Stage Struck

We work hard to promote literacy, and encourage a love of language. Towards that end, we are always happy to be able to offer programs such as our Creative Writing Workshops, Book Clubs, Writer's Club - and again this year Children's Theatre.

The Lake of Bays Libraries were able to secure Grant funding from a Cultural Strategic Investment Fund from Ontario Ministry of Culture and Tourism of approximately $13,000.00. This grant covered 80% of the cost, where local businesses from each community provided the other 20%.


The grant covered the cost of bring in a professional Children's Theatre Group for two separate 10 week workshops for each community.

The grant was awarded to HUB Productions of Bracebridge. Amy Bridle, Director of the Theatre Group provided two plays in Dwight; " Alice in Wonderland" and "The Jungle Book" and in Baysville; "Willy Wonka" and "101 Dalmation".

Over 40 children from our communities registered for this program.  On rehearsal nights, the Libraries would be buzzing with excited youngsters waiting for Amy's arrival. Our Wii systems and Youth Book areas got a lot of traffic!

The final stage performances were outstanding! The children were amazing, the costumes unbelievable and the smiles on the parents and grand parents rewarding!
The Libraries are looking for financial partners for next year. The grant is finished, and with the seed money from the last performances, we can look forward to another project in the spring with additional financial support.

More than Books

Our library is about a lot more than "just books."  (although we don't believe one can ever refer to the magical worlds between the covers as "just books")

We have e-resources, employment assistance, tutoring classes, computer classes, internet access, dvds, cds, magazines and newspapers.



We have a cosy corner for the adults to settle in to read by the fire, with a cup of coffee or tea to hand.

We have snuggly spots for the youngsters to enjoy while they embark on tremendous voyages of discovery -- in books.

We've got a place to gather for the teens, complete with a Wii system and a terrific collection of books for young adults. Since we brought in the Wii, we find we've brought in the teens, and they in turn have taken out the books. It's working well.
There's a spot for adults to meet, and spend time chatting with their neighbours.  It's not at all unusual to find a handful of people bringing their lunch here, to socialize and mingle, and maybe take home another novel.

Another corner for folks to set up their computers and access the high speed internet services we provide.  We have e-readers, and you can access our e-library on your own devices too.

And we have our very own small store, with interesting and unusual gifts.

Some of those gifts include books by local authors, photos and paintings by local artists, jewellry made by local children, handmade soaps produced by local artisans.  There are cards for all occasions, too, made locally.

This is the time of year we are reminded about connections and families.  Drop by, and become part of our library family.

Peggy would be delighted to welcome you home to the Library -- and you'll be delighted by what you find inside our walls.

We Light the Night

On December 1 the community gathered at the Library to welcome in the season with holiday cheer, camaraderie and lighting Christmas trees.





Many thanks to Phil Pavey who brought his spider lift to help string lights into the hundred foot white pine. THE Township helped us get power to the three Christmas trees in the yard.

The Muskoka Music Men came a'carolling, four lovely ladies provided music inside, alongside the munchies, cider, hot chocolate and penny sale.

It was wonderful to welcome so many of our friends and neighbors to greet the season. Several area businesses joined us with special sales and lights of their own.

As we come close to the longest night of the year seeing the nights light up is cheering.