I never would have done any of this without the makerspace and their truly amazing staff, Stephen, Ben and Amanda, who have literally helped me realize my dreams." ~ Katherine
Thanks, Katherine, for sharing your experience using our Makerspace! Has the library helped you to enhance your life? Share your library story today.
Community Connections: Lutherwood
Lutherwood connects people with employers, training and job funding. Our free services help individuals find and maintain their jobs after which employers recruit and train their employees. We are open to everyone, but we also have specialized programs for Newcomers to Canada and Youth. From career planning, to developing effective resumes and cover letters, to learning how to network and connect with employers, we are here to help every step of the way! To learn more about our services please contact Lutherwood by phone, 519-822-4141, through our website, or visit us on Facebook.
In Loving Memory of Nancy Clarke
The year was 1990, the start of a new decade, Maxi Priest’s “Close to You” was number one on the pop charts, gas was 63.6 cents per litre, Brian Mulroney was Prime Minister and Ms. Nancy Clarke joined the Guelph Public Library as an Information Librarian.
After graduating with a Master of Library Science from the University of Toronto, Nancy worked as a librarian in a law library at York University, but knew her true passion was to work within the public library system. She loved to share the story with new librarians about her initial shift on the information desk. When the first patron came in to ask a question, her mentor looked at her and said, “You have this Nancy!” – a lesson in learning to swim by being thrown into the deep end!
Nancy worked in many different roles and wore various hats during her 30-year career at the Guelph Public Library including Union President for many years while Mr. Norman McLeod was CEO. She also worked as the supervisor who opened the East Side branch, then as Director of Main Library and finally, as Director of Customer Service, tirelessly leading various teams throughout the library system. She recently retired in December 2020.
Nancy had many passions and worked hard to build the reputation, reach and resiliency of the Guelph Public Library. She often joined in our French conversation circles (fun fact: she was fluent in French and even shared a few words in Russian!), kept us all entertained with her quick wit and humour, and could problem solve amazingly on the fly. One particular passion was her work in building a connection and knowledge with members of our Indigenous community. She was a vital part of the library's development and expansion of Indigenous programming and was our representative and student of the Circle of the Knowledge Holders.
Nancy always believed in the strength and abilities of each and every staff member and took the time to understand and listen, helping lead them to resolutions. She is remembered fondly by her colleagues and customers for her warmth and kindness. She was a well-loved member of the Library team and is dearly missed by all.
May you rest in peace, Nancy.
Thrive
There's a Book for That: Springtime Reads
Each month, Children's and Teen Librarian Ben will share children's books on the topics you ask about. Challenge us with your tough questions by emailing askus@guelphpl.ca. This month, Ben showcases new books for Spring on the topics of play, wonder, hope and change.
Spring is in the Air: Children's Community Art Show
Attention all artists in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8! The Guelph Public Library is excited to announce their Spring is in the Air: Children’s Community Art Show during the month of May at all library locations.
Interested? Submit your original 8.5”x11” art pieces in any type of 2D media which includes materials that can make a mark on a flat surface (i.e. crayons, markers, watercolours or paint).
Looking for some artistic ideas or inspiration? Register for our free, virtual Art in the Afternoon tutorial events during April Break (April 12 to 16, 2021). These free instructional videos are viewable for one week after delivery to your inbox so you and your family can watch them when it fits your schedule!
How to Enter: Submissions for this community art show start Monday, April 12 at all library locations. Please include an art show submission form with your artwork and write your full first name and last name initial on the back of your artwork. Submission forms can be printed from the library’s website to be filled out before dropping off your artwork. Deadline for submissions is Friday, April 30, 2021.
What are you waiting for? Get creative and help decorate your neighbourhood library location for Spring!
