Thunder Bay Public Library Connect (July-August 2024)

Hit the Books with TD Summer Reading Club

The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s biggest bilingual summer reading program for kids 0 to 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 practising during the school year.

Registered participants 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! Did we mention that there will also be some great prizes including a ticket to see the Border Cats in action? There’s something for everyone ages 0 to 12 and their families, including two storytimes featuring Border Cats players.

See page 3 for registration details!

CEO message & hours

Summer is upon us and it’s time to celebrate the season at the Library!

We’ve got a great series of exciting programs for kids who are off on summer holidays. For pet lovers and puppy aficionados we’ve got the Puppy Perks Storytime. Bring your little ones in to play and socialize with puppies while they listen to stories and develop literacy skills. We’re doubling down and bringing back Sleeping Giant Exotics so kids can learn all about animals. Creatures big and small will be on display as you learn about their ecosystems, food sources, life cycles and the value of nature. We’ve also got a wide range of large vehicles coming to the Library to show off their stuff. Fire trucks, excavators and loaders are all coming by so kids can learn about and experience the machinery that helps build our community.

Adults won’t be left behind as we’re running classes on making stained glass bookmarks, cookbook clubs, Indigenous workshops featuring mini-tikinagan, barrettes and Indigenous bow tie craftsmanship. There is lots to keep you busy over the long summer months.

Richard Togman, CEO

With the Border Cats on a winning streak, we can’t help but want to join the excitement! Border Cats players are coming to the Library to read books to children and offering free tickets for children participating in our Summer Reading Club.

Don’t forget to register for programs early as they fill up fast.

Wishing you a summer filled with reading and adventure!

learn, grow, create and be successful

Hours of Operation

Waverley Resource Library

285 Red River Road

Monday & Tuesday ..................... 9:30 am - 8 pm

Wednesday to Saturday 9:30 am - 5 pm

County Park Library

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 Resource Library

216 Brodie Street S.

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 Library

901 Edward Street S.

Monday & Tuesday 9:30 am - 5 pm

Wednesday & Thursday 9:30 am - 8 pm

Friday & Saturday .......................... 9:30 am - 5 pm

Holiday Closures

 July 1 - Canada Day

 August 5 - Civic Holiday

 September 2 - Labour Day

ON THE COVER

Border Cats join TBPL staff to launch the 2024 TD Summer Reading Club.

readers rock

Story Time with

Drag Queens

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Saturday, July 27 @ 2:30 pm

Waverley Auditorium

Saturday, August 24 @ 2:30 pm

Join the always fabulous Lady Fantasia LaPremiere and Mz Molly Poppinz for a fun-filled afternoon storytime followed by crafting with the Queens! (all ages)

Sponsored by

Reading Buddies Returning this Fall. Watch for details!

TD Summer Reading Club

Registration Details

(continued from front cover)

Registration for the TD Summer Reading Club is open now. Pick up of prizes and incentives will be available weekly beginning July 2 at the Library location that you choose when registering. Register online at www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar, by calling 807-345-8275, or in-person at any Library location.

Special thanks to the generous local supporters of the 2024 TD Summer Reading Club!

Hit the Books with Thunder Bay Border Cats

Waverley Auditorium

Friday, July 5 @ 11 am

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Wednesday, July 17 @ 11 am

Come meet players and the team mascot Boomer from the Thunder Bay Border Cats when they come to the Library to read stories and meet some fans! Library staff will provide a craft for kids. Fans will also be able to take pictures with the Border Cat Players. (all ages)

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

programs & more

Spice Club

Do you enjoy cooking, and 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 the month. Packages contain a jar of the monthly spice as well as a flyer containing information, recipes, and book recommendations! Pick-up is first come, first served, and there is a limited number at each location. For more information visit www.tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar

Puppy Perks Storytime

Brodie Programming Room

Tuesdays @ 10 am

July 16

August 13

Families, come join us for a monthly storytime with actual, live puppies! Join Tammy from PAWsitively Social for this fun-filled opportunity to learn how to safely approach dogs and socialize with them. She will bring the puppies, you bring the smiles. (all ages)

Sleeping Giants Exotics**

Waverley Auditorium

Wednesday, July 17 @ 1 pm and 2:30 pm

Join Sleeping Giant Exotics for presentations and up close interactive viewing of turtles, snakes, lizards, and more. Presentations will be held at 1 pm and 2:30 pm with interactive viewing for up to one hour to follow each presentation. (all ages) **Free tickets will be available starting July 3 at 9:30 am at Waverley Library.

