Dwight Library Blog

Stage Struck

2011-12-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Reaching Out

2011-11-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

The District of Muskoka's Outreach Program invites yu to a meeting at the Dwight Public Library, Nov. 22, at 3.30 p.m.

The goal is to bring district social services and programs to the Township and to work to determine the needs in the community and assist in meeting and planning for these needs.

There are many programs available to the people in need, and the object is to make people aware of the services.

They are looking for representation from the following community members or service agencies to form a subcommittee: School; seniors' organizations; families; service organizations such as the Lions Club.

Everyone is welcome to attend, so please come out and bring your ideas!

Get Your Giller On...

2011-11-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

We all six of the finalist novels for the prestigious ScotiaBank Giller Prize.

From this year's winner, Half-Blood Blues, by Esi Edugyan; through the great pages of the other entries, we've got your Reading List all sorted out!

Find out what -and who -are making Great Canadian literature this year! Get Your Giller On!

Michael Ondaaatje's The Cat's Table; Lynn Coady's Antagonist; Patrick deWitt's The Sisters Brothers; Zsuzsi Gartner's Better Living Through Plastic Explosives (which gets our vote as the best title!); and David Bezmozgis' Free World -- they are all available at the Dwight Public Library.

Remember that we can also provide you with e-books, even if you aren't up at the cottage!

HALLOWE'EN CUPCAKE DECORATING WORKSHOP

2011-10-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hallowe'en is not about how much candy you can score at the door... It's a great opportunity to spend time with the kids, have some fun designing costumes, decorating the house... maybe even reflecting on the historic origins of the day, and just having fun family times. Memories that last...

So come join us to make some of those great memories...

October 29th, from 10.30 to 11.30 a.m.

Erika's Wild Flour Bakery has generously donated the cupcakes... all we need are the Kids, aged 5 and up, to decorate their own cupcakes to bring home.

(Children younger than 5 can come too, but need to supervised by a parent)

Please sign up at the Library, or by calling Peggy or Cathy or Elaine, at 705 635 3319.

PIE!

2011-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

PUMPKIN PIE CONTEST...

we've got two categories -- best decorated (it could be the scariest pie, funniest, silliest... Like the Library, your imagination should be a Place Unbound

-- and best tasting... go dig out Mom or Grandma's most famous recipe, and give it your own tasty twist.

Judging takes place Fri. Oct. 28th at the Kids Halloween Dance Party, so please drop off your pies between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Oct. 28th.

We think it will just be BOO-tiful!!

GET YOUR SPOOK ON!

2011-10-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's that wonderfully spooky time of year!

Join us at the Dwight Community Centre, October 28th, for a Costume Party, children ages 0 - 13, from 6.30 till 8.30 p.m.

There's no charge for admission -- we've got great prizes for costumes, and other cool events. Not only that, we'll be handing out prizes for the Pumpkin Pie contest. Prizes are in two categories:

a) Scariest Pumpkin Pie

b) Tastiest Pumpkin Pie.

This is a great place to bring your little witches, star-troopers, ghosts, goblins, princesses, tramps and superheroes (and all the rest of that great cast of characters) for a fun Hallowe'en evening with your friends and neighbours.

Thanks so much to Ann-Marie Boehm Tapley, the Lions' Club and the Library for pulling together to make this happen.

A Place Unbound!

2011-10-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

It is Library Week in Ontario... Oct. 16 - 23.

Come on in and discover that we are so much more than BOOKS! Check out our DVD and CD collection; magazine collection; and give a try to one of the Kindle or Kobo e-readers. If you've never handled one of these, Cathy will be happy to walk you gently through the introduction.

Books for the e-readers can be "borrowed" from your Library... You can access your Dwight library while on Vacation in the South, for instance, and still 'check out' a book to your e-reader.

We also provide a meeting place, a youth section, computers and instruction in computers, high speed internet access, employment services, children's programs (including drama and writing workshops), literacy programs...

Oh yes, we've also got BOOKS!

The Write Stuff

2011-10-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Everybody has stories. Getting them out of your head and onto the page is the trick.

This workshop, geared to kids aged 10 to 13, will help you do just that.

It's FREE (just like your imagination!) but space is limited, so sign up now!

From Oct. 18 to Dec. 6, 4.30 to 6 p.m. at the Dwight Library, it's a fun opportunity to learn about writing techniques that will help you get your voice onto paper.

705 635 3319.

Special thanks to the Toronto Dominion Bank for jumping in to sponsor this program, for materials. TD Bank is a huge supporter of our summer reading program as well, and we are beyond delighted to have them 'on board' for the writing workshop!

TD Summer Reading Club Winner!

2011-09-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kevin Hutchins who won a Sony Walkman in the August draw for the TD Summer Reading Club.

This is a great program for our kids -- and Kevin did us all proud!

Pennies for Pages

2011-09-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Jenna and Michael Sykes hold the jar of rolled coins raised at the library this summer for "Pennies for pages". This pair, along with their Grandma, Gwen, approached us this summer with the idea and set up the jar in the library.

Last week they took the jar and rolled all the coin. When they brought it back to us this week, they announced we had $104.95.

What a great idea that was! Thanks Jenna and Michael!

Sweet Victory!

2011-09-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the winner of our "GUESS THE NUMBER OF JELLYBEANS?" CONTEST. The guess was complicated by the addition in the box of a stuffed bear and other toys...

Collin Hungerford guessed 2582 and the actual number was 2630.

A very Special thank you to Ross and Annmarie Tapley who came up with the idea of the jellybean contest and put it all together for us.

We raised $235 for the library!

BeDazzled!

2011-09-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

We had perfect weather for our Stella and Dot Jewellry fundraiser.

Everyone went home with something beautiful...

and proceeds went to the Friends of the Library. Perfect.

Fit for Anything

2011-08-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Fitness classes run all summer at the Community Centre -- Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 8.30 a.m. Come and join in, a great start to the day (and you get to go home right past two excellent bakeries... what could be better :) )

Yoga is offered Friday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. with certified instructor Ingrid Bittner. Just breathe...

Getting Wet... with Felt

2011-08-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here's something new -- wet felting. Carolyn Misener will introduce you to this craft on Wed. Aug. 17, from 10 to 3 p.m. This is for beginners, who will learn the basics of wet-felting, while creating an ornamental cuff and bookmark.

Come out and see what it's all about.

Stepping Stones

2011-08-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sanday Brown returns to the library, August 16, at 10.30 a.m. Children six and up will enjoy creating their own unique garden stepping stone. Bring your own special items to help decorate your stone: beads, coloured rocks, coins, shells and whatever treasures you want to include. Younger children can join in provided they have a parent along to help.

Wear old clothes. You will get messy. That's the best part about making 'stuff'.

Please be sure to call and register. 705 635 3319

MISS PEGGY tells TALL TALES

2011-08-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Come for Storytime with Miss Peggy, Fridays at 10.30 a.m. Little ones will enjoy the fun-filled imaginative stories told in Miss Peggy's own unique style.

Toys come out of the tickle trunk to act as props... and the whole experience is magic for little eyes and ears!

So much to Do! Starting with Stella and Dot!

2011-08-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, and there's a LOT happening at your library.

Join us on August 17, for a unique fundraiser, with Halley Verity. Halley is a stylist with Stella & Dot jewelry. She will be with us from 3.30 to 5.30 to demonstrate the popular range of boutique style jewelry and accessories for women and girls. Proceeds from the sale of items goes towards programming and materials for the library.

Come on out and see some of these truly beautiful and unique pieces of wearable art.

Masterminds!

2011-07-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Trivia Night at the library is always popular -- this year, we set a record, with 20 teams competing! What a fun way to raise funds for books!

We were serving chili, buns, snacks and cold drinks, too... and could not keep up with the popcorn orders! Popcorn really must be "brain food" the way our Trivia teams consumed it!

There are five rounds, 20 questions per round, and we kept the teams hopping.

The big winners - reclaiming their title from past years -- the MASTERMINDS.

Close behind them were the BRANIACS FROM BONDI BEACH.

It's great to see so many people out enjoying the library evening.

Special thanks for making the day happen must go to our wonderful volunteers and the Friends of the Library, who make these events happen.

