Thunder Bay Public Library Connect (April - June 2024)

Connect

2024

APRIL - JUNE

7-13 Programs for Kids

14-15 Just for YOUth

The Library has a New Website!

Public Preview Now Live!

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We’ll be officially launching our new website on Monday, April 29th!

In the meantime, we invite you to take a tour of our new website and explore our spectacular new online catalogue as we finish construction and fine-tuning. Visit www.tbpl.ca/newsite to participate in our Public Preview!

Indigenous Programs

New Event Calendar Now Live!

Browse and register for upcoming events via our new Event Calendar at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar

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Learn more on Page 5...

Adult Programs

Connect with us @TbayPL

Phone 807-345-8275 Email comments@tbpl.ca Online www.tbpl.ca

hours & more Hours of Operation Waverley

285 Red River Road Monday & Tuesday ...................... 9:30 am - 8 pm Wednesday to Saturday .......... 9:30 am - 5 pm

County Park

1020 Dawson Road (County Fair Mall) Monday to Wednesday ............ 9:30 am - 5 pm Thursday ................................................. 12:30 pm - 8 pm Friday ...................................................... 9:30 am - 5 pm Saturday ............................................... Closed

Brodie

216 Brodie Street South Monday ................................................. 9:30 am - 5 pm Tuesday & Wednesday ............. 9:30 am - 8 pm Thursday & Friday ......................... 9:30 am - 5 pm Saturday................................................. Closed

Mary J.L. Black

901 Edward Street South Monday & Tuesday ...................... 9:30 am - 5 pm Wednesday & Thursday ........... 9:30 am - 8 pm Friday & Saturday........................... 9:30 am - 5 pm

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Full Day Closures

March 29 - Good Friday April 1 - Easter Monday May 20 - Victoria Day July 1 - Canada Day

Half Day Closure

May 24 - Staff Training All locations will be OPEN from 1 pm - 5 pm.

Your Suggestions are Welcome!

Do you have suggestions for books or other items that the Library doesn’t currently have?

Library Board

These members from the community and City Council are proud to represent your interests until 2026: Carol Grieve, Board Chair Jane Todd, Vice Chair Cory Bagdon Kelly Fettes Councillor Trevor Giertuga Syed Kabir Sarah Lewis Charmaine McCraw Councillor Michael Zussino

Fill out a purchase suggestion form online at www.tbpl.ca/suggestions or at the Library.

Board Meeting Dates

Your Comments are Welcome!

April 11 - Brodie May 9 - Mary J.L. Black June 13 - Waverley

Comments are accepted 24 / 7 at comments@tbpl.ca or at the Library.

Please note that all meeting dates are subject to change. Please call Mary at 807-684-6803 for full details.

Do you have suggestions on how we can improve our service?

learn, grow, create and be successful

Thursdays @ 5 pm

www.tbpl.ca

CEO message The numbers are in and to our delight Thunder Bay poured into the Library in 2023. We had a 70% increase in the number of visits to our Libraries! We saw a 22% increase in the number of items loaned, a 44% increase in program attendance and an average of 3,919 visits per day to the Library.

sign, are spearheading this project to make the Central Library an iconic Thunder Bay experience. With a new mission to embed Indigeneity into the very fabric of the Library, Thunder Bay born Indigenous architect Ryan Gorrie aims to ensure our new facilities embrace the history and traditions of this land and its peoples.

2024 is shaping up to be a transformational year. We’re in the middle of launching a brand-new website that will knock your socks off. We’re making it even easier to find the books you love, the programs you enjoy and experience a digital platform that makes Thunder Bay a national leader for public libraries.

A partnership between the Library and the City Council Composition Committee is also underway. The Library will be hosting four major engagement sessions this spring where residents will be able to participate directly in the Committee’s work.

The input provided at these sessions will help inform the work of the Committee as they make their recommendation of how City Council could change by early 2025.

Our plans for revitalizing and modernizing our branches are set to be presented to the City Council in June. See page four for details about our public engagement sessions where you can see the incredible designs that will transform the Library experience and draw thousands of new users to our doors. Brook Mcllroy, the architects who brought you the Waterfront Revitalization and the North Core Rede-

A special thank you to City Council for fully supporting the Library’s core budget for 2024. Please take the time to thank your City Councillors for voting to grant the Library the funding we need to ensure you have the Library you deserve.

Richard Togman, CEO Richard Recommends:

The Almost Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia

by Michael Booth Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings by Neil Price Seeking Social Democracy: Seven Decades in the Struggle for Equality

by Ed Broadbent

Other Things You Can Borrow!

Thunder Bay Museum Passes, Thunder Bay Art Gallery Passes, Ontario Provincial Park Passes, Fort William Historical Park Passes, Knitting Needle Kits, Walking Poles, Radon Detector Kits, and more! www.tbpl.ca/otherthings

www.tbpl.ca

learn, grow, create and be successful

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facilities plan Master Facilities Plan

Our libraries are the heart of our community and have been a refuge for many for over 100 years. However, our community has changed dramatically since our first building was established in 1912. Decades of under-funding have left much of our physical infrastructure in need of significant repair.

A business case for the renewal of the City’s Public Library system (Master Facilities Plan) was presented to City Council in June 2023. It is based on a new model for the Library with a central branch to provide city-wide services and a number of neighbourhood based branches to deliver targeted and locally relevant services to each neighbourhood. Yes, you really can have it all!