Friends Bookstore

Hours of Operation

Brodie Library

216 Brodie St. S.

Located on the lower level (807) 684-6810

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 4 pm

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Statutory holidays: Closed

programs for kids

Marcel the Pastry Chef:

Puppet Show & Craft**

Waverley Auditorium

Wednesday, July 10 @ 10:30 am

A dishwashing hippopotamus named Marcel practices pastry making in the palace kitchen each night while everyone sleeps. One night, the king discovers one of his delicious cream puffs - and the snooty Royal Baker Pierre takes the credit! How long can Marcel and Pierre keep their secrets before the King finds out? (all ages) **Free tickets will be available starting June 26 at 9:30 am at Waverley Library.

Pet Party*

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs: Puppet Show**

Waverley Auditorium

Wednesday, August 21 @ 2:30 pm

Everyone knows the story of the Three Little Pigs, or at least they think they do. Watch Alexander T. Wolf’s side of the story unfold as he presents that the whole Big Bad Wolf thing is all wrong. Whose side of the story will you believe? (all ages) **Free tickets will be available starting August 7 at 9:30 am at Waverley Library.

Mary J.L. Black Reading Garden & Parking Lot

Wednesday, August 14 @ 2:30 pm & 3 pm

Come show off your pet at our pet party! Snuggle up for a story, make your pet a toy, and have a pawsome time! We will also have a paw print craft for you to take home. Pets are welcome to join in the party, but please don't bring them if they have any problems playing nicely with other animals. This program will be held outdoors with a rain location inside the Library. Pets will not be allowed indoors if it is raining. Please ensure all pets are on a leash or in a carrier, cage, etc. (all ages)

*Registration 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.

Little Sprouts*

Spinach!

Monday, July 22

Foster a love of gardening and register your child for Little Sprouts! This child-friendly version of our garden kit includes: seeds, growing instructions, recipes, and activities. Adults, be sure to check out the Wet Your Plants program on page 10.

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. A Day In the Life you won’t want to miss! Party like it’s the 1960s and celebrate all things Beatles. (all ages)

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! (all ages)

programs for kids

Baby Time

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Wednesdays @ 1:15 pm

July 3 - August 21

County Park Children's Area

Fridays @ 10 am

July 5 - August 30

A drop-in literacy-based program for babies from birth to 24 months. This program combines stories, music, rhymes and play.

Read. Sing. Play.

County Park Children's Area

Wednesdays @ 10 am

July 3 - August 28

Waverley Auditorium

Thursdays @ 10:30 am

July 4 - August 22

Brodie Programming Room

Thursdays @ 10:30 am

July 4 - August 22

Children and their family or caregivers will enjoy this 100% literacy-based storytime combining stories, music and rhymes, crafts and play. Just drop in! (all ages)

your place for games & play

Family Storytime

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Tuesdays @ 2 pm

July 2 - August 20

(no program on July 9 - come visit us at the Teddy Bears Picnic)

Children and their caregivers are invited to drop in and practice early literacy skills with stories, songs, and rhymes. Stay after the program for free play time with our updated collection of sensory-stimulating, constructive, and dramatic play toys and interactive pop-up, open flap, and touch and feel books. (all ages)

Play Days

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Fridays from 10 am - 4 pm

July 5 - August 30

Waverley Auditorium

Fridays from 9:30 am - 4 pm

July 5 - August 30

Waverley Auditorium

Saturdays from 9:30 am - 4 pm

July 6 - August 31

(NOTE: no program August 24)

The Library will be open for free play all day! Come relax, socialize, and keep cool during the hot summer months. We have an updated collection of sensory-stimulating toys and interactive touch and feel books for your children to explore. (all ages)

Baby Prints

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Wednesday, August 28 @ 1:15 pm

Drop in to make a handprint or footprint craft and stay for a story, song, and lap rhyme. For babies 0-12 months.

programs for kids

Blissful Beading

County Park

Thursdays @ 3 pm

July 4 - August 29

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

Window Painting

County Park

Tuesdays @ 10 am

July 2

August 6

Drop in for a story and go crazy painting our big windows. Let your creative self have some fun! (all ages)

Sing with Mr B.

Mary J.L. Black Reading Garden

Monday, July 8 @ 2 pm

Welcome Mr. B to Mary J.L. Black as he sings original songs for children accompanied by guitar! (all ages)

Craftapalooza

Waverley Auditorium

Wednesday, August 7 @ 1 pm - 4 pm

Drop-in to help us reuse some of the crafts and parts of crafts from various programs throughout the year. Create a masterpiece of your own! (all ages)

Paw Patrol Party!*

Waverley Auditorium

Wednesday, July 24 @ 2:30 pm

Are you ready for action? Get fired up for our Paw Patrol party, and enjoy various activities based on your favourite furry friends. (all ages)

Make a Bee Hotel*

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Monday, July 29 @ 2 pm

Sign up to make your own bee hotel with simple household items and learn how to make more at home. (ages 5-12)