Wasn't that a Party?

2011-07-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

We unveiled a plaque last week in our community garden, and officially opened the Book Nook -- the entire venture made possible through the generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers and Friends of the Library.

Truly, we'd be nothing without you!

Thanks to the efforts of all these great people, the community garden and book nook look fantastic.

We had a lot of people come out to attend our thank you party and the excellent cake that celebrated the day.

Any excuse to get together with good friends is always welcome. Thank you to the Huntsville Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce as well, for donating the building that is now the book nook.

What Happens when you bring WOLVES to the CITY?

2011-07-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a huge thank you to author Dorris Heffron for taking time out of her stay at the cottage with her grandchildren to stop by and talk about her newest novel, CITY WOLVES

There was a great turnout from the Book Club and other Library patrons, and she sold out every book she had brought with her. That's always a good sign.

It's a great book, too. An historical fiction, it is meticulously researched, well written, with engaging characters (both fictional and real). Following the notorious Dog Doctor of Halifax, the first female veterinarian in Canada, the story winds from Halifax, through Boston, to the Yukon Goldrush in Dawson City. What both drives and binds the tale is the development of the Malamute sled dog breed, closely descended from wolves, and a truly Canadian indigenous breed. These were the dogs that opened up the North for both First Nations and the later prospectors and Northwest Mounted Police.

The main character, Meg, follows her dream and passion at a time when most women were -- as Meg's sister and mother -- entangled in childbearing, with little time left over to pursue anything else. Whe her unusual and childless marriage abruptly ends in Boston, she heads across the country, drawn by the legends of the sled dogs.

Hovering around her throughout the book are the spirits of an old Inuit couple from the malamute tribe who devoted their lives to raising wolves from the wild to become the most superb sled dogs, and the foundation of the Malamute breed.

It's a great read for anyone interested in Canadian history, the Gold Rush in the Klondike, the pioneering spirit of women moving away from traditional roles, dogs in general, Malamutes and wolves in particular... or for someone just looking for a great tale to read over the summer.

TRIVIA NIGHT!

2011-07-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, July 20, it's time to get Trivial! Our annual Trivia Night fundraiser starts at 6 p.m. -- we've got dinner this year: either vegetarian or meat chili, with buns as well as popcorn, soft drinks and the usual good stuff.

Teams of 6 will try their talents against last year's winners. $10 /person, and please do register the teams well in advance so Peggy can organize her computer.

It really doesn't matter what you know... Peggy and the gang will have squirreled out obscure and arcane questions to test the whole team.

705 635 3319 to register, please.

Doors open at 6 p.m. the Trivia starts at 7. It's a great way to spend an evening with good friends, and who knows? you may discover great depths of knowledge you didn't know you possessed!

Thanks!

2011-07-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Thursday from 10.30 to 1, we're saying a huge THANK YOU to all the Friends, the volunteers, the joiners-in who have worked so hard to make the Book Nook beautiful.

This is a meet and greet networking occasion, with light refreshments, and we'll be unveiling a plaque thanking the sponsors.

Come and join us!

CITY WOLVES

2011-07-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

Join Author Dorris Heffron on Thursday, July 14, at 1.30 at the Dwight Library. She'll be discussing her newest novel, CITY WOLVES. This is an historical fiction, following the first female veterinarian in Canada from Halifax, through Boston to the Gold Rush days at Dawson City as she pursues her passion for the wild wolves, and the Malamute sled dogs descended from them. A believable cast of characters, a true love of the north country and the brave dogs that made living there possible, interspersed with Innuit spiritguides who keep watch over the breed they developed from the wolves makes this a great read. A different perspective on the Yukon gold rush, and the women who have been mostly unsung in history, keeps this high on our summer reading list.

Summer Reading

2011-06-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

What is better than a good book, a glass of something cool, a shady spot by the lake, summer?

A book that only cost $2.00, that's what!

While other people are outside weeding gardens, we've been weeding our collections -- we've got tables full of fabulous books, by truly amazing authors, all going for the paltry sum of $2.00 each.

What a deal!

Going Beyond How to Turn the Thing On

2011-06-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Letting our regular patrons know, our computers will be unavailable to the general public Wednesdays, from 10.30 noon, June 8 to 29th.

That's because Heather has them in use teaching an Adult Computer Class. For those who aren't sure what to do beyond pushing the big button that starts the computer, this is a great opportunity. It's limited to 4 people -- but ifyou didn't get the chance to enroll, and you'd like to be part of this, please talk to Peggy or Cathy.

If there's interest, there will definitely be more opportunities.

Stepping Stones!

2011-06-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

JUNE 11, Sanday Brown will be at the library, teaching you how to make wonderfully unique stepping stones for your gardens.

It's from 10.30 to noon. Ideal for children 5 and up, and a great gift for Father's Day. Bring some treasures to add to the stones. Wear old clothes -- the best crafts get kids messy, and this one might just do that too!

Please call the libary to reserve a spot!!

The Play is the Thing!

2011-06-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that the kids have worked hard, (and listening to rehearsals, can they ever sing beautifully!) the play is almost ready, and on THURSDAY JUNE 16, at the RENE CAISSE THEATRE in Bracebridge, both the Dwight and Baysville groups will be presenting their plays.

Dwight will showcase Alice in Wonderland. Baysville is weighing in with Willy Wonka. It's at 6 p.m, Tickets are only $10.00 Call the box office at 705 645 8400 to get them.

It's well worth the short drive to see these productions, to support the kids, and this program, and just to enjoy.

What Took Them So Long?

2011-05-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's always wonderful when new book reviews are coming out to discover that we've already got them, on the shelves, ready for our patrons.

We're always pleased to be able to say, about those very book reviews,

The Kitchen House, by Kathleen Grissom
        When a white servant girl violates the order of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the worst and best in the people she has come to call her family.
       Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin.
       Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. Lavinia finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds. When she is forced to make a choice, loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk.
       The Kitchen House is a tragic story of page-turning suspense, exploring the meaning of family, where love and loyalty prevail.

The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain
No twentieth-century American writer has captured the popular imagination as much as Ernest Hemingway. This novel tells his story from a unique point of view — that of his first wife, Hadley. Through her eyes and voice, we experience Paris of the Lost Generation and meet fascinating characters such as Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and Gerald and Sara Murphy. The city and its inhabitants provide a vivid backdrop to this engrossing and wrenching story of love and betrayal that is made all the more poignant knowing that, in the end, Hemingway would write of his first wife, "I wish I had died before I loved anyone but her."

The Tiger's Wife, by Tea Obrent
     This is an audaciously original book, all the more so when one reflects that the author is only in her mid-twenties. It takes place in a Balkan location - likely Belgrade and the surrounding countryside - and focuses on a young woman - Natalia's - search for the truth about the last days of her grandfather.
      The narrative is woven around Natalia's remembrances of two fable-like stories narrated to her by her grandfather, which weave tighter and tighter and ultimately reveal their truths. There is a magical realism quality to these stories, which encompass the haunting tale of a rogue tiger, an abused deaf-mute woman who is feared by the villagers and rumored to be the tiger's wife, Darisa the bear and tiger hunter, and a "deathless man" who may be the nephew of Death itself, whose appearances often portend catastrophe.
      Similarly, at the heart of The Tiger's Wife, a pampered tiger abandoned by war in a deserted zoo becomes "free" and reverts back to his original nature, placing the only person with the compassion to feed him at risk. Ms. Obreht writes, "If things had turned out differently, if that winter's disaster had fallen in some alternate order...the rumors that spread about the tiger's wife might have been different...But because that winter was the longest anyone could remember, and filled with a thousand small discomforts, a thousand senseless quarrels, a thousand personal shames, the tiger's wife shouldered the blame for the villagers' misfortunes." THIS Tiger burns bright with allegory as well.

The Midwife of Venice, by Roberta Rich
The year is 1575. Word about Hannah Levi's expert skills in midwifery has spread even to the Venetian nobility, which prompts a late-night visit to her apartment in the Ghetto Nuovo. The Conte di Padovani's wife, Lucia, lies close to death in childbirth, and he desperately needs Hannah's help.