The Library is due to report back to City Council in June 2024 on a full costing of the Plan and a decision on the future of our Library system will be made at that time.

Upcoming Community Engagement Events:

Saturday, May 11 - Intercity Shopping Centre - Drop in from 10 am to 6 pm Tuesday, May 14 - Mary J.L. Black Library - Doors open at 6 pm Thursday, May 16 - Waverley Library - Doors open at 6 pm For more information, please contact Tina Maronese at tmaronese@tbpl.ca / 807-630-5664. Register for the events at Waverley and Mary J.L. Black online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar, in person at any Library location, or by calling 807-345-8275.

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learn, grow, create and be successful

www.tbpl.ca

new @ tbpl.ca Things are Changing at tbpl.ca!

Preview Our New Website Now Live: New Upcoming Events Listings & Registration

Programming information and registration has moved to a new platform! As of March 25, when you visit www.tbpl.ca to register for events or browse our events calendar, you’ll be redirected to a new experience. While you’re visiting our new calendar, you’ll also have the opportunity to preview the rest of our new website.

The new Events platform offers an intuitive and accessible user experience that lets you discover programming in a variety of ways - by selecting a range of dates or sorting by branch, program type, or age range. Try it out now at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar

New Website Preview

For nearly a year, we’ve been working on making our 24 / 7 digital Library more responsive and user-friendly. Our new website includes a new online catalogue designed with our users in mind, based on how people use the Internet for searching, shopping, and social media. Its new “smart search” function feels a little like online shopping and lets you find exactly what you’re looking for, quickly and easily. It also lets you share your expertise with other Library users by rating and reviewing items and by creating reading lists that you can make public or keep private for your own use.

The new header navigation will help you discover aspects of your Library that you may not have known about before. Browse the collections in new ways, enjoy book recommendations from our expert staff, and visit landing pages that bring together Library offerings based on your interests. Our new site will help you easily explore Thunder Bay Public Library’s wealth of programming, services, and collections.

Our new site will officially launch at www.tbpl.ca on April 29th. Until then we invite you to join us at www.tbpl.ca/newsite for a sneak preview!

Comments or suggestions? Please send them to comments@tbpl.ca or fill out a feedback form at any location.

www.tbpl.ca

learn, grow, create and be successful

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new stuff Adult

One In A Million by Janet Dailey Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy Crosshairs by James Patterson & James O. Born Apoca Lips by Piers Anthony Denison Avenue: A Novel by Christina Wong

Children’s Fiction

Wonka: Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Sibéal Pounder Haunted Holiday by Kiersten White Heroes by Alan Gratz Elliot Jelly-Legs and the Bobblehead Miracle: A Novel by Yolanda Ridge Monster Village by Andrea Towers

YOUth

Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick Night of the Living Queers: 13 Tales of Horror & Delight edited by Shelly Page & Alex Brown Ryan and Avery by David Levithan Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White

by Amélie Wen Zhao This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang

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Children’s Nonfiction

A Book of Secret Agent Projects: For Kids Who Want to Go Undercover by Ruth Owen DIY Survival Manual: Natural Disasters

by Ben Hubbard Nature’s Best Hope (Young Readers’ Edition): How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy Grow a Pizza Garden by John Benzee Butterfly Inn by Nancy Riley Let’s Go Outside! by Ben Lerwill Maker Comics: Survive in the Outdoors!

by Mike Lawrence Never Get Bored Outdoors by James Maclaine

learn, grow, create and be successful

Adult Nonfiction

Life Skills: From Organizing your Kitchen to Saving a Houseplant, Money-saving Hacks and Easy DIYs you Need to Know Video Storytelling Projects: A DIY Guide to Shooting, Editing and Producing Amazing Video Stories on the Go

by Rafael Concepcion The DIY BBQ Cookbook: How to Build Your Own BBQ and Cook up a Feast

by James Whetlor Yates Top 50 Fragrant Plants and How Not to Kill Them! by Angie Thomas Ultimate Bonsai Handbook by Yukio Hirose Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening

by Matt Mattus 50 Things to Do in the Wild by Richard Skrein Hiking and Backpacking by Buck Tilton

DVDs

Story Ave Priscilla Weak Layers Special Ops, Season 1 The Holdovers

www.tbpl.ca

read read read!

Summer Reading Club

Recommended Reading

The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all interests and abilities, ages 0-12.

The Club celebrates Canadian authors, illustrators and stories, and inspires kids to explore the fun of reading their way. This is key to building a lifelong love of reading. It has been demonstrated that kids who read over the summer retain and build on the literacy skills that they have been practicing during the school year.

Your child will receive a free notebook and stickers to track their reading. TBPL will also have fun activities and initiatives for kids to take part in throughout the summer, culminating in a celebration party! Additionally, every week, your child will receive prizes or coupons for free stuff just for reading!

There’s something for everyone, including kids with print disabilities, and preschoolers and their families.

Registration Details

You can register for the TD Summer Reading Club beginning June 14 at 9:30 am. Pick up materials at your selected Library location weekly beginning July 2. Register online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar, by calling 807-345-8275, or in person at any Library location.

