Thunder Bay Public Library Connect (April - June 2024)

The Library has a New Website!

Public Preview Now Live!

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!

New Event Calendar Now Live!

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

Learn more on Page 5...

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

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?

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

Your Comments are Welcome!

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

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

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

Board Meeting Dates

Thursdays @ 5 pm

April 11 - Brodie

May 9 - Mary J.L. Black

June 13 - Waverley

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

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.

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.

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-

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

read read read!

Summer Reading Club

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.

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:

Recommended Reading

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

www.tbpl.ca

programs for kids

Preschool Storytime*

Mary J.L. Black

Tuesdays @ 10 am

April 9 - May 28

Waverley

Thursdays @ 10:30 am

April 11 - May 30

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.

Tales for Twos*

Mary J.L. Black

Mondays @ 10 am

April 8 - May 27 (no program May 20)

Waverley

Wednesdays @ 10:30 am

April 10 - May 29

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.

*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

Waverley

Tuesdays @ 11:15 am

April 9 - May 28

Mary J.L. Black

Tuesdays @ 1:15 pm

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.

Play Days

Waverley

Fridays from 9:30 am - 4 pm

April 12 - May 31

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

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

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.

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.

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

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+)

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

www.tbpl.ca

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)

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)

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)

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.

Sponsored by

Thank you

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!

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)

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

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

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Subscription Book Bags for Kids

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)

Spring Session:

Registration opens: April 2

Pick up: April 29, May 27, June 24

Summer Session:

Registration opens: July 2

Pick up: July 29, August 26, October 1

Little Sprouts*

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)

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

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.

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

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

Take over the teen space for the evening! Each month will be a different activity. Register for reminders. Drop-ins welcome. (ages 7-12)

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)

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

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

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!

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)

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)

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)

Rec Room

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)

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

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)

just for YOUth

YOUth Knitters - Sip & Stitch

Brodie Studio 216

Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm - 7 pm

April 2

May 7

June 4

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.

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)

Minecraft

Mary J.L. Black

Saturdays @ 3 pm - 4:45 pm

April 20

May 11

June 1 & 22

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)

Graphic Novel Book Club

Mary J.L. Black

Thursdays @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

April 18

May 16

June 13

Let’s talk about what you’re reading! Comics, graphic novels … doesn’t matter! (grades 7-12)

Avonlea Study Hall

Brodie Studio 216

Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm - 7 pm

April 9

June 11

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)

National Anime Day

All Library Locations

Monday, April 15

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+)

Indigenous programs

Mini-Tipi Making Workshop*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Friday, June 7 @ 2 pm

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)

Mini-Tikinagan Workshop*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Tuesday, May 21 @ 2 pm

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)

NDN Book Club*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Tuesdays @ 6 pm - 7:45 pm

May 7

July 9

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

Indigenous Action Council (IAC)

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Tuesdays @ 6 pm

April 30

May 28

June 18

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)

Red Dress Day - May 5

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

What is Red Dress Day in Canada?

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

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

Mini Red Dress Felt Workshop*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Fridays @ 2 pm - 4 pm

April 19

April 26

In honour of Red Dress Day and the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People, the Thunder Bay Public Library is hosting a workshop to make mini red dresses out of felt. Register and show your support! (all ages)

*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.

Indigenous programs

Indigenous Author Series

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

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

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.

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.

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.

Community ConsultationsAnti 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.

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

Mary J.L. Black

Community Program Room

Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm

May 1 - Breakfast / Brunch

June 5 - Celebrities Who Cook

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.

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)

Especially for 55+

Wit Knits

Mary J.L. Black

Thursdays @ 1:30 pm

April 4 - May 2

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.

*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.

Retirement Explorers

Mary J.L. Black

Fridays @ 1 pm

April 5 - 26

Retirement Explorers are a group of retirees who pursue active recreation options. Retirees and soon-to-be retirees are welcome to attend.

Wit Knits and Retirement Explorers are presented in partnership with

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+)

*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.

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

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+)

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)

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.

www.tbpl.ca

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.

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.

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.

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+)

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

Friends OF

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!

Calling All Volunteers!

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.

THE THUNDER BAY PUBLIC LIBRARY

thank you, donors!

We love our donors!

We are grateful to the following community members for their support:

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

This list credits donations received between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.

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

donors & partners

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

Darwin Bakke

Greg Cox

Jean Firth

Alfred & Eleanor Johnson

Tina Maronese

Caroline Papa

Giovanna & Carmelo Petrisano

Nadia Rodeghiero

Molly & Rory Ross

Dr. Fred Schmidt

Shawna Taddeo

Ryan Weston

Kramer & Foster families

Mary J.L. Black Branch Staff

Legacy Gifts

Estate of Eleanor Dolores Dickey

Estate of Keith Helget

Teacher Love

Nicky Barrett

Claudia Blier

Robert Chaykowski

John Fiorot

Kristine Gascon

Megan Harris

Leah Hemsworth

Mrs. Heppler

Aubrey Joseph

Mr. Lawrie

Phil Nabarra

K. Naroski

Katie Ostrom

Vincent Pelaia

Mme Renshaw

Daniela Sgambelluri

Mlle Smyk

Mme Wihidal

We would also like to express our gratitude for the legacy gifts we received from the Estate of Keith Helget and the Estate of Eleanor Dolores Dickey, both of whom were long-standing supporters of TBPL.

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.

Schedule:

Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre

Mondays & Tuesdays 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Offers housing assistance and community outreach & support services.

Alpha Court

Thursdays 1 pm - 4 pm

Provides brief supportive counseling, connection to resources, including housing assistance.

Canadian Mental Health Association

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