Hannah's decision to accompany the Conte to his palazzo goes against her rabbi's wishes as well as a papal edict. Jews are forbidden to treat Christian patients, and if either the mother or the child dies, she will bring the wrath of Christian Venice down on everyone in the ghetto. And should anyone in the Conte's household discover her birthing spoons, the forbidden tool she invented to assist with deliveries, she could be charged with witchcraft.

In return for this high-risk endeavour, she strikes a bargain: As payment, she asks for enough money to rescue her husband. While on a trading voyage, Isaac was captured by mercenaries in the pay of the Knights of St. John, men “reeking of drink and sweat and religion,” and languishes in prison on Malta.
So begins a lively tale involving love, blackmail, family, murder, plague, intercultural compassion, dramatic last-minute rescues and some very creative disguises. There is a lot going on, and the brisk pacing ensures ever-changing action.

A Mountain of Crumbs, by Elena Gorokhova Her exquisitely wrought, tender memoir of growing up in the Soviet Union…could be taught as a master class in memoir writing. … Gorokhova writes about her life with a novelist’s gift for threading motives around the heart of a story. … Each chapter distills a new revelation in poetic prose.

The 20 episodes in A Mountain of Crumbs are extraordinarily rich in sensory and emotional detail and offer an engrossing portrait of a very lively, intelligent girl coming of emotional and intellectual age in the post-Stalinist Soviet Union.”

Drawing the Bow

2011-05-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

Look what was lurking in the North Muskoka Woods!

This great dinosaur was one of the targets for our 3rd Annual Archery Tournament, held Sunday at Logging Chain Lodge in Dwight.

Many thanks to the Tapley family, Anne Marie, Ross, Samantha and Sonya, at Logging Chain for all their help in setting up this outstanding tournament -- targets large and small were carefully placed in the woods. Practice butts were available at the resort.

Lunch was also available, thanks to our great Friends of the Library! Nobody left hungry!

Over 70 archers participated this year. That's an impressive number, particularly since the weather forecast -- which was wrong -- was calling for rain all day. The drizzle didn't start until long after we had everything wrapped up, trophies and prizes awarded, and all the arrows accounted for.

Archery is a fantastic sport. Our youngest competitor was FIVE years old... we're not allowed to mention the age of our oldest. Everyone was outside, in the fresh air, enjoying a sport that calls for skill and co-ordination, and yet is accessible to anyone. From the simplest of bows right up to the professional compound creations that the Olympic athletes favour, there was a wide range of equipment, and a wide range of experience.

All coming together nicely, thank you, to make for just a wonderful day.

Shopping Spree

2011-04-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

Drop by and visit our new Friends of the Library Little Shop!

We've got great gifts for kids, the grandkids, even the adults. Product changes weekly, so drop by often and check it out.

Proceeds go to help your library, and we all win!

We Always Treat You Royally

2011-04-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

We don't need the excitement and pageantry of a Royal Wedding to treat you like Lords and Ladies, but we were delighted to have the chance to get all dressed up, put on the fancy hats, and celebrate the Royal Couples' happy day!

Jelly Beans for Books

2011-04-30T19:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a sweet idea! Guess the number of jelly beans in the tank with our Bear, and you can win the lot.

Careful -- it's harder than you might think. Bear takes up some room.

And Ross, who put this together for us, has been a little crafty - there are ju-jubes in there, and they are not jelly beans.

Still, for $2.00, you can see how good your powers of estimation are!

Arrows!

2011-04-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

These are two of the targets that will be on the course May 1st for our 3rd Annual Archery Tournament at Logging Chain Lodge.

Event goes, rain or shine. Lunch is available. We've got fabulous door prizes and a silent auction. The course is second to none, and gets rave reviews every year from the participants.

Come on over! Even if you are not a budding Robin Hood, you'll enjoy watching the activity at the resort!

Thanks again to the Friend of the Library, and to Logging Chain Lodge, for organizing this event!

Robin Hood, Move Over! Archery Tournament is here.

2011-04-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Coming up Sunday, May 1, 2011, it's the 3rd Annual Outdoor 3D Target Archery Tournament, hosted by the Friends of the Dwight Library to help raise funds for our library.

Held at Logging Chain Lodge, 2840 Highway 60, Dwight, registration starts at 9 a.m., and the contest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bring your own equipment, and your enthusiasm. Our volunteers do an extraordinary job on this event, which runs rain or shine.

Entry forms at the Library, or by email. More information at 705 635 3319 or 705 635 2575.

Lunch is included, and there is on-site support for damaged arrows, bows, people seeking new equipment or wanting to learn more. This is a great event for all archery enthusiasts, regardless of age or expertise. Prizes and awards, door prizes, silent auction items all contribute to the fun.

Check here to see what happened last year at this event, and to get a taste of the day.

Auditions for ALICE IN WONDERLAND

2011-03-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

HUB PRODUCTIONS will be offering a great theatre opportunity to our youth this spring!

AUDITION NOTICE

FOR

"ALICE IN WONDERLAND”

Auditions/Registration is Thursday April 14th from 4pm-6pm at the Dwight Public Library. Please prepare a short song, poem, or nursery rhyme. If you are a little shy, auditions are EXTREMELY non-pressure and fun! There are many speaking and non-speaking roles to choose from

Free - Students JK – Gr. 8

We acknowledge the support of the Government of Ontario through the Programs and Services Branch of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture

AUDITION NOTICE

FOR

"WILLY WONKA”

Auditions/Registration is Tuesday April 19th from 4pm-6pm at the Baysville Public Library. Please prepare a short song, poem, or nursery rhyme. If you are a little shy, auditions are EXTREMELY non-pressure and fun! There are many speaking and non-speaking roles to choose from

Free - Ages JK – Gr. 8

We acknowledge the support of the Government of Ontario through the Programs and Services Branch of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture

HUB-abaloo!

2011-03-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

HUB PRODUCTIONS

“TRIPLE THREAT”

PERFORMING ARTS

SHOW PROGRAM

A Specialized “Dramatic” Experience

for Students JK – Gr. 8.

HUB Productions “Triple Threat” Show Program Description

Here's a chance for all you drama and musical theatre lovers to be in a play! These "Triple Threat" shows involve instruction in the three main focuses of the performing arts: acting, singing, and dancing! Under the direction of Amy Bridle and her skilled staff all performers will have the opportunity to further develop their vocal, acting, and movement skills. On the first day of the program you will be cast in one of Disney’s Classic Musicals and that’s just where the fun begins!!! In 10-weeks at “Triple Threat” we work on stage presence, explore character, learn music & choreography, and finally bring a full musical to life creating a final show that is guaranteed to bring down the house!

Specifically, this Spring 2011 Library Program will culminate in a public performance of Alice in Wonderland & Willy Wonka. Parents, friends, and family are invited to attend the performance at the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre in Bracebridge to witness everything the performers have learned throughout the program.

Show Descriptions:

DWIGHT - ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Join Alice's madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! Roles are plentiful, including three Cheshire Cats and dozens of other wonderfully wacky characters. This fast-paced stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland features updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as "I'm Late," "The Un-birthday Song" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah."

BAYSVILLE - ‘Willy Wonka’

Join Charlie Bucket and the Oompa-Loompa’s as we tour Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory! Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory”, which features the songs from the classic family film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." The memorable score features “The Candy Man”, “Pure Imagination”, “Oompa Loompa” and ”I Want it Now”.

PROGRAMS INCLUDE...

Instruction and Direction by HUB Productions and the Rene Caisse Theatre’s Artistic Director Amy Bridle and her talented staff.

Program hours - 4:00pm – 6pm.

All supplies, use of scripts and song booklets, and a personal CD of show songs to practice with at home. The show experience also comes with full costumes!

The opportunity to perform at a state-of-the-art theatre, with professional lighting, sound systems and dressing rooms.

Option to purchase a professionally edited DVD copy of your child’s performance for $20. DVD will be delivered to your home one week after the show.

Free Cast Party! The kids will enjoy a pizza lunch and goody party at the Dress Rehearsal before their final public performance in June!

Who & What is HUB Productions???