Glow: A Family Guide to the Night Sky

by Noelia Gonzalez and Sara Boccaccini Meadows The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris Outside Amelia’s Window by Carolina Nastro and Anca Sandu Budisan When the Stars Came Home by Brittany Luby and Natasha Donovan The Superteacher Project by Gordon Korman Searching Beyond the Stars: Seven Women in Science Take On Spaces’ Biggest Questions by Nicole Mortillaro and Amanda Key When Sunlight Tiptoes by Gililan Sze and Soyeon Kim Teen Astronauts #3: Mission to Mars

by Eric Walters Where Are the Aliens: The Search for Life Beyond Earth by Stacy McAnulty and Nicole Miles

Media Launch

Join us on Monday, June 17 @ 11 am at the Waverley Library for a media launch featuring players from the Thunder Bay Border Cats!

Supported by:

www.tbpl.ca

learn, grow, create and be successful

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programs for kids Preschool Storytime*

Tales for Twos*

Waverley Thursdays @ 10:30 am April 11 - May 30

Waverley Wednesdays @ 10:30 am April 10 - May 29

A school readiness program for children ages 3 and 4 to attend on their own while caregivers remain nearby in the Library.

Caregiver participation is required for the craft and play portions of the program.

This program is for children from 24 months up to 3 years of age with a caregiver. There will be stories, songs and rhymes, crafts and other activities, with time for play and socialization.

Mary J.L. Black Tuesdays @ 10 am April 9 - May 28

Mary J.L. Black Mondays @ 10 am April 8 - May 27 (no program May 20)

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Registration for events with an * asterisk begins at 9:30 am two weeks prior to the program date by phone at 807-345-8275, online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar or in person at any Library location.

Baby Time

Play Days

Mary J.L. Black Tuesdays @ 1:15 pm April 9 - May 28

The toys are out for free play! Drop in to socialize and have fun. (all ages)

Waverley Tuesdays @ 11:15 am April 9 - May 28

County Park Fridays @ 10 am April 12 - May 31 (no program May 24) A drop-in literacy-based program for babies from birth to 24 months. This program combines stories, music, rhymes and play.

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Read. Sing. Play.

Waverley Mondays @ 10:30 am April 8 - May 27 (no program May 20) County Park Wednesdays @ 10 am April 10 - May 29 Brodie Thursdays @ 10:30 am April 11 - May 30 Children and their family or caregivers will enjoy this 100% literacy-based drop-in storytime combining stories, music and rhymes, crafts, and play. (all ages) Just drop in! Daycares are welcome to attend but please call a day in advance to let us know.

Waverley Fridays from 9:30 am - 4 pm April 12 - May 31

Please note the following changes: April 26 - program will run 9:30 am - 1 pm before the PD day program May 24 - Play Day will begin at 1 pm when the Library opens

learn, grow, create and be successful

www.tbpl.ca

programs for kids Blissful Beading County Park Thursdays @ 3 pm April 4 - June 27

Drop in and relax while you create beaded trinkets, necklaces, keychains, and more. (ages 4+)

Play Day & Puzzle Play @ Mary J Mary J.L. Black Children’s Area Every Day

Play Day and Puzzle Play are every day!

Drop in to enjoy the toys and your time together. (all ages)

Baby Prints

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room Saturdays @ 1:30 pm May 4 June 15 Drop in to make a handprint or footprint craft and stay for a story, song, and lap rhyme. For babies 0-12 months.

www.tbpl.ca

LEGO Play @ Mary J

Mary J.L. Black Children’s Program Room Mondays @ 10 am - 4 pm April 15 & 29 May 13 & 27 June 10 & 24 Build, colour or craft. Drop in for LEGO fun. Supervision recommended due to small parts. (all ages)

Junior LEGO Builders Mary J.L. Black Children’s Program Room Thursdays @ 2 pm - 7 pm April 18 May 23 June 20

Reading Buddies

Waverley Auditorium Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm April 16 - May 28 An early literacy program to help children in grades 1, 2 and 3 become more confident and motivated readers. This free program provides children with oneon-one reading support with a screened volunteer. Register beginning April 2 @ 9:30 am by phone at 807-345-8275, online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar, or in person at any Library location. For more details email readingbuddies@tbpl.ca

Build, colour or craft. Drop in for LEGO fun. For ages 7-12.

Earth Emperors

Waverley Auditorium Saturday, May 18 @ 10:30 am Drop-in to grow your children’s appreciation for nature during this spring and gardening themed storytime. Trowel and error nature STEM activities and crafts for kids. Expect to get dirty. (ages 4+)

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programs for kids Star Wars Kit*

Pickup week of April 29 Do you have a young Jedi or Stormtrooper at home? Sign them up for one of our Star Wars Kits! This is a take-home kit that will include: books, activity sheets, goodies, and more! (ages 12 and under)

Storytime with Drag Queens Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room Saturday, June 8 @ 2:30 pm

Join the always wonderful Lady Fantasia La Premiere and Mz. Molly Poppinz for a fun-filled and inclusive Saturday storytime for all ages.

Primo Pirates Kit!*

Pickup week of June 3 (NOTE: registration opens Tuesday, May 21 at 9:30 am) Ahoy, mateys! Batten down the hatches, for Primo Pirate Kits are arriving! Lads and Lassies will enjoy activities, books, and a craft all about sailors and seadogs. (ages 0-12)

Puppy Perks Storytime Brodie Programming Room Tuesdays @ 10 am April 16 May 14 June 11

Families, come join us for a storytime with actual, live puppies! Join Tammy from PAWsitively Social for this fun-filled event.

She will bring the puppies, you bring the smiles. Children of all ages are welcome, just drop in!

PA Day Storytime!