Playgrounds Storytime

Offsite at City Playgrounds

Wednesdays @ 1:30 pm

TBPL staff will be visiting the City of Thunder Bay Playgrounds sites this summer to share stories and Library information. Visit www.thunderbay.ca for more information on the Playgrounds program and watch for us at the following sites:

South Side: West Arthur Community Centre - July 10

Westmount Public School - July 17

McKellar Park School - July 24

North Side:

Volunteer Pool Community Centre - July 31

North McIntyre Community CentreAugust 7

Oliver Road Community Centre - August 14

*Registration 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.

rev up your summer

Construction World

Waverley Auditorium / Parking Lot

Tuesday, July 30 @ 10:30 am - noon

Bang! Boom! Crash! It’s construction season in Thunder Bay. "Loader" your kids in the car to dig into a good book and construct a craft then join us outside at the back of Waverley Library and Everest Funeral Home for a demonstration of a mini excavator or articulated loader from ITEC. (all ages)

Crazy Construction Kits*

Monday, July 8

(pick up at selected branch)

Tap-Tap! Bang-Bang! Vroom-Vroom! This kit is all about fixing and assembly. Each take-home kit will include: books (signed out to your Library card), activity sheets, a craft, and more! (ages 12 and under)

Big Trucks with Thunder Bay Truck Centre

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room & Parking Lot

Monday, July 15 @ 2 pm

If you’re interested in mighty machines, you’ll want to stop by to tour a transport truck, dump truck and delivery van with Thunder Bay Truck Centre! (all ages)

*Registration 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.

learn, grow, create and be successful

Storytime on the (School) Bus & Expo*

Waverley Auditorium

Monday, August 19 @ 10 am - 12 pm

Visit Waverley Library to explore a school bus and take part in a starting school expo with various community groups and organizations to help prepare you and your child for starting school. There will be special registered storytimes on the bus at specified times and other activities. This program is intended for children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024 but siblings and caregivers are welcome.

Drop in to the expo and register for a storytime on the bus. Storytimes will be held at 10:15, 10:45 and 11:15 am.

Emergency, Emergency! County Park

Tuesday, July 23 @ 10 am

Come and tour a pumper truck and meet the people who keep us safe. Meet inside the Library first. All ages, no registration required.

Please be advised: As this is an emergency service, cancellation may occur.

science

THINK Hub Tinker Tuesdays

Drop In

Brodie Programming Room

Tuesdays @ 12:30 pm - 7:30 pm July 2 - August 27

Let’s tinker! School-age children (aimed at 6+) will love exploring the Northern THINK Hub activities in our Programming Room on Tinker Tuesdays. 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. Children must be supervised by their caregiver at all times.

Stellar Space Kits*

Tuesday, August 6

(pick up at selected branch)

Planets, aliens, and stars, oh my! This take-home kit is all about space: some things real, some things more sci-fi. Each kit will include: books (signed out to your Library card), activity sheets, a craft, and more! (ages 12 and under)

Rock Painting*

Mary J.L. Black Reading Garden

Monday, July 22 @ 2 pm

Stop by and paint a rock for your garden. (ages 4-12)

Gold Panning

Mary J.L. Black Reading Garden

Monday, August 19 @ 2 pm

The Ontario Geological Survey’s Resident Geologist Program is back to give you a taste of the gold-panning experience. Participants will get to bring home a sample. (all ages)

Make It Move with Science North

Brodie Programming Room

Thursday, August 1 @ 1 pm - 4pm

County Park Mall Space

Tuesday, August 27 @ 1 pm - 4 pm

Buckle up your seat belts and get ready to Make it Move! Science North’s Bluecoats will be at the Library with a fun, interactive program just for kids. Explore all things that move with hands-on activities, and stay for the Science Show at 2:30 pm. (all ages)

*Registration 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.

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 us at nnt@tbpl.ca or visit www.tbpl.ca/northernnaturetrading

The NNT is in a brand new, revamped space. Drop by and check it out.

Northern Nature Trading is funded in part by

www.tbpl.ca

programs for adults

EcoSuperior Programs

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Composting with EcoSuperior* Wednesday, July 24 @ 6:30 pm

Learn about the basics of both indoor (vermicomposting) and backyard composting. (ages 13+)

Keep It Simple with EcoSuperior* Wednesday, August 21 @ 6:30 pm

Learn about making safer choices with personal care products. (ages 13+)

Calling All Cooks - Cookbook Club*

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Wednesday, August 7 @ 5:30 pm

Join us for our monthly Cookbook Club! August’s theme is Summer Eats - think grilling, fresh veggies, etc. Register for a spot, and we will choose a cookbook that suits the theme for you. Try a few of the recipes and then we'll meet to review the books and discuss all your recipe results. Light refreshments will be served. Registration opens July 2, with pick up of August’s cookbook beginning July 8.