HUB Production’s Performing Arts Programs are designed to give students performance experience, build self-esteem and give a sense of accomplishment, but most of all we have FUN!!!

Each session works with all skill levels. Amy Bridle who holds her Master’s in Acting and Direction from York University provides direction and instruction. She has been teaching and acting professionally for over 10 years. Our support instructors are other industry professionals and senior high school or college age students who have advanced singing, dance and acting skills.

Our programs are a great place for everyone, from beginners to advanced, who wish to experience all aspects of theatre, film, music, dance, and acting. HUB is a place in which everyone is accepted and knows it. It is a place where you escape the real world. It is a place where you feel at home after only a day. It is a place where you wait the WHOLE year to return to the stage for that final show! HUB is a place that will change your life forever!!!

The benefits of our show experience include: small class sizes, professional instruction, and a safe, fun, creative environment. Drama instruction builds confidence, increases creativity, and teaches social and public speaking skills. The skills learned in the program can be applied throughout all walks of life! So, whether you are looking to pursue acting, singing, or dancing as a career, an exciting hobby, or a once in a lifetime experience, this program will blow your socks off! Step into the spotlight and joins us!

HUB BIO & CONTACT INFO:

Established in 2004 by Artistic Director, Amy Bridle, HUB Productions is a year-round Performing Arts Education Company for students ages 3 through 19. We offer a wide range of non-competitive performing arts activities in a fun, friendly, and specialized show and day camp setting. We are located in the ‘Heart of Muskoka’ at the Rene M. Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge, Ontario. Our areas of specialization include: theatre; rock, pop, country, classical & Broadway music; choreography & dance; filmmaking & acting for television; and improv & sketch comedy.

hubproduction@gmail.com

(705) 205-0090

www.renemcaissetheatre.ca

Step into the Spotlight, This Is Your Chance To SHINE!

Space is Limited so Call or Email and Register Today!

Amy Bridle, Artistic Director

We are SO Resourceful

2011-03-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

Libraries are about so much more than checking out a book... although that's always good.

Libraries are the centre, the hub of the community, and we've got resources that will help you with your homework, help you teach your child to read, help you with your garden, genealogical research, direct you to information to help fix your car, or fix your career...

You can access government information through us, as well as magazines and business publications.

We also provide resources for audio books... we could go on and on. In fact, if you go to our On Line Resources section, we DO go on and on.

Gee, there's nothing on TV...

2011-03-05T08:55:00.001-08:00

How true... all those channels, and so little worth watching. Still, your library has ridden to the rescue. We have DVDs available, so you can take home a movie worth watching for those family nights (or girls' nights; guys' nights...)

Our latest project...we're creating a dvd list so people can search for the titles we have and get reviews.

So far...the 'young people' and 'children's' lists are under contruction:

http://www.imdb.com/list/FtDbE_AdMiM
(Dwight Public Library's DVD Collection A-K)

http://www.imdb.com/list/xyqdL3mXyfY/
(Dwight Public Library's DVD Collection L-S)

http://www.imdb.com/list/vUyVReezxT8/
(Dwight Public Library's DVD Collection T-Z)

They are available as shortcuts on the express computer closest to the DVDs and will be linked on the website also, so you can make a more informed decision before taking one home!

Anything but a Brush!

2011-02-24T20:23:00.000-08:00

The Huntsville Art Society Presents

Anything but a Brush!

With Diane Finlayson

Dwight Community Centre

Friday March 18th 2011

10.00 –12:30 ½ day session workshop for kids 7-12.

Anything is possible when painting without a brush!

Cost $15.00

Registration at Dwight Public Library before March 4th 2011

Please call 705-635-3319

6 minimum participants required to run the program

Hop to It! Frogwatch is coming.

2011-02-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

Volunteer for just three minutes a week at any wetlands area in Lake of Bays Township and record any sightings or sounds of frogs or toads you might come across between the end of March and early May. Training will be provided.

We welcome all ages to support the Lake of Bays Association in this environmental project.

Please register at the Dwight Public Library before
March 4th, 2011.

Call 705-635-3319 or email phurley@vianet.ca

Want to know more about Frogwatch? Welcome aboard.

Click here for the Frogwatch Ontario website!

By participating in this programme you will help to increase our knowledge of frogs and toads in Ontario. Frogs and toads are a part of local biodiversity - the amazing variety of life around us. Conserving biodiversity is essential to the health of the planet and the welfare of humankind. Changes in frog and toad populations may be good indicators of changes in the wetland environments that sustain them. This is because they live "on the edge" between water and land, and are very sensitive to pollution and habitat alterations.

Not all frogs and toads call at the same time; there is a sequence of species that call as ponds thaw and warm. Monitoring the dates of frog calls allows us to:
*Predict when frogs are likely to call
*Watch the yearly south to north progression of frog and toad calls as warm spring temperatures move north
*Monitor climate change over longer periods of time - as climates warm, frogs call earlier and earlier each year and remain active for longer periods of time

This north to south progression of calling dates is called PHENOLOGY, which is the study of the times that natural phenomena occur in relation to climatic conditions.

By listening to frog and toad mating calls, naturalists, schools, and community members can record and submit observations that are important in monitoring the health of Ontario's wetlands.

Jug o' rum... Jug o' rum...
peep... peep... peep...

These are some of the sounds you will hear if you're out near an Ontario wetland this spring.

Starting in late March, participants in the FrogWatch Ontario Programme will be out in full force, listening for frog and toad calls in their local wetlands. FrogWatch Ontario is an amphibian monitoring programme for people of all ages, all across Ontario. FrogWatch Observers will monitor their local wetlands (in backyards, at the cottage, or in rural areas) and listen for the amorous calls of frogs and toads. Male frogs and toads will typically start to call in March in Southern Ontario and into April/May in Northern Ontario. Spring peepers, wood frogs, and chorus frogs are usually the first species to make their presence known in the spring, but larger frogs like the bullfrog may call as late as June/July. Each frog and toad species has its own distinct call, making it easy to recognize each of Ontario's 13 species.

Tell Me A Story!

2011-01-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

For the tiny tots, under the age of three, we are proud to present

Mother Goose Story Hour, with April Sanderson at the Dwight Public Library!

Friday afternoons, from Jan. 21st until Feb. 25th, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Story telling, finger play, songs and rhymes!

Healthy snacks provided. Please Pre-Register at the Library by Jan. 18th

705 635 3319 or email phurley@vianet.ca

Tall Enough to See "Forever"

2010-12-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

Feet may not reach to the floor, but imagination knows no bounds!

We get all ages and stages of life-long learners here at the Dwight Library.

It's a real treat to watch them blossom as they learn, their imaginations unfolding right before our eyes.

This young user may not have her feet firmly planted just yet, but she's already reaching into worlds her grandparents couldn't even imagine. Where will her bright young mind take her next? Stay tuned...

Our library provides computers, assistance in their use, and High Speed Wireless. Everyone is welcome to the library, where learning and imagination go on forever. No wonder libraries are considered so important!

Birds Like Christmas Trees Too

2010-12-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Dec. 4th, a group of keen kids and adults gathered to help us decorate our outdoor tree.

Resplendent with solar powered twinkle lights, handmade ornaments such as glittery pine cones, and carefully hung suet/seed 'decorations', it is up and already welcoming the birds

.After all, Christmas is for sharing!

"Moose"tly be Merry!

2010-12-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

The Friends do a tremendous amount of work on behalf of the Dwight Library, and we are very honoured and privileged to have them.

Every December, we like to get together for some fellowship, a good meal, and the opportunity to say Thank You to the Friends.

This year, we gathered at the Moose Cafe in Dwight. Complete with Christmas crackers, crowns, bad jokes (What happens when frogs park illegally? They get TOAD....) and twinkly lapel pins, we sat down to a choice of Maple Glazed Chicken or Red Pepper Salmon, to say nothing of the dessert menu!

It is a small gesture for a huge debt of gratitude. Our Friends are the BEST!

Just Dance!

2010-11-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the moves on Dancing With The Stars? So, you think you can dance?

Or do you just want some fun and movement in your Friday morning?

Join us for an hour of rockin' to the Wii Dance program. Meet new and old friends, share some laughs, and hone those dance moves!