County Park Friday, June 14 @ 10 am Enjoy the last PA Day of the school year with some fun stories and songs! (all ages)

Sponsored by

Thank you to Gallucci’s Pizza for their donation of cookies for these events.

*Registration for events with an * asterisk begins at 9:30 am two weeks prior to the program date by phone at 807-345-8275,

online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar or in person at any Library location.

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learn, grow, create and be successful

www.tbpl.ca

programs for kids May the Fourth Be With You!

Mary J.L. Black Programming Room Saturday, May 4 @ 10 am - 12 pm Celebrate Stars Wars Day (and Comic Book Day) with us! Drop-in to create your own mini comic book, design buttons, and make bookmarks with us! All craft supplies are first come, first served. *Small parts are used in some activities and are not suitable for babies, toddlers, or any children still mouthing toys. Children must be supervised by parents/caregivers at all times.* (ages 6+, youth & adults)

Subscription Book Bags for Kids

Little Sprouts*

Spring Session: Registration opens: April 2 Pick up: April 29, May 27, June 24

Adults - check out the Wet Your Plants program on page 19.

Register your child and for the next 3 months, a specially selected bag of books will be waiting for you to pick up.

Choose the genre, format, and pick-up location, and we'll do the rest. (ages 0-12)

Summer Session: Registration opens: July 2 Pick up: July 29, August 26, October 1

NOTE:

This is a drop in program for ages 6+, youth & adults.

Youth, share your art with us by tagging @tbayplyouth on instagram!

Foster a love of gardening and register your child for Little Sprouts! This child-friendly version of our themed garden kits includes: seeds, growing instructions, recipes, and activities. Registration is required. (all ages)

Pumpkins* - April 29 Squash/Zucchini* - May 13 Carrots* - June 4 Peas* - June 17 Lettuce* - July 2 Radishes* - July 16

*Registration for events with an * asterisk begins at 9:30 am two weeks prior to the

program date by phone at 807-345-8275, online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar or in person at any Library location.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Encourage your child’s love of reading by joining our free literacy activity, designed for children ages 0-5. The goal is to read 1,000 books to your child before they start school.

It’s easier than you think! You can read one book or multiple books each day. How fast you reach the milestones is up to you.

3 books a day for 1 year = 1,095 books 1 book a day for 3 years = 1,095 books Prizes are available for each 250 book milestone. For more information please visit our website at www.tbpl.ca/1000-books or email 1000books@tbpl.ca

www.tbpl.ca

learn, grow, create and be successful

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programs for kids Puzzle and Game Swap for Kids Mary J.L. Black Program Room Saturday, May 25 @ 11 am - 2 pm

In the spirit of reducing, reusing, and recycling, TBPL is holding our first puzzle and game swap for kids! Clear some clutter and save some money on a newto-you game or puzzle.

Drop off your children’s puzzle or game at any Library location between May 13 - 18.

For each item you donate, you will receive a coupon to redeem on swap day. Attend the swap at Mary J.L. Black and redeem your coupon(s) for new-to-you games and/or puzzles.

All items must be clean and complete.

Any items remaining at the end of the swap will be donated.

Tween Takeover

Mary J.L. Black Program Room Thursdays @ 5 pm - 6:30 pm April 25 - Perler Bead Art May 30 - Anime Night June 27 - Minecraft

PA Day Concert & Instrument Making** Waverley - Auditorium Friday, April 26 @ 2 pm

Make your own instrument and join local musician “Jammy Jesse” as he leads us in a sing-along. (all ages) **Free tickets are required and will be available starting Friday, April 12 at 9:30 am.

PA Day Puppet Show: The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot** Waverley Auditorium Friday, June 14 at 10:30 am

Blast into space and enjoy the hilarious adaptation of a traditional fairytale. Make a craft, and other cosmic related activities. (all ages) **Free tickets are required and will be available starting Friday, May 31 at 9:30 am.

Coming up in July If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Party* Waverley Auditorium Wednesday, July 3 @ 2:30 pm

If you give a mouse a cookie, what do you think will happen next? Join us for various activities celebrating Mouse and his friends! Registration begins June 19 at 9:30 am. (all ages)

Beatlemania

Waverley Auditorium Monday, July 8 @ 2:30 pm Come Together to start a Revolution! In Spite of All the Danger, you’ll Twist and Shout. It’s a Day in the Life you won’t want to miss! Party like it’s the 1960s and celebrate all things Beatles. Registration begins on Monday, June 24 at 9:30 am. (all ages)

Take over the teen space for the evening!

Each month will be a different activity.

Register for reminders. Drop-ins welcome. (ages 7-12)

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learn, grow, create and be successful

www.tbpl.ca

it’s science Northern Nature Trading (NNT)

Mary J.L. Black Northern Nature Trading is a special kind of swap shop! Show us items you’ve found in nature and we’ll award you points for what you know about your item, what makes it different, and the quality of it.

Trade points for things in our collection like rocks, shells and pine cones.

For more information or to learn how you can trade virtually, email or visit us at www.tbpl.ca/northernnaturetrading or email us at nnt@tbpl.ca HOURS OF OPERATION Wednesday ..........5 pm - 7 pm Thursday ...............2 pm - 4 pm Saturday ...............10 am - 12 pm Northern Nature Trading is funded in part by

www.tbpl.ca

THINK Hub Drop-In

Brodie Programming Room Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm April 2 - June 26 (note: no program on April 23 & 24) School age children (aimed at 6+) will love exploring the Northern THINK Hub activities in our Programming Room. Younger children can enjoy puzzles, a scavenger hunt, and more in the Children's Department. Just drop in!