Stained Glass Bookmark Workshop*

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room Saturday, July 27 @ 10:30 am

Make a stained glass acrylic bookmark to use for your summer reading! Instructions and materials will be provided. (ages 15+)

Embroidered Book Sleeve Workshop*

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room Saturday, August 17 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Sew and embroider a felt book sleeve to protect your book or eReader! Instructions and materials will be provided. (ages 15+)

Wet Your Plants*

Spinach! Monday, July 22

Foster a love of gardening and register for Wet Your Plants! This garden themed kits includes: seeds, growing instructions, recipes, and activities. Children, be sure to check out the Little Sprouts program on page 5.

Thunder Bay Repair Café*

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Saturday, July 20 @ 9:30 am - noon

Toss it? No way! Do you have a broken household item? Our volunteer Fixers will show you how to fix it for free! We accept small appliances, electronics, clothes, jewellery, computers and more. Register at www.tbayrepaircafe.org beginning June 26.

Thunder Bay Repair Café is always looking for Fixers to share their skills in helping to repair household items from the community. Visit www.tbayrepaircafe.org to volunteer. 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.

*Registration 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.

learn, grow, create and be successful

Indigenous programs

NDN Book Club*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Tuesday, August 13 @ 6 pm

Join us 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. In August, we will discuss Niigaan Sinclair's newest book, Wînipêk Visions of Canada From an Indigenous Centre.

Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) Members Wanted!

Join the Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC). 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 through meaningful discussion at our IAC consultation meetings.

Contact Craig at cwaboose@tbpl.ca or (807) 345-8275 ext 7252 for more information and to volunteer.

Mini-Tikinagan Making Workshop*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Monday, July 15 @ 2 pm - 4 pm

Indigenous Barrette Making Workshop*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Thursday, July 18 @ 2 pm - 4 pm

FULLCOLOURBORDER

Step into the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities with our immersive Mini-Tikinagan Workshop. This program offers participants a unique opportunity to learn about the traditional Indigenous cradleboard, a symbol of love, care, and cultural identity within many Indigenous societies across Turtle Island. Through guided instruction, participants will delve into the craftsmanship, symbolism, and cultural significance of cradleboards, gaining a deeper understanding of Indigenous parenting practices and cultural traditions. (all ages)

Step into the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and craftsmanship with our immersive barrette making workshop. As you craft your own barrette, you'll gain insight into the cultural significance of these adornments within Indigenous communities. Learn about the stories, traditions, and techniques passed down through generations. All supplies are provided, so register today! (adults/youth)

Indigenous Bow Tie Making Workshop*

Brodie Indigenous Knowledge Centre Thursday, August 15 @ 2 pm - 4 pm

Join us for a culturally enriching experience of making your own Indigenous bow tie. Whether it be for a graduation or a special occasion, take home a beautifully crafted accessory. All supplies are provided, so register today! (adults/youth)

*Registration begins 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.

just for YOUth

Rec Room

Mary J.L. Black Community Program Room

Thursdays @ 5 pm & 6:30 pm

Drop-in, have a snack, and do an activity with other teens in the city. All supplies provided. (grades 7-12)

July 4

Anime: Fluffy Paradise (and DIY Pom Pom Pets)

Art Hour: Bee Hotels

July 18

Board Game Night

Art Hour: Slime

July 25

Writers Club One-Off

Art Hour: Paper Making

August 1

Anime: Haikyuu (and DIY Crayon Melt Art)

Art Hour: DnD Dice Chest

August 8

Tea Party in the Reading Garden

SWITCH: Mario Kart Tournament

August 15

Rank Wars

Art Hour: Tie Dye (Bring your own t-shirt!)

YOUth Colouring Day

All Library Locations

Fridays @ 9:30 am - 5 pm

July 26

August 30

Relax and colour in the youth area at all Library branches on the last Friday of July and August! Each month will have different themed colouring pages. Share your art with us by tagging @tbayplyouth on Instagram! (grades 7-12)

Bookopoly Summer Reading Challenge

All Library Locations until August 31

Ready to read this summer? Teens and adults can pick up a Bookopoly board at any Library location! 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+)

FOR TWEENS (ages 7-12)

Tween Takeover

Mary J.L. Black

Thursdays @ 5 pm

July 11 - SWITCH Mario Kart Tournament in the Community Program Room

August 22 - Tie Dye! Participants must bring their own t-shirt.

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

Ballooning with Dottie T. Clown*

Waverley Auditorium

Tuesday, July 23 @ 2 pm

Impress your friends and learn how to create your own balloon sculptures with Dottie T. Clown. (ages 7-12)