All ages, everyone... and no sign of those critical but loveable judges anywhere! What could be better!?

It's Beginning to Look a LOT Like Christmas

2010-11-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

Join us for our COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION and PENNY SALE, Saturday December 4th, at 10.30 a.m. at the Dwight Public Library.

Bring the kids to help us decorate our 'critter friendly' Christmas tree. Kids will make ornaments using natural materials including pine cones, seeds and fruits to feed our feathered friends at the holiday season. See the tree lit with environmentally friendly solar twinkle lights.

Refreshments and treats for everyone!

Penny sale begins November 23rd, and winners will be announced at noon on the day of our celebration.

Event sponsored by the Dwight Friends of the Library.

Stampin' Up! Advent Calendar

2010-11-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

The countdown is beginning for Christmas -- and here's a great way to get into the Spirit.

We're offering a Stamping session, suitable for adults and children alike (children between 7 and 12 must bring their own adult along!)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 4th, FROM 10.30 TO NOON at the Community Centre in Dwight.

Material cost is $37.00

Participants must register and pay in advance at the Library before NOVEMBER 25 during regular business hours. Call Kim Hutchins 635 9200 for more details.

Mark your calendar, register, and get ready to stamp up some spirit for the holidays.

Life is Just BOO-tiful!

2010-10-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

Time to get those skeletons out of the closet, and come to the Costume Party, Friday Oct. 29th, at 9 p.m. at the Community Centre.

This is for children ages 0 to 13. Parents are also invited.

We can't wait to see who (or what?) shows up on the Red (Black?) Carpet...

All the Boo-tiful people, that's for sure. It's bound to be SPOOK-tacular, because, you know, Hallowe'en, BITES!

The New Fence

2010-10-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Well, the old fence. Now new.

This is part of the historic fence that used to surround the Stewart Memorial Church in Dwight. Earlier this year, the Church held a fundraiser here at the library with the goal being to raise enough money to restore the old picket fence.

They were very successful, and the fence was replaced with a new one -- copying faithfully the old design.

So, what to do with the old fence? Well, that too became a fundraiser, and sections of the fence were sold. The library was happy to secure enough of the original fence to set off the new community garden and Book Nook.

Thanks to our volunteers, who cleaned and repainted the old fence, and helped install it.

We think it looks absolutely fabulous.

What a Great Evening!

2010-10-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Over 50 people crowded into the Community Centre Wednesday night to meet Leacock Prize winning author Terry Fallis.

What fun, to learn of his adventures, crossing items off his life list (go skydiving, sail a tall ship, write a book... two out of three's not bad!), self-publishing, and happenstance. He described how he approaches writing -- very disciplined, very mapped out in advance; where he 'found' some of his characters; how he fits writing into his schedule;how winning the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour changed his life.

Like many first time novelists, he found himself unable to secure an agent for his novel, The Best Laid Plans, Terry set about self-publishing the book. A perk of that on-line excercise, he was provided with ten copies of the novel for himself, in addition to the ones he was trying to market. The Leacock Award requires the submission of exactly ten copies of the book being considered. Had they needed eleven, Terry would not have entered in 2008... but there were those ten copies, just crying out for readers.

Thrilled just to make the short-list that year, he was delightfully astounded to discover his wife kicking him under the table to alert him to the fact that he had, in fact, won.

He was charming, approachable, entertaining, and it was a joy to spend an evening in his company. Also a joy to spend time in the company of his characters, brought to life as he read from the book. People such as Muriel Parkinson, and Angus McLintock, who step to life off Terry's pages.

A political novel with a twist, this book, and its sequel The High Road, are well worth the read. There's everything in there, from lessons in building a hovercraft to how to run a political campaign...

You can access podcasts of his work on-line, if you'd like to listen to Terry read the books. Part of the publishing adventure for Terry was to put up weekly chapters of his work on-line, and receive feedback from across the globe. He got emails back encouraging him, asking for more chapters, even correcting his pronunciation.

Having heard where he finds inspiration for his books, we'd not be too surprised to learn that down the road there's a mention in one of his novels of a photo -- The Friends presented him with a Jerry Schmanda photo of the northern end of two southbound moose in Algonquin. Rather an poignant political statement, all in itself...

Asked about getting more men into Book Clubs, he could only comment that his own book club is pretty evenly divided that way, but encouraged folks to join all book clubs. It's a wonderful way to find yourself reading books that, left to yourself, you'd probably never pick up, but that you'll find more than worth the read.

Thanks to the Friends of the Dwight Library, Peggy, Cathy, and everyone who helped provide coffee and desserts, decorate the room, and make this event possible. And a huge Thank You to Terry, for making the trek to Dwight to spend time with us. We look forward to welcoming him back in the future.

Northwoods Literary Festival

2010-10-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

What to do over the Thanksgiving weekend when no enjoying the fall colours and munching on the leftovers?

Friday offers an evening of inspiring stories in the Algonquin Theatre.

Saturday you can catch an early breakfast at the Mill on Main with Joseph Boyden; and Saturday morning (while that turkey is still cooking) Trinity Church in Huntsville hosts a day of readings and book signings.

All this, and still lots of time for a walk in the wood!

Me to We

2010-10-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Join the community on October 9 for a Thanksgiving Craft and Bake Sale to raise money for Team Kenya, a group of local students who will be heading out to Africa on a humanitarian project.

This is WAY beyond your 'average' bake sale -- top flight local chefs are coming together with local artists to provide the items at this sale. It's going to be a fascinating and fun event, and all for a great cause!

Asante Sane! (kiswahili for Thank You)

Looking Good!

2010-10-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the friends and the community volunteers who came together to landscape, garden, and provide our new sign for the Book Nook!

It's getting a lot of attention already.

Future plans include expanding this area to include an experimental Community Garden, so as they say, Watch This Space!

Go North, Young Deer...

2010-09-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

Before the late 1800's, whitetail deer did not occur in Muskoka. What changed? Most people think our original old growth forests were unsuitable for deer, and they couldn't survive here until settlers transformed the landscapes through land clearing, logging and other activities that promoted new second-growth forests favoured by deer.

But is it true? Are deer simply a by-product of human impact?

Dan Strickland, former Chief Naturalist of Algonquin Park will give us answers to these questions, Wednesday, Sept. 22 at the Dwight Library, starting at 7 p.m.

Dan will show the fatal flaw in the easy explanation outlined above, and will provide evidence for a much different explanation of the northward expansion of deer. Try to guess the rue answer, and come to this talk to see if you are correct!

You might get a laugh out of it!

Everyone is welcome.

The Play is the Thing!

2010-09-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

Kidplayhouse Productions was here in the spring with a wonderful program. They're BACK!

The Fall Theatre Arts Program at the Dwight Community Centre for kids grades 3/4 to 8 will begin Tuesday, Sept. 21, with registration from 5.15 to 6 p.m.

It's a ten week program, with a performance to close out the show. The costy is $125, and a fee subsidy will be available where needed. Don't miss out -- Kidplayhouse productions prides itself on fostering curiosity resilience self-esteem critical thinking skills and empathy through integrated arts education and creative play. How wonderful is that????

Terry Fallis is in Town! Mark your Calendars!

2010-09-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

A Visit with Terry Fallis
Author of “The Best Laid Plans” & “The High Road”

Don't miss this evening of evening of desserts, beverages and lots of laughter with Terry Fallis. His satirical novels of Canadian politics will have you laughing out loud.

His debut novel (TBLP) was originally self-published in 2007 and won the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. McClelland & Stewart published TBLP in September 2008.

He also won the Gold Medal in the Independent Publisher Book Awards in the Regional Fiction - Canada East category. In 2010, the Waterloo Region chose The Best Laid Plans as the One Book, One Community selection.

The sequel to The Best Laid Plans, called The High Road, has just been released in September, 2010.

Presented by
The Dwight Friends of the Library
&
Coles Book Store – Huntsville

Wednesday, October 13th
7:00 p.m.
Dwight Community Centre
Hwy#60 @ Hwy #35
Dwight

Tickets $10.00
Available at
Dwight Public Library
&
Coles Book Store
Huntsville Place Mall
(Cash only please)

Faster than a speeding internet

2010-08-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year we get to meet a lot of new neighbours. Those who are up at their cottages, or just vacationing at one of the wonderful resorts in our area, often drop by to 'borrow' our Internet.