The THINK Hub contains small parts and heavy pieces and is not suitable for babies, toddlers, or any children still putting pieces in their mouths. (ages 6+)

THINK Hub PA Day Drop-In

Brodie Programming Room Friday, April 26 @ 10 am - 4 pm Need something to do during the PA day?

Drop-in to the THINK Hub!

learn, grow, create and be successful

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just for YOUth Nicole Doesn’t Know Anime!

Mary J.L. Black Thursdays @ 5 pm - 7 pm April 4 - Apothecary Diaries (DIY Potion Making) May 2 - One Piece (Pirate Sail Making) June 6 - Yuri!!! On Ice (Name The Theme Game) She’s embarrassed to admit it, but Nicole really doesn’t know anime. Watch the show, eat Japanese snacks, and show Nicole how wrong her guesses are! Doors open at 4:30 pm. (ages 13-18)

BYOCraft!

Mary J.L. Black Thursdays @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm April 4 May 2 June 6 Just like the title says - bring your own craft or project to the Library to tinker with and work on. (grades 7-12)

Completely Booked Book Bag

Each month from May to September you’ll receive 2 hand-picked Library books, candy, and some goodies. Supplies are limited, so sign up fast! Register beginning May 6 by calling 807-345-8275, online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar, or in person at any location. (ages 12-18)

Rainbow Colouring Club

Mary J.L. Black Thursday, April 11 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Meet up with other youth for a relaxing night to colour and connect! (grades 7-12)

YOUth Colouring Day All Library locations April 26, May 31, June 28

Rec Room Exam Study Night

Mary J.L. Black Thursday, June 20 @ 4 pm - 7:45 pm Exams are upon us. Stop by for a quiet space to study with others. At 6 pm, we’ll take a break and play JackboxTV. (grades 8-12)

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Mary J.L. Black Thursdays @ 5 pm - 6:30 pm April 11 - Weave a Bookmark April 18 - Yoga May 16 - Drawing Games May 23 - Air Dry Sculpting June 13 - Rainbow Keychains Drop-in for these events. Doors open at 4:30 pm. (grades 7-12)

learn, grow, create and be successful

Come relax and colour in the youth area at all Library branches on the last Friday of April, May, and June! Each month will have different themed colouring pages.

Share your art with us by tagging us @tbayplyouth on instagram! (grades 7-12)

Discord YOUth Server

Join our youth-only Discord server! Meet other Thunder Bay teens in a safe and welcoming digital community. Chat about games, memes, and upcoming events. Head to www.tbpl.ca/youth to join. (ages 13-18)

www.tbpl.ca

just for YOUth YOUth Knitters - Sip & Stitch

Minecraft

Avonlea Study Hall

Get crafty and earn some high school volunteer hours! Once a month, high school students can come relax in the Brodie Studio, make friends, and sip on hot chocolate while they work on their knitting and crochet projects. Yarn, crochet hooks, and knitting needles are available for volunteers upon request.

Play Minecraft: Bedrock and add to our growing community. Don’t have a device or account? We can provide one at the event! (grades 8-12)

Looking for a quiet place to focus on your homework? The Avonlea Study Hall is a place where high school students can come and get their work done without distraction. (grades 9-12)

Brodie Studio 216 Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm - 7 pm April 2 May 7 June 4

Mary J.L. Black Saturdays @ 3 pm - 4:45 pm April 20 May 11 June 1 & 22

National Anime Day All Library Locations Monday, April 15

Interested in volunteering with YOUth Knitters? Contact Kate at youth@tbpl.ca or visit www.tbpl.ca/youth (grades 9-12)

YOUth Craft Co.

Brodie Studio 216 Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm - 7 pm April 16 - Black Out Poetry May 21 - Rock Painting June 18 - Friendship Bracelets Come get crafty in the Brodie Studio!

Each month high school students can do a different arts and crafts activity. All supplies are provided. First come, first served. (grades 9-12)

www.tbpl.ca

Brodie Studio 216 Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm - 7 pm April 9 June 11

Graphic Novel Book Club Mary J.L. Black Thursdays @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm April 18 May 16 June 13

Love all things manga, manhwa, anime, and graphic novels? Celebrate National Anime Day at TBPL! Check out our graphic novel collection and find anime-themed drawing activities in the youth area at each Library. Share your art with us by tagging @tbayplyouth on Instagram! (ages 12+)

Let’s talk about what you’re reading!

Comics, graphic novels … doesn’t matter! (grades 7-12)

learn, grow, create and be successful

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Indigenous programs

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Mini-Tipi Making Workshop*

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Red Dress Day - May 5

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National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre LO O C L Tuesdays @ 6 pm - 7:45 pm L FU May 7 July 9

In this workshop, you will learn all about Tipis while making your very own miniature Tipi. Learn more about why Tipis were the shelter of choice by Indigenous people of the Great Plains. Registration required. All supplies provided. (all ages)

What is Red Dress Day in Canada?

“Red Dress Day, first observed in 2010, NT May 5. The goal of the happens every RE A P day is to Ahonour and bring awareness NS R to the thousands of Indigenous women -T BW and girls, and two-spirit people who have gone missing or who have been murdered.” - CBC News

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Join us every 2nd month UR as we explore LO O some of the titles and C authors in our IndigeLL FU nous Knowledge Centre’s collection. We will be reading together and discussing the content as a group after each chapter. (adults)

Mini-Tikinagan Workshop*

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Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre Tuesday, May 21 @ 2 pm

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Learn the history of the traditional tikinagan (aka cradleboard) used by Indigenous people throughout Turtle Island while making your own miniature tikinagan!

