News from the Mississippi Mills Public Library – Week of April 22, 2026

From the Mississippi Mills Public Library

Here’s the latest news from the Mississippi Mills Public Library (MMPL).

Programs, news and events

Used Marker Drive! Bring your used markers, highlighters, sharpies, pens – any writing utensils that no longer writes – to the Almonte Branch until April 26. Once collected, these items will be sent to TerraCycle, where they are cleaned, sorted, and transformed into raw materials for new products such as outdoor furniture, storage bins, and playground surfaces.

While you are dropping off your stash for recycle, guess how many pounds of material we can divert from landfill – the closest guess will win a new pack of markers!

TWO great Earth Day inspired family activities to choose from on the upcoming PA Day, April 24 from 1-3 p.m.

• Almonte Branch is making Nature Windchimes with kids 3+
• Pakenham Branch will have Makedo tools available for those 6+ to create their own cardboard structures and sculptures

Come create and play with us! Drop-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

A Taste of Poem – A Workshop for Youth in Tasting and Writing. Looking for writers age 11 – 18 who are interested in taste as poetic inspiration.

Local pizza places have been invited to send in a pizza for a blind taste test. What does it smell like? What is the texture? What does it remind you of?  Participants will write a poem for each taste – the favorites assembled onto posters that will be displayed at the local donating businesses.

May 12 at Almonte Branch from 3:30-4:15 p.m. or 4:30-5:15 p.m. Sign-up required: https://form.jotform.com/260995273761266.

Travelogue – Kenya: from the ground. A compelling journey in awareness and community. Travel with Almonte resident Arnie Francis and his travel friends as they discover how Canadians are making a difference in the lives of the poorest Kenyans. May 13 at Almonte Branch at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

To register: https://mmpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/4014343

Elevate your creative skills at the Makerspace this May! We are offering free workshops at the Pakenham branch, designed to help you learn new technology and create custom projects. May workshop schedule:

• Mother’s Day Cards: Wednesday, May 6, 4-5:30 p.m.
• Magnetic Bookmarks: Tuesday, May 12, 5-6:30 p.m.
• Engraved Phone Stands: Wednesday, May 27, 1-2:30 p.m.

No experience necessary. Suitable for adults or youth 10+ (accompanied by an adult). Spaces are limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. Grab your library card and secure your spot today:  https://form.jotform.com/260956786224266

More Makerspace this May:

Beginner training sessions can be booked here: https://form.jotform.com/260956554486269

Club sessions for DIY projects can be booked here (previous beginner training required): https://form.jotform.com/260956876846276

Makerspace Youth Workshop: String Art. We are hosting an exciting string art session where you will use small pins and colorful thread to turn a blank board into a unique work of art.

Saturday, May 23 – Pakenham Branch from 10-11:30 a.m. For your ages 10-18. No prior experience is necessary, and no parental supervision is required. Free, but spots are limited, so register early to guarantee your spot! Register here: https://form.jotform.com/260956265470261

Film in the Afternoon is May 27 at 1 p.m. – Almonte Branch. May’s feature film is The Favourite, a dark comedy set in early 18th-century England, where the status quo at the court is upset when a new servant arrives and endears herself to a frail Queen Anne. No registration required. Room capacity is 30 people. Free popcorn!

Author Event: Whit Fraser in Conversation with Sharon Johnston. Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. – Almonte branch library.

Whit Fraser launches his new memoir, From Ragged Ass Road to Rideau Hall: Stories of Canada. Join us for a compelling interview, as Whit shares stories from 50 years of reporting on nation-changing events and national turning points in a conversation with 55th viceregal consort, Sharon Johnston. This event is free to attend and books will be available for sale and signing.

Registration required: https://mmpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/4014890

Pakenham Branch – Cinco de Mayo Craft. Friday, May 1 from 3:30-5 p.m. Drop in and join us for snacks and crafts. All ages welcome!

Special Storytime for Children’s Mental Health Week. For Children’s Mental Health Week, we are collaborating with Open Doors Mental Health to bring you a special Storytime. Friday, May 8 at 11 a.m. at Almonte Branch. Stories and activities for 2–5-year-olds that focus on emotional development, facilitated by the team from Open Doors. No registration required! (Regular Baby Time programming at 10 a.m.)

Printing at the library is easy! Print from the web or a personal storage device (like as USB thumb drive) using one of the library-provided computers or connect to the Wi-Fi and print directly from your personal phone, tablet or laptop! Pages can be collected and paid for at the front desk by cash or card. Effective April 27, pages in black and white will cost $0.25 per printed side, while pages in colour will remain $0.50 per printed side. Maximum of 50 pages, please.

Unfortunately, the Mississippi Mills Public Library was recently notified that our free used battery recycling programs has been terminated. We are NO LONGER accepting used batteries, effective immediately. In Almonte, you can go to Levi Home Hardware. In nearby Carleton Place: Giant Tiger, Canadian Tire, Rona, Staples, and Home Depot. To find alternative disposal locations, please visit: www.recycleyourbatteries.ca.

Alexandre Allard-Dufour at the Corridor Gallery. Almonte Branch Library, April 19 – June 13. Alexandre Allard-Dufour is a father, engineer, and aspiring artist. Inspired by the friendly town of Almonte and its strong sense of community, Alex started painting a series of building portraits of the local businesses.

The works shown at the Corridor Gallery incorporate a variety of different styles, demonstrating Alex’s progression as an artist. His work aims to explore various themes such as the importance of community, social paradox and economic systems.

Check out the Mississippi Mills Public Library website for more details on events and programming.