Today we had laptops almost everywhere -- you could find them snuggled up to their people, in the computer cafe, at the table, curled up in the cosy armchair by the fireplace, at the table, and sitting cross legged on the floor in the far corner.

At one point every one of our computer terminals were also in use. We were buzzing with the Net!

How Does Our Garden Grow?

2010-08-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who have donated time, hands, energy, plants -- and now stones! -- to make our new Book Nook glorious!

It began with Peggy cleverly talking the Chamber of Commerce into letting us have the little tourism booth they no longer needed. This is rapidly transforming into our Book Sale centre, and can be utilized by community groups as well.

Then came the gardeners, who brought us flowers and shrubs and topsoil and shovels and green thumbs.

Then Lakeside Landscaping dropped by, with a collection of patio stones and a stone bench.

We're so excited at how lovely it looks! Thank you to all our fabulous volunteers who have helped to bring this into being. You (dare we say, given the beautiful stones now in place) ROCK!

Stepping Stones

2010-08-08T15:50:00.001-07:00

Aug. 18, 10.30 a.m. come join us at our garden room, just outside the library. Bring gems, leaves or beads, and we'll teach you how to create a stepping stone for your garden with your own unique accent.

This is for Children, 6 and up. $5./person, and the instructor is Sandy Brown.

Sandy Inkster Telling Tales

2010-08-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

Sandy Inskter will be here Thursday Aguust 12 at 11 a.m. Children 6 and under are always spellbound by her story telling.

Sandy is a specialist in Early Years Literacy. Get them into the habit, for life.

Sandy will be back in town in September. At the Baysville library, Sept. 13, hosting a seminar for Folks who Work in Early Years Literacy.

Date: Monday September 13/10
Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm (lunch included)
Host Library: Lakes of Bays – Baysville
• Program sharing – bring copies of two program outlines to share (12 copies)
• Networking – what are your challenges and successes?
• Evaluations – how do you know if your programs are accomplishing your goals?
• Professional Development – storytelling using props and puppets
• Early Literacy Checklist – how it can identify solutions to problems
RSVP to Sandy by Tuesday September 7, 2010 sinkster@handstfhn.ca

That one all sounds dreadfully serious (but Sandy's there, so it will be brilliant and entertaining, and everyone will Laughingly Learn) but ours, Thursday, is pure joy for children... Sandy takes them voyaging into wonderful worlds, bouyed up by books.

Come on out!

Dog Safety Seminar

2010-08-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Does your child know how to approach a strange dog? Or what to do if a strange dog makes that approach, ears back, tail down?

What does it take to look after a dog, safely and comfortably for both humans and canines?

Join professional dog trainer Lynn Remmelgas from Muskoka Dog Academy on Tues. August 10, 10.30 a.m. til noon for our Dog Safety Seminar for the Whole Family. $3/person big or small.

Trivia Night!

2010-07-19T16:54:00.001-07:00

This Wednesday is Trivia Night!
Get together a team of 6 (hopefully eclectic friends) and sign up for a table. It's only $60.
You get popcorn, cold drinks, a great contest and one of the most fun ways to spend a summer evening.
Get there about 6.30 to get signed in. The questions start at 7 p.m.

You should go...

It's a Jungle In Here!

2010-07-04T06:44:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to be participating in the TD Summer Reading Programs once again.

The theme is Destingation Jungle. Kids, 12 and under, who register with their local library for the TD Summer Reading Club receive a poster, stickers and an activity book all free as a part of their reading kit.

Come explore the wonders of nature in the jungles of the world, go on exciting voyages and travel to exotic lands by exploring the shelves of your local library. See our booklist suggestions and find a jungle in your own back yard.

Oh, and if you're older than 12, but have unpaid book fines, if you come in and dance with our Jungle Parrot, rumour is Peggy may just forgive what you owe...

Creativate!

2010-07-04T06:37:00.001-07:00

We're excited. TheHuntsville Arts Society is working with us to provide CREATIVATION, a fabulous program for the budding artist in your family.

A series of art classes, with various artists, are being offered. First up is this week, JULY 6, with Nancy Gray Ogle.

The subject, dear to every child's heart, is How to Draw Animals. And if anyone knows about that, it's Nancy. From moose to mice, from huge sweeping works right down to simple line sketches, if it's animal art, she's your gal... A reknowned international wildlife artist, she brings a wealth of talent, experience and joy to the act of creation.

A single session in Creativations costs $12.00, plus $3 for materials.

For information on the whole series, give Peggy a call, or check the sidebar of this Blog.

But first, sign up your young minds and creative imaginations for this session of July 6th.

How Does your Garden Grow?

2010-06-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Bring a perennial flower...

Bring a shovel...

Bring a smile...

Join us at the Library at 5.30, Thursday...

We have a design for a garden, and we've been digging and turning the soil, and we're ready to put in plants.

We've got the Book Nook ready to go, and this garden will enhance it and the area.

See you there, green thumbs and all!

Getting it in OVERDRIVE

2010-06-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

Lake of Bays Public Library ( both Baysville and Dwight ) now offer OverDrive!

This is a program that will enable you to download audio books onto your own Mp3 player. Check out the library website, , click onto e-resources to Overdrive and follow the directions from there. You can download books for free, and listen to them while you are driving, relaxing on the dock, doing housework, mowing the lawn or supposedly doing all sorts of other things not nearly as interesting as listening to great narration.

While you're in the E-Resources section, take a moment to check out all the other applications and useful resources we've got available for you, without you ever having to leave the comfort of your own computer.

Although you WILL leave your own computer... you'll want to come to the Library and visit us. Won't you?

Side By Side

2010-06-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

To develop curiosity, resilience, self-esteem, critical thinking skills and empathy – all this while having fun and taking care of each other... how magical is that??? Twenty kids found out, during their time with Kidplayhouse Theatre, through the Dwight Public Library.

The rest of us found out when the group presented a selection of skits. Titled SIDE BY SIDE on June 2nd at the Dwight Community Centre. What an explosion of creative play and imagination was on display, under the guidance of Glenn and Elizabeth Copeland and their team of volunteers.
Special thanks must go to the Dorset Lion’s Club, who sponsored five children to attend this workshop.

From Pippy Longstocking Reinvented, through Gilgamesh, Dinosaurs, Dragons, puppetry, an interlude with Shakespeare, a cautionary tale of Doves and Chickens, and some music from Les Mis, the young actors shone, sparkled and laughed their way through the production while the parents and friends pretty much rolled in the aisles.

It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of everyone and speak, sing, or tell your story. You have to be brave to walk out on that stage...

Elizabeth and Glenn were kept on the hop working with these aspiring actors, and thanks go also to their assistants Dave Walton and Adrienne Starr, Peggy Hurley and Kim Goodwin-Myers who helped give the push to get this program off the ground, David and Lisa who helped with sets and everything in between them, and Cogeco for loaning digital equipment to allow the recording of the moment.

This is one of the great programs offered through the Dwight Library. It was the first time it has been offered, but from the response, you should be watching for more of the same. We’re all for it – get the imagination in gear, and there is no limit at all to what a child can dream.

For those interested in having their kids enroll in the Fall/Winter Program, contact info is: Kidplayhouse Productions, Glenn and Elizabeth Copeland email: thefolks@kphproductions.com

I

Gr8 FILMS!

2010-06-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

Peggy's done it again... with the commotion that could well accompany the G8 here in late June, with road detours and expected heavy traffic, a lot of folks don't want the hassle of heading into town. For Anything!

So Peggy's bringing the movies to Dwight. If you're looking for a little break, a little place to kick back, snack some popcorn, chat with friends, and check out the best of the Politically Themed movies Peggy can get her hands on, stay tuned, because the Gr8 FILMFEST is coming.