Registration required. All supplies provided. (all ages)

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NDN Book Club*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre Friday, June 7 @ 2 pm

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Red dress day cut-outs will be available at all branches.

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Indigenous Action Council (IAC)

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Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre Tuesdays @ 6 pm April 30 May 28 ER RD June 18 O B BW

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Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre LO O C Fridays @ 2 pm - 4 pm LL FU April 19 April 26

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The role of the IAC is to serve as advisors to the Thunder Bay Public Library. Help guide and support the Library’s ongoing decolonization and reconciliation efforts at our IAC consultation meetings. Email Craig at cwaboose@tbpl.ca for more information. Refreshments provided. (adults/youth)

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In honour of Red Dress Day and the UR LO O Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, C LL FU Girls, and Two-Spirit People, the Thunder Bay Public Library is hosting a workshop to make mini red dresses out of felt.

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*Registration for events with an * asterisk begins at 9:30 am two weeks prior to the L

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program date by phone at 807-345-8275, online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar or in person at any Library location.

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Indigenous Author Series

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CHaritabLe FounDation Creating new spaces within community.

Thanks to the K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, the Thunder Bay Public Library is pleased to announce its Indigenous Author Series is continuing this year! The support from the Foundation allows us to bring in Indigenous authors for your enjoyment! Join us by welcoming these best-selling authors who will be reading from their works.

Waubgeshig Rice

h Hunter Moon of the Turning Leaves Thursday, April 18 @ 6 pm Waubgeshig Rice is an author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation. He’s written four books, most notably the bestselling novel Moon of the Crusted Snow, published in 2018. He graduated from the journalism program at Toronto Metropolitan University in 2002, and spent most of his journalism career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as a video journalist and radio host. He left CBC in 2020 to focus on his literary career. His new novel, Moon of the Turning Leaves, was published in October 2023.

K.M.

CHaritabLe FounDation Creating new spaces within community.

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Sheila North

My Privilege, My Responsibility: A Memoir Thursday, May 9 @ 6 pm In September 2015, Sheila North was declared the Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), the first woman elected to the position. Known as a “bridge builder”, North is a member of Bunibonibee Cree Nation. North’s work in advocacy journalism, communications, and economic development harnessed her passion for drawing focus to systemic racism faced by Indigenous women and girls.

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Community Consultations Anti Racism Initiative

Mary J.L. Black Library @ 1 pm - 5 pm April 6 & April 20 These sessions will gather valuable insights from each participant on their perspectives and experiences in attending the Library and other community organizations. Participants in the sessions will share information regarding issues faced

by Indigenous and racialized individuals, in an accessible art format, led by Jean Marshall and Leanna Marshall.

Registration is required for each session.

Participants must be Indigenous or a member of a racialized minority. Food and an honorarium will be provided! Please contact Robyn Medicine via email or phone - rmedicine@tbpl.ca / 807-684-6812 for more information or to register.

This project is made possible by Canadian Heritage.

Ce projet a été rendu possible grâce à Patrimoine Canadien.

In her memoir, Sheila North shares the stories of the events that shaped her, and the violence that nearly stood in the way of her achieving her dreams.

Registration is required for each event! Seating is limited. Register beginning at 9:30 am two weeks prior to the program date online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar, by phone at 807-345-8275, or in person at any Library location.

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adult programs Subscription Book Bags for Adults

Curated book bags for adults have returned! Register, and for the next 3 months a specially selected bag of books will be waiting for you to pick up. Choose your genre and pick up location, and we’ll do the rest. If no genre is noted we will surprise you!

Register beginning on the dates noted below at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar, by phone at 807-345-8275, or in person at any Library location. (adults) Spring Session: Registration opens: April 2 Pick up: April 29, May 27, and June 24 Summer Session: Registration opens: July 2 Pick up: July 29, August 26, and October 1

Calling All Cooks - Cookbook Club

Especially for 55+

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm May 1 - Breakfast / Brunch June 5 - Celebrities Who Cook

Wit Knits

Join us for our monthly Cookbook Club!

Register for a spot, and each month we will choose a cookbook that suits the theme. Try a few of the recipes and then we’ll meet to review the books and discuss your recipe results. Light refreshments will be served.

New and experienced knitters aged 55+, are welcome to join Wit Knits. We gather weekly to knit (and crochet). Share stories and laughs with fellow group members while you craft.

Register beginning April 3 at 9:30 am online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar, by phone at 807-345-8275, or in person at any Library location. Pickup of the May cookbooks begins the week of April 10. (adults)

Mary J.L. Black Thursdays @ 1:30 pm April 4 - May 2

Wit Knits and Retirement Explorers are presented in partnership with

Retirement Explorers Mary J.L. Black Fridays @ 1 pm April 5 - 26

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Registration for events with an * asterisk begins at 9:30 am two weeks prior to the program date by phone at 807-345-8275, online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar or in person at any Library location.

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Retirement Explorers are a group of retirees who pursue active recreation options.

Retirees and soon-to-be retirees are welcome to attend.

