You can count on Madawaska Valley Public Library to offer a variety of activities and services suitable for all ages – and this fall is no exception. As noted above, October is Canada’s month to celebrate Public Libraries and MV Public Library offers a draw for a gift card all month. Also, here are some things you can pencil in your diary right away, but also stay tuned for more fun things because Ontario Public Library week is Oct 19-25. This year’s theme “Libraries For Life / Biblios pour la vie” celebrates the ways libraries support us at every stage of life, from your first story time to lifelong learning.
Ontario Public Library Week
MV Library will host an Open House to kick off Public Library week on Saturday Oct.18 from 10am to 3pm.When you visit the Library, please take a moment to enjoy the art work on display by October’s Artist of the Month, Nicole Conway. Nicole is an acrylic artist as well as a papercrafter who explores a variety of arts and crafts. On Saturday, Oct 18 at 1pm, Nicole is hosting a crafting afternoon to make holiday gift tags. Please register if you plan to attend the workshop. Contact programs@madawaskavalleylibrary.ca or call 613-756-2000.
Halloween Hunt – Saturday Oct.25
The annual Halloween Hunt takes place on Saturday, October 25 from 10am to 3pm. The Barry’s Bay Recreation Committee will provide a free hot dog lunch from 11am to 1pm (or while supplies last) at the Barry’s Bay Railway Station. During the Hunt, you and your munchkins can enjoy the Hocus Pocus theme that the Station Keepers will have at the train station.
For the hunt – pick up a map at one of two locations – MV Public Library or the Northern Credit Union parking lot. Answer as many clues as you can/choose. There is a long list and every participant is not expected to visit every location. Just visit as many as you wish! Head back to one of the tables to turn in your answers and pick up your goodie bag. Library CEO told The Current that this is a real community event and the Library is especially thankful to local businesses and individuals who donated goodies for treat bags.
Library CEO grateful for Trivia Night success
Natalie Barrington, MV Public Library CEO, told The Current that 14 teams participated in the fall trivia night. She said, “This is a great turnout. We have several teams that support each trivia night each year. We appreciate our regulars, as well as many new teams, who we hope to see again at our trivia next spring 2026.” She said the event raised approximately $1,100 for Library resources, including profits from the canteen that offered freshly made twister donuts! She added, “We appreciate the many door prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.”
Feedback from trivia night participants was positive, as many felt there was a good variety of questions and at different levels of difficulty. Barrington said, “As many players told me, they go to trivia night to be challenged and to learn something new.” She concluded, “There were may events happening in the community that weekend, and we are grateful to those who chose to support the library on the Friday night.”
Ongoing activities
- This month’s BIAK Drumming Session is on Wednesday, Oct.15 at 10:30am. Please remember to register your little ones in advance.
- Valley job seekers can participate in the weekly Employment Pop-Up at the Library on Tuesdays between 10am and 3pm.
- The Walking Group continues to meet at the Library every Friday at 1pm.
- Please note that the Library’s regular hours have changed because of positive feedback from the experiment of staying open over the lunch hour this past summer. That means Library patrons can access services in person during the lunch break on weekdays when the Library is open (Tuesday – Friday).
- The Library’s popular Used Book Sale Room continues to be open during Library hours.