Movies already planned:

Tuesday, June 22nd - 3 - 5:30 p.m. " Invictus" Directed by Clint Eastwood, cast includes Morgan Freeman playing as President Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as the Rugby Team Captain.
He was imprisoned 27 years for his heroic fight against apartheid. So what does Nelson Mandela do after he is elected president of South Africa? He rejects revenge, forgives his oppressors and finds hope of national unity in an unlikely place: the ruby field.

Wednesday, June 23rd - 3 - 5 p.m. " The Interpreter" Directed by Sydney Pollack.
Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn star in the action-packed thriller. In one of the hidden corridors of power at United Nations headquarters, translator Silvia Broome (Kidman) overhears a potentially explosive secret about a planned assassination attempt. But when federal agent Tobin Keller (Penn) investigates her claim and digs deeper into Silvia's dangerous past, he begins to question whether she is a victim - or a suspect.

Thursday, June 24th - 3 - 5p.m. " The Messenger"
Starring Woody Hasrrelson and Ben Foster.
Will Montgomery, ( Foster ) a battle-scarred Staff Sergeant home from Iraq and newly assigned to the Army's Casualty Notification service. Ordered to bear the bad news to families of fallen soldiers, he is partnered with hard-line officer, Tony Stone, ( Harrelson.)

Limited seating, please call the 635 3319 to save a seat. 14 A Rating.
This is a free program, and what a Gr8 way to beat the heat and take a break from rubbing elbows with the nations of the world and their hangers' on!!

Come Along for the Ride!

2010-06-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

JOIN

KATE AUSTIN ON TUESDAY, JUNE 15th at 3:30 p.m. at the Dwight Public Library

Kate will inspire young people who have dreams or goals they want to reach by sharing her own motivating story on becoming a competitive horseback rider.

- Kate has competed at the Trillium level, which is a provincial-rated level

- Recently competed in the 1 m jumpers, where horse and rider have to navigate a course of jumping obstacles, the goal is to leave the jumps up and ride the course in the least amount of time.

- She bought her first horse three years ago

Kate will include a slide show of the journey reaching her dream

Dwight Public Library @ 635-3319

Friends for Life, Quilts Forever

2010-05-22T18:33:00.001-07:00

The Dwight Library is blessed with so many Friends for Life that they have undertaken another commemorative quilt. The original hangs in the Muskoka Room: each book in the quilt has an embroidered name representing one of the lifetime members of the Dwight Friends of the Library.

Spearheaded by Barb and Julia, the new quilt is almost ready to be pieced together, and we are now in the process of taking names. If you would like to see your name embroidered on this new and very beautiful quilt, please see Peggy or Cathy at the Library. A lifetime membership is only $100.00 and brings joy to so many for so many years. We think it's the best investment around.

The quilt is beautiful, stitched by hand -- and we are so grateful for our friends who support the Library in so many ways, and who have produced this piece of art for us.

Side by Side

2010-05-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

The theatre program that has been running this spring is drawing to its close -- for now...

On June 2nd, at 7 p.m. (please be seated by 6.45!) at the Community Centre, the The Dwight Kidplayhouse Players will be presenting examples of the fun they've had and the crafts they've learned. It is titled Side By Side, and is a a group of scenes, some live acting, some puppet acting with two or three kids per scene on various subjects as their interests dictated. For example, two young folk wanted to explore Shakespeare. A few young lads were interested in mighty warrior stuff. You can imagine the diversity.

Glenn Copeland admonishes that one should not consider it a production in the common sense of the word. It's not about a script, or memorizing lines... it's not about entering from upstage left, or hitting the mark stage right... or voices off... It's about all of that and so much more, because what they've been working on has been about developing and exploring as many different aspects of their own creativity as possible without having to have a goal in mind.

Glenn reports that he and his wife Elizabeth, along with Adrienne Starr and Dave and Lisa Walton have been having a wonderful time with these kids. The whole program has been process rather than performance oriented. And part of that process has been trying to develop a sense of community with them. There were only two guidelines: The first is to respect each other. The second is to take care of each other.

The journey has been great fun, and the production is just a temporary stop on the road. If there is enough interest, a summer two week long program is in the works. Possibly even a workshop series for adults if there are any takers!

Special thanks must go to the Dorset Lion's Club, who provided support for five children to attend this program. We are all grateful.

All the world's a stage, and exploring that world is what Kidplayhouse Theatre is all about.

Friends are the Best

2010-05-13T03:48:00.000-07:00

The Dwight Friends of the Library met for their AGM last evening at Spring Lake Resort. Thanks must go out to Irene for hosting this, and for letting us be a little bit rowdy with a lot of laughter. As I was leaving the meeting I was stopped by a couple at another table who were all smiles, and had been trying to guess what group was meeting. "You are certainly having a wonderful time," they said cheerfully. They were here from Vermont, and heading into the Park to go Moose Watching, but they'd also enjoyed a little local colour on the way!

Good fellowship, good fun, good food and a good meeting ensued. Kelly whipped through the business part of the meeting, Peggy put forward her Wish List budget, Anne Marie reported on the very successful Archery Tournament (we had people as young as 8, and from as far away as Warren, Ontario, 89 of them in total!)

People are already calling about next year's Archery tournament, and asking if there could be another one in the fall. This is a tremendously popular event, and we are very grateful to the Tapley's at Logging Chain and to the Shields' for all the work they put into it. At the dinner we learned that a new target, a 6' tall standing bear, didn't make it through the night after being placed on course the day before. Another bear, a real one this time, took exception to this "intruder" in his territory, and literally tore the target bear in half. Bill and Ross are still looking for half of their bear... Around $3000.00 was raised for library projects through this fundraiser, so very very many thanks!

Barbara and Julia showed off one of the panels of the quilt that is currently being put together to honour the lifetime members of the Friends. One of these quilts already hangs in the library, with each member's name embroidered on a book spine. We have more friends, so it was time for a new quilt! The new

quilt be on display at the library, and if you would like to be part of this, please see Peggy. A Lifetime Membership is only $100.00 and helps our library provide literacy skills for life in a comfortable inviting setting: there can be no better investment.

Another project undertaken by the Friends involved bringing a Wii into the library. At first blush, this would seem to take away from the focus on reading, encouraging computer gaming instead, but Peggy reports that the books are now just flying off the shelves. Thanks to creative displays that put a selection of youth books in the same room as the Wii, librarians find that the kids pick up the books. Maybe just one... then they come back for the Wii, and pick up another book. Then two... and now Peggy says it is quite common for the Gamers to be heading out of the library with four or five books at a time.

The Dwight library is very blessed to have such a vibrant, involved group of Friends, and our thanks go out to each and every one of you.

AGM, Friends of the Library

2010-05-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

The Annual General meeting of the Dwight Friends of the Library takes place on Wednesday May 23rd at Spring Lake Resort, at 6 p.m.

Anyone interested in attending, please call the library to register.

What a Wonderful Day

2010-05-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Despite rain that swept in over the lunch break, the 3D Archery Tournament run by the Dwight Friends of the Library on May 2nd was a huge success.

Thank you to the Friends, who came out to volunteer on the day, providing us with everything from scorers to chili-makers (three different types of chili, including veggie chili and spicy moose chili!)

Thank you of course to Logging Chain Lodge, and especially to Ross and Anne Marie who provided us with such an excellent venue, and who worked overtime to ensure the target lanes were in perfect condition.

There are more photos over on the Bondi Resort Blog, including a great one of Kelly, one of our valued library "Friends" trying her hand with a bow!

Peggy, despite her vow that she would spend the day in the Chair Blind which was donated for the raffle, was out and about. Perhaps because the blind was just jumping with a whole passle of young ladies who were giggling inside it during one of the storm showers!

89 participants registered to try their aim on the 20 target course. All ages were represented, and it was wonderful to see the young girls and lads shooting target side by side with their parents and grandparents! Truly, a sport for everyone!

All styles of bows were on display, and the rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits!

Thanks to everyone for helping with this, and for attending. We look forward to seeing all of you -- and your friends and some newcomers -- out for the Third Annual Tournament NEXT spring!

Twaaaaang! It's the Archery Competition!

2010-04-24T06:17:00.001-07:00

Our Second Annual 3D Archery Competition is coming up soon. May 2nd, at Logging Chain Lodge.