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adult programs Wet Your Plants*

Foster a love of gardening and register for Wet Your Plants! These garden themed kits include: seeds, growing instructions, recipes, and activities. Registration is required. (adults 18+) Children, be sure to check out the Little Sprouts program on page 11.

Pumpkins* - April 29 Squash/Zucchini* - May 13 Carrots* - June 4 Peas* - June 17 Lettuce* - July 2 Radishes* - July 16

Cat Lady Craft!

Brodie Studio 216 Friday, April 19 @ 2 pm - 4 pm Happy National Cat Lady Day! Drop in to the Library and make your own cat toys to bring home to your furry friend! Instructions and materials will be provided. (adults 18+)

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Registration for each event begins at 9:30 am two weeks prior to the program date by phone at 807-345-8275, online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar or in person at any library location.

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Tea Leaf Reading with Katherine Keeping

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room Saturday, April 27 @ 2 pm - 4 pm Brodie Studio 216 Tuesday, May 14 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Recycled Book Flower Vases* Waverley Auditorium Saturday, April 13 @ 2:30 pm

Help us reduce, reuse, and recycle in honour of Earth Day, and create a piece of art using old books. Registration required. (adults)

Waverley Auditorium Tuesday, June 11 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Have you always wanted to learn more about tea leaf reading but didn’t know where to start? Join the experienced Katherine Keeping as she gives you a step-by-step lesson on how to read tea leaves and see symbols. Participants must bring a tea cup with a saucer and must be able to drink the tea that is provided. Space is limited! (ages 17+)

Family History 1:1s

Brodie Main Floor Looking for some help with your family history research? Brodie Library offers genealogical and local history resources to help you on your way! We are offering personalized 1-on-1 sessions for anyone who would like assistance getting started with local history research, or perhaps deciding on next steps in your quest.

To set up an one hour session, please email reference@tbpl.ca or phone us at 807-345-8275 ext 7260.

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books & more Spice Club

Do you enjoy cooking? Are you looking for more ideas in the kitchen? Take part in the TBPL Spice Club! Spice Club packages are available at each branch on the second Wednesday of each month. Packages contain the monthly spice as well as a flyer with information, recipes, and book recommendations! Pick up is first come, first served, with a limited number at each location. Visit www.tbpl.ca/tbpl-spice-club for more information.

Thunder Bay Repair Café

Waverley Auditorium Saturday, April 20 @ 11 am - 2 pm

“Fixers” Wanted!

Thunder Bay Repair Café is looking for experienced fixers to help repair household items from the community, including appliances, clothes, laptops and more. Sign up at www.tbayrepaircafe.org before April 6 to participate in the Earth Day event on April 20.

Toss it? No way!

Repair Café volunteers help make possible repairs, share their knowledge, and walk participants through the repair process. Book a spot to attend this free event on Earth Day! Registration opens April 6 at www.tbayrepaircafe.org Thunder Bay Repair Café and Thunder Bay Public Library are very excited to work together to bring you a Repair Café event every three months through 2024.

New Book Clubs in a Bag

Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology Daughters of the Deer by Danielle Daniel All Our Relations by Tanya Talaga Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Genocidal Love

by Bevann Fox 10 copies of the same title are in each bag. Borrow a bag for your book club to enjoy.

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Bookopoly Summer Reading Challenge All Library Locations May 1 - August 31

Ready to read this summer? Teens and adults can pick up a Bookopoly board at any TBPL branch! Read books to “buy properties” - the more you read, the more chances you have to win! Bookopoly boards must be returned by August 31 to be eligible for prizes, including the grand prize of a Canada-opoly game night package! (ages 12+)

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friends Buck-a-Bag Used Book Sales Friends Used Book Store Brodie Library, Lower Level 10 am to 4 pm April 24, 25 & 26 May 29, 30 & 31 June 26, 27 & 28 Due to popular demand the Friends are continuing their Buck-A-Bag sales. As many books as will fit in a bag - for only one dollar! Visit our store in the lower level of the Brodie branch and check out everything we have to offer - not only do we have books in every genre, for every age from 0 to 99, we also carry a great selection of vinyl!

Don’t miss your chance to find your perfect summer reading collection!

Funds raised through sales in the Book Store help fund items and programs that enhance Library service to the community. For more information please call the Book Store at 807-684-6810

Calling All Volunteers!

Friends OF THE THUNDER BAY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Book Store Hours of Operation Brodie Library, Lower Level

Monday - Friday................ 10 am - 4 pm Saturday & Sunday.......... Closed Statutory holidays............ Closed This schedule relies on the availability of bookstore volunteers. Hours are subject to change. For more information, call the book store at 807-684-6810.

Bingo Dates

Watch our website www.tbpl.ca/friends for more Bingo dates in the Spring. Bingos are an important source of revenue for the Friends and the proceeds are donated directly to the Library – so everyone wins!

Do you dream of being surrounded by an endless supply of books? Do you love chatting with other book lovers? Do you have a few hours a week to live out your dream?

The Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library are waiting for you! We are always seeking volunteers to work in the bookstore or at bingos, and to deliver books to those who can’t get to the Library themselves. To apply, please email friends@tbpl.ca

Donations Needed!

We’ve had so many people browsing and buying (thank you!) that we need more books to fill our shelves!

If you have some new and gently used books and vinyl, please consider donating them to the Friends. We don’t accept encyclopedias, fiction books published before 2010, or magazines, but we DO accept new and gently used books, vinyl records and CDs, textbooks (published after 2015), DVDs and audiobooks.

