News from Mississippi Mills Public Library – Week of October 23, 2025

Here’s a peek at what’s happening at your Mississippi Mills Public Library (MMPL)!

Library News

It’s Ontario Library Week! (October 19-25) Libraries aren’t just for books — they’re for life. From your first story time to discovering new hobbies in retirement — your local library is with you every step of the way. During Ontario Public Library Week, we celebrate the stories, support, and opportunities libraries offer every stage of life. Whether it’s digital literacy programs, book clubs, computer access, or just a quiet place to reflect.

Get your photo taken at either library branch! We’ll add your photo to our “walls of fame” – MMPL has a wonderful community of library lovers and users. Thank you!

The library has added 5 more fantastic book club sets to our collection! One of these new sets, The Names, is dedicated to Sheila in honour of her recent retirement from MMPL.

Contact the library, or browse the book club sets and make a reservation online here: https://mmpubliclibrary.libcal.com/reserve/bookclubsets.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service has resumed! Please expect delays due to the Canada Post rotating strike and a backlog of requests. New ILL requests can be made in-person or online here. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Radon Detector Kits are back in circulation for the fall and winter months.

These kits are part of our Library of Things. Other things include: a Thermal Imaging Camera, Kill-A-Watt (electricity measuring) devices and more. Explore and reserve something today!

Help us build a brighter future – One brick at a time! “Brick by Brick: Building STEM Futures” is a collaborative project designed to ensure youth in Mississippi Mills and Lanark Highlands have the opportunity to try STEM in a fun, supportive and inviting environment.

Our three main goals:
1 – Offer free, accessible STEM programming to youth
2 – Encourage interest and enthusiasm for STEM programs
3 – Offer opportunities for youth to build new STEM skills

We need YOUR support to make it a reality! It’s easy!

Click on the green “Support this Project” button here: https://leaf.thecommonwell.ca/projects/brick-by-brick-building-stem-futures/   or drop in to the Almonte branch and use the Chromebook set up at the self checkout desk.

Thank you!

There is no more Tech Help drop-in on Sundays, until further notice. Our wonderful volunteer has moved on. Thanks for all of your help, Mike!

Did you or your kids enjoy The Wild Robot? Then you might enjoy one of these other great titles available in our Junior Fiction collection:

• Pax by Sarah Pennypacker
• The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers
• A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Varga
• A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry

Haven’t read it (or watched it on DVD) yet?  Have a look here: https://missmills.bibliocommons.com.

Programs and Events

Halloween Storytime! Wear a costume (optional) and join us for some fun Halloween-themed stories and songs.

Pakenham: Wednesday, October 29 | Toddlers at 10 a.m. and Babies at 11 a.m.
Almonte: Friday, October 31 | Babies at 10 a.m. and Toddlers at 11 a.m.

Kids illustration workshop and author event! Clayton Hanmer, illustrator of The Gland Factory, visits Almonte branch for a presentation and illustration workshop. The library is so happy to welcome Clayton back. His last workshop was a such a memorable event! 

Saturday, November 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Almonte Branch. FREE EVENT in partnership with Mill Street Books – the book is for sale at the event. Registration is required – spots go quickly: https://form.jotform.com/252864207238258.

Next week! Brian Thomas Isaac book event – hosted by MMPL and Mill Street Books, Almonte Branch. It will be a great evening with books available for purchase at the event.

Tuesday, October 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Almonte Branch. FREE EVENT. Registration is required: https://form.jotform.com/252404161359251.

“Growing Friendly: Creating and Preserving Communities That Work” with Angus Affleck. Learning Again in Almonte’s upcoming lecture is Thursday, October 30 from 7-9 p.m. at the Almonte Branch. Pay what you can, but please register (scroll down a bit): https://www.learningagainalmonte.ca/lectures-winter-25.

Saving Dark Skies – Practical tools and simple steps you can take to make a difference with Rick Scholes.
Tuesday, November 4 | 7 p.m. | Almonte Branch

Let’s bring back the stars. Join Rick Scholes, manager of the Fred Lossing Observatory and passionate advocate for protecting our skies, for an eye-opening talk on the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN).

You’ll learn: What light pollution really is — and why it matters, real-world examples of harmful and helpful lighting, and practical tools and simple steps you can take to make a difference. The 45-minute presentation will be followed by an open Q&A session — bring your questions and curiosity! This is a free, in-person event. Everyone is welcome. Please register: https://form.jotform.com/252814232433248.