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Until January 31, 2025, families are encouraged to join the library's family reading challenge. Drop by any library location to learn more.

You’ve Been Challenged! Enter our Family Reading Challenge
Learning as a family not only helps to build strong literacy skills for both adults and children, but it also strengthens family bonds and ties. With Family Literacy Day just around the corner on January 27, now is the perfect time to participate in the Guelph Public Library’s Family Reading Challenge.

Running until January 31, enjoy completing a variety of activities as a family. Take time this month to read together, try something new, make a new recipe and so much more. The possibilities for learning together are endless – and it’s even better when you do it together as a family!

To enter the library’s Family Reading Challenge, drop by any Guelph Public Library location to pick up your challenge sheet. There are two challenge options available for a chance to win a family prize pack valued at $50 (which include Guelph Museum family passes courtesy of the Guelph Museum)! 

  • Bingo Card:  Complete at least five challenges in a row as a family – up, down, across, or diagonally.
  • Reading Log: For families with younger children, fill in a circle every time you read or listen to a book in January.  

Whichever option you chose for your family, be sure to submit completed challenge sheets to any library location by January 31, 2025.

“Family literacy is the foundation upon which a child's love for learning is built. When families read together, share stories and support education, they empower future generations with the tools to succeed and thrive," shares Meg Forestell-Page, Supervisor of Community Engagement at the Guelph Public Library.

Taking time to read and learn together is crucial to your child’s development and your Guelph Public Library is here to help. View the library’s online events calendar to learn more about the free library events available in your neighbourhood.

 
 
Read 1000 books before grade one! Learn more at www.guelphpl.ca/1000books. All it takes is sharing one book a day with your child to build a foundation for lifelong success.
 
 
Celebrate the new year with this interactive, fun, magic show followed by a dance party for kids! For primary and junior grades. No registration required.
 
 
Pick up your climate change kit to receive engaging information then join us for an informative recording. For grades six to eight. Please register at www.guelphpl.ca/events
 
Join the dinosaurs as they come out to play, make messes and have a good time! For toddlers and preschoolers. No registration required.
 
 

Connect

Photograph of the New Central Library construction progress.

Update: New Central Library
We’re excited to start sharing monthly updates on the new Central Library—a transformative project in the heart of downtown that embodies our vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven future.

The construction of the new library is progressing at an incredible pace. Key foundational and structural phases have already been completed, including shoring, excavation, and bedrock removal. The two-level parking garage is now complete, and work on the first and second floors of the library is well underway.

We are proud to announce that the new building has achieved the Zero Carbon Building – Design Standard™ Certification, which means the amount of carbon emissions the building produces will be equal to the amount removed from the atmosphere using unique features like solar panels, minimal fossil fuel use and an efficient building design and exterior. Earning this certification is a testament to our steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Complementing this achievement, we have secured an extraordinary $13.5 million in funding through the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, further reinforcing our dedication to creating a space that welcomes all.

This project is so much more than bricks and mortar. It reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. The new Central Library will stand as a beacon of learning, connection, and empowerment, a place where stories are shared and the future of our community is written. Together, we are building not just a library, but a community—for today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come.

 
Join us in-person at the Main Library on Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m. or online for an introduction to being a care partner to someone living with dementia. For adults. Please register at www.guelphpl.ca/events
 
 
Join us at Main to crochet on Monday, January 20 at 6 p.m.! Whether you're learning or practicing, this program will help increase your crochet skills. For adults and teens. Please register at www.guelphpl.ca/events.
 
Join us in-person at Diana Downtown to discuss "Maurice" by E.M. Forster. For adults. Please register for this Tuesday, January 21 event at 7 p.m. at www.guelphpl.ca/events.
 
 
 
Interested in researching your family history? Not sure where to start or need more assistance? Drop by the Main Library every Friday afternoon from 2 to 4:30 p.m. to receive help from the Wellington County Branch of the Ontario Ancestors. This is a free service.
 

Family History Research Questions?
Bring your family history questions for one-to-one help from members of the Wellington County Branch, Ontario Ancestors (The Ontario Genealogical Society) every Friday afternoon between 2 and 4:30 p.m. in the Main Library. This is a free, drop-in service and no registration is required.

Library advertisement for the online resource, FamilySearch. Explore your family's history. Discover yourself with this free online resource. Note: This is only available to use within the Main Library.
 
 

Thrive

 
Learn new skills with Linkedin Learning - free with your library card!

Interested in Learning New Skills? Try Linkedin Learning
Now is a perfect time to learn a new skill through Linkedin Learning. Thousands of courses are available for free, created and taught by industry experts. If you’re interested in business, check out the courses on accounting, marketing or leadership skills. If you have more of a creative mind, try one of the many drawing or photography lessons. Tech-savvy individuals can learn a new programming language or brush up on their knowledge of machine learning. LinkedIn Learning has easy to follow videos for people of all skill levels and offers professional certificates. Learn while on-the-go through the mobile app on the App Store and Google Play store.

 
 
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with these children's reading recommendations.
 
 
 
Activate our Spaces! Donate to help build a resilient, thriving community together.
 

Activate our Spaces: Donate
Your support will build the future of our library and the entire community. It will ensure the new Library will be a place where endless discoveries and opportunities are ignited.

Every gift to the library has the power to enrich, improve and transform lives. Large or small, today or planned, one-time or ongoing, all gifts make a difference. We can build the future – together!

It’s Guelph’s story, reimagined and revitalized, and we’d love you to be a part of it. Make your tax-deductible gift today or learn more about this project.

Here's how you can make a tax-deductible gift to library:

  • Donate through our secure site.

  • Visit any library location for details.

  • Email our Development Officer, Kirsten Bester or phone 519-824-6220 for assistance.

 
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Guelph Public Library is situated on land that is part of Dish With One Spoon territory and the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Today, Guelph is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

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