You can drop off your donations at any branch or at the bookstore during opening hours.

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thank you, donors!

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We love our donors!

We are grateful to the following community members for their support: This list credits donations received between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

Platinum

Gerald Apperly Maurice & Jacqueline Black Sam Biggs & Ravi Dhaliwal Iris Hartog Bruce & Eda Leaman John & Janeen Mann Elizabeth Mazurski John Randle Rose N Crantz Roasting Co.

Gold +

Carol Barry George Cherwonick Carol Daniher Michael Dyck Jean Engholm Patrick & Dianne Fenlon Pamela Johnson Brodie Marshall Vaughn & Susan McGregor John & Virginia Mill Justice W.D. Newton Graham & Nancy Post Janice Redden Richard Rinn Deborah Scharf

Gold

Linda Bukovy Dennis & Marissa Buset Michele Friday Joan Grassi Harbour House Children's Dental Care Susan Marrier Silvia Pedron Don & Gail Rosengren Roberta Welbourne

Silver

Kirsten Addison Jonah Anderson Anonymous Cheryl Ball Barry Beaupre Li Bian Paul & Margaret Capon Brooke Carfagnini Ron Clark Audrey Cormier Ginny Czaczkowski Valerie Dennison Molly Denson Mary Louise Doig Andrew Dziubinski Daniel Fontaine

Robert Foster Mary Gardam Tanis Gardner John Glazier James Green Al Harper Timo & Arja Hiiback Shirley & Greg Hookham Robert Hughdie Susan Ivany Sylvia Kayzer Marie Keeler Rose Kendall Margaret Looney Rosalind Maki Lindsay McClenaghan Glen & Cheryl McLeod Marlene McRobb Ontario Genealogical Society Reijo Peltoniemi Hilda Postenka Debra & Peter Spooner Linda Penner & Bruce Thacker Nancy Treloar Margaret Wanlin Rachel Warburton Pat Warywoda

Monthly

Anonymous Georgina Adderly Marie Appleton Karen Arblaster Kara Babcock Therese Beaupre-Cerutti Adele Blankenbaker Cherri Braye Jennifer Dagsvik Frances Doran-Bonk Genevieve Dorland Wayne Fletcher Veronica Fummerton Arley Gibbons Sarah Green Sylvia Hegge William Hodgson Anita Jean Lucie Lavoie Zephyrus Leif Susan Lester Theresa Lind

Bryan & Anne MacLeod Deb Maki Sheri & Ryan Maltais John & Janeen Mann Tina Maronese Lynne Martin Steven McAuley Charmaine McCraw Jil Meyer Sheila Miller Catherine Mochrie Ana Mucklow Jessie Myllyaho Sarah Nix Karen Nystrom Saara Rizzo Meagan Ross Raili Roy Richard Togman Ryan Weston Caitlin Wheatley Raili & John Zgrych Lu Zhao

All donations go directly to collections, programs, and services.

Make your donation today at www.tbpl.ca/donate

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donors & partners

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Tribute Donations

In 2023, we received many donations in memory of loved ones, and in honour of family, friends, teachers, and more. Tribute donations were made in memory and in honour of the following people:

In Memory

Irma Auld Al & Kay Beaupre John Benka Valerie Boileau David Christie Ivy Crichton David Coulson Frank Cowley Jane Edgson Dr. John Hartog Nellie Kruppa Margaret Mackay Alicejean Massaro Mary McCart Mac McKinnon Don McRae Lea Moschuk Inez O'Brien Eleanor O'Hara Marion Jean Rinn Wendy & Ron Schilke Hilda Sinclair Ian Smith Leo Sten Larry Tiboni Gordon Wilson

In Honour

Teacher Love

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Partnerships with Service Providers at Brodie As a community gathering place it is important to be able to help our patrons access the services they need. With this in mind, the Thunder Bay Public Library has forged partnerships with local social service providers to have them offer their services in the Brodie Study Room on a regular basis.

Darwin Bakke Nicky Barrett Greg Cox Claudia Blier FULL COLO UR Firth - BORDER Jean Robert Chaykowski FULL COLO Alfred & Eleanor Johnson John UR - FILLFiorot FULL COLO Tina Maronese Kristine Gascon UR - TRAN SPARENT Caroline Papa Megan Harris Schedule: FULL COLO Giovanna & Carmelo Leah Hemsworth UR - BOR DER FULL COLO Petrisano Mrs. Heppler UR - FI Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre Nadia Rodeghiero Aubrey Joseph Mondays & Tuesdays 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm Molly & Rory Ross Mr. Lawrie Dr. Fred Schmidt Phil Nabarra Offers housing assistance and community outShawna Taddeo K. Naroski reach & support services.

BW - BRyan Weston Katie Ostrom ORDER Kramer & Foster families BW - FILL Vincent Pelaia Alpha Court Mary J.L. Black Branch Staff Mme RenshawBW Thursdays 1 pm - 4 pm TRANSPAR ENT Daniela Sgambelluri Provides brief supportive counseling, connection Mlle Smyk Legacy Gifts BW - BOR DERassistance. to resources, including housing Mme Wihidal Estate of Eleanor Dolores BW - FILL Dickey Canadian Mental Health Association Estate of Keith Helget

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Fridays 1 pm - 4 pm Assists with housing referrals and support with access to basic needs/food security.

We are always exploring new partnership opportunities. Contact Community Development by phone at 807-684-6813 or by emailing comments@tbpl.ca

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