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Learn more about the Library's Teen ETCH Creative Writing Contest. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2024.

Enter the Library’s Teen ETCH Writing Contest: Eras

We have partnered once again with Vocamus Writers Community to offer teens in grades 7 through 12, living in Guelph and Wellington County, the chance to be published in their 2024 Teen ETCH Anthology this June!

Interested participants can enter the 2024 Teen ETCH Creative Writing contest by submitting a short story and/or poetry piece in 1,500 words or less on the theme of “Eras.”

There is no entry fee required but all submissions must be electronically received by 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2024 to teens@guelphpl.ca. Short story and poetry entries must be your own original writing, 1,500 words or less, typed and single spaced. Please do not submit your stories as a PDF. Your submission must include the title of your story and/or poetry, your full name, school, grade, phone number and guardian’s name.

All submissions will be judged by Librarians and local industry professionals. Finalists will then be paired with a local author mentor in early April 2024, who will share creative writing techniques to help polish their submission for final judging. Winners shall be chosen based upon creativity, originality, style, grammar and spelling. The decision of the judges is final. All participants who enter a submission will be contacted about whether or not they are a finalist by the end of April 2024.

Prizes will be awarded for both short story and poetry submissions. The top three short story entries in each of the following categories: Grades 7 to 8, Grades 9 to 10 and Grades 11 to 12 will receive prizes along with the top three poetry selections over all grade categories. Prize values are $40 for first, $30 for second and $20 for third place. The chances of winning are dependent on the number of completed entries received. Winners will be announced during our Teen ETCH Anthology Book Launch on June 1, 2024.

Check out the wonderful line-up of library events available this March Break at www.guelphpl.ca/events.

Erick Traplin Live at the Main Library on Monday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. for preschooler and primary grades. No registration required.

No registration is required for this Westminster Square branch all ages event - Sing and Dance with Mr. J and the Groovy Gang - on Thursday March 14 at 10:30 a.m.

No registration is required for this Main Library event on Thursday March 14 at 6:30 p.m. - Wild Ontario - for primary and junior grades.

From the Archives: Never mind the bucket, where are the pancakes?

Guelph Library Archives Photo - CA ON00126 F45-F45-0-8-F45-0-8-0-0-1074. This photograph shows students tapping a maple tree to get syrup.

This March 1984 photograph shows Sarita Moodie, Mia-Lyn Brownie and Steven Greig using their school break to learn how maple syrup is made.

Explore our Local History photo collection. Questions? Email our Archivist Darcy Hiltz or phone 519-824-6220 extension 245 to book an appointment.

Connect

Check out a THEMUSEUM family pass with your library card. It provides regular admission for a family of up to two adults and four children.

Are you looking for a place to display your artwork and/or community organization's information? Check out this free community service at the library.

Community Connections: Displays and Exhibits
Local artists and community organizations can share their work or displays at various library locations for community members to enjoy. You do not have to be a professional artist to participate; all creativity is welcome. Fill out the online application form at www.guelphpl.ca/displays.

Need help determining your next great read? We are here to help! Receive personalize suggestions at www.guelphpl.ca/recommendations.

Join the Nightingale Centre for Children, Youth and Families to connect with people who share a similar lived experience. For adults. Please register. Wednesday March 13 at 6:30 p.m. in our East Side Branch

Join us virtually for a wrap-up conversation following the Eden Mills Writer's Festival series of winter author events. For adults. Registration is required.

Becoming a caregiver can feel overwhelming and leave caregivers unsure of where to get started or find support. The Ontario Caregiver Organization is here to help. For adults. Please register. Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Thrive

Children's Art Display. Check out the Main Library's Art Cart in the children's department to get started. Then submit your art creation to Library staff for display!

Children's Art Wall for Young Artists
Calling all youth artists! Check out the Children's Art wall in the Main Library. This month’s theme is “March Fun!” Templates are available for pickup in the Children’s Department on the second floor. Use our art cart supplies to create your masterpiece while visiting the library or, work on your creation at home and bring it to the Main Library once completed for display. Each month is a new theme. We can't wait to see your creativity!

Tech Time: Creativebug
With your library card, you can enjoy unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft classes with Creativebug for free! Watch high-quality classes anytime, anywhere. Since the classes never expire, you can start and stop projects at your own pace. Younger children may require adult assistance. Try the app from the App Store and Google Play!. Get started today at www.guelphpl.ca/onlineresources or email our Librarians at askus@guelphpl.ca for more information.

Is our Technology Helping you? We want to know! Complete a short survey at www.guelphpl.ca/techhelp or scan the QR code provided.

Easter Hours 2024 - All locations are closed on Friday, March 29 then re-open on Saturday March 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Easter Sunday, all locations are closed. On Easter Monday (April 1) our West End Branch is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while all other locations are closed.