This is a fundraiser organized by the Friends of the Dwight Library, perhaps our most favourite group... it's a great fun day, for all ages and abilities.

Right now, as part of the fundraising, we're raffling off a chair blind. What is that, you ask?

Well, it's here in the photo... a camoflaged hideaway where hunters can sit hidden while they try to lure game close enough for a bow-shot (which is not as easy as it sounds when written down).

It's also a cool place for someone who just wants a quiet, hidden hidey-hole, perhaps at the cottage, a place where they can retreat with a good book and just not be found.

Tickets are available at the library, and the draw will take place at the Archery Tournament.

Writer in Residence

2010-04-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

Such a wonderful variety of people use libraries. It's a treat to be here all day and meet everyone, be they coming in for a book, a DVD, to play with the Wii, to use the computers, curl up and read with their children, meet with their friends, or -- right now, to write a novel!

Last week, the Book Club was treated to a wonderful time with local author Joan Boswell. Her latest, Cut to the Chase, is available on sale at the library.

And this month, we've got a special writer "in residence". Martin is enjoying some time away from his work at Carleton University, visiting relatives in the Dwight area, and he's making good use of the library computers.

Which is where he is working on his novel. In the fine tradition of authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and J.K. Rowling, who created some of their very best work in coffeeshops and libraries, Martin writes where he finds the space.

Martin, who writes under the name William Kendall, has several books planned out in his series. What genre? Thrillers, set in the Middle East. We do wonder if there will be a Muskoka connection... but we shall have to wait and see! After all, he lists his interests as including Writing, photography, hiking, rock climbing, getting into trouble, causing mischief and mayhem... and we all know that Muskoka offers plenty of scope for that!

2nd Annual Archery Tournament

2010-04-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday May 2nd, at Logging Chain Lodge, the second annual Archery Tournament fundraising event is presented by the Friends of the Dwight Library.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the event runs till 4 p.m. Refreshments are available, and the experts will be on hand to help with arrows, bow selection, etc.

The target trail consists of 3D targets, located on 'lanes' in the woods.

The event is open to all ages and abilities. Bring your own equipment.

For details, or entry forms, get in touch with the library, 635 3319, or Logging Chain, 635 2575.

We are grateful to the Friends for organizing this, and to Logging Chain for hosting the event. Last year, over 80 people came to take part in this fun day.

Event runs Rain or Shine.

Dragon Tattoos and Wasps

2010-04-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo rocketed up the book lists, and the library copies are in steady demand. If you've already read it, you'll know why. If you haven't already read it, get it on your reading list. Be sure you've got a bit of time available, because you're not going to want to put it down.

Prior to his sudden death of a heart attack in November 2004 Stieg, a Swedish writer and Journalist, finished three detective novels in his trilogy "The Millenium-series" which were published posthumously; "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo", "The Girl Who Played With Fire" and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest". Altogether, his trilogy has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide (summer of 2009), and he was the second bestselling author in the world 2008.

Not all these books are available yet in North America, but while Peggy was on holiday in Ireland, she was able to scoop up copies. Which, if you speak to her nicely, you too can borrow from the library. But only after Peggy reads them!

Talking Turkey with the Lions

2010-04-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

April 17 is the annual turkey dinner fundraiser for the Cancer Society, run by the Dwight Lion's Club.

From 5 - 7 p.m., at the Dwight Community Centre, this is a feast not to be missed. Turkey with all the trimmings, and homemade pies provided by the great cooks of the Dwight Women's Institute, and a great cause.

$14 for adults, and $6 for children.

All the money donated in our area stays in our area to pay for the transportation of patients to treatment centres.

While the Cat is Away

2010-04-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

Peggy is in Ireland!

Which leaves Cathy to catalogue and add the extensive new collection of Childrens' and Youth books.

These are the outcome of a very successful shopping excursion to The Flying Dragon bookshop, one of the very best places to find books to inspire young minds.

Be the first to check them out!

Then, when Peggy comes home, you can give her a report!

Finding the Spa in Your Kitchen

2010-03-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

April 1st, at the Dwight Community Centre kitchen, come out for some chuckles and relax. Yes, it's April's Fools, but this is no joke... Rebecca, from BarkNursery, and friends will be taking household items from the cupboard and fridge and semaring them all over our faces. REALLY! Yes, they will! This exploration of how to blend your own Spa and Facial treatments combines with an evening of enjoyment for those who wish to be self-sufficient while caring for their bodies and souls in a chemical free way.

The workshop runs from 7 to 9 p.m., and the cost is $25 per person ($15 if you are a member of the Friends of Bark Nursery)

Please register in advance!

It goes way beyond cucumber slices for tired eyes... or lemon juice for tired hair!

Rebecca, along with husband Peter, operate Bark Gardens and Nursery, on Brown's Brae Rd. In 2008 they received a Muskoka Heritage award for the way they are developing their property. Since 2002, Rebecca Krawczyk and Peter Buwalda have acquired 168 acre of creeks, forests, and wetlands in Lake of Bays Township near Baysville. Small areas of the forest have been opened up to produce the dappled shade necessary for propagating the native woodland plants that are the focus of their nursery business; otherwise, the forests on the property remain intact. A network of trails connect different parts of their property and school groups now visit for outdoor education. Their plan is to open a demonstration garden in order to showcase and distribute native species. Their primary interest is in native species, heirlooms and plant diversity.

Rebecca is a commercial organic gardener and environmental horticulture consultant. Peter documents native plants in detailed works of art and puts Rebecca's designs into action. Together they have helped implement many shoreline restorations such as Norway Point Park, South Portage Dock and the Lake of Bays Sailing Club. Many extra volunteer hours go into these community restorations. They hope to be successful, step lightly and educate.

And along the way, the are offering a series of Interpretive Workshops. This is the first one for 2010 being offered in the Lake of Bays.

Good Dog!

2010-03-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

A well behaved dog is a joy to have around.

We're so pleased that the Puppy Manners class, now in full swing, filled up so quickly.

Cathy, one of our librarians, completed the puppy class last year with Hogan. She's now participating in Agility Classes. Maybe that will be the next 'Dog Literacy' program we offer?

Let us know what you think of that idea!

So You Think You Can Dance?

2010-03-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Libraries are not just about books any more. Increasingly, they offer electronic interfaces that draw in a younger crowd.

The Dwight Library began a Youth program with it's Wii system back in the autumn, to a great response. Interestingly, Peggy points out that while the young people came in to use the Wii, while they were there, they began to glance at the books... then to turn some pages... and then to take home one book. Then two. Now, the librarians report that the Wii users more often than not go home with an armload of books.

Now, the librarians have expanded the Wii repertoire -- they've acquired a Dance Program, and oh my what fun this is! Suitable for all ages and stages of ability, this will get the blood pumping, the lungs laughing, and the body moving. What a great place to come on a rainy lunch break, or to mix-up the walking program you're on, by adding in a short super-active dance routine before walking it off along the spring roads!

Still Alice

2010-03-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

The book choice for the Library Book Club for April has been described as 'a work of pure genius' "It will inform you, it will scare you, it will change you,' say the critics.

Lisa herself says this about her first novel: "The book is about a young woman’s descent into dementia. And of course, we see her struggle against this horrifying and inevitable descent. But interestingly, as her cognitive capabilities diminish, we also get to see her grow. As her symptoms worsen, Alice loses her cerebral life at Harvard, where she’d placed her worth and identity, where she’d been valued and respected. Without it, she embarks on a desperate search for answers to questions like ‘Who am I now?’ and ‘How do I matter?” and is forced to search for meaning and intimacy beyond career success in her relationships with her husband and children, relationships previously neglected or on autopilot. But has too much time and distance passed in those relationships, and has Alice already lost too much of herself to reconnect before she dies?”

You can read the synopsis, and listen to an excerpt from the novel

Still Alice. Better yet, pick up a copy, and plan to miss some sleep.

It's a haunting book that will make you think, and lift you up, and give you plenty to talk about.

Easter = Eggs

2010-03-18T18:20:00.001-07:00

The action isn't just at the Dwight Library -- at our sister Library in Dorset, on March 20,, the 7th Annual Ukraininan Easter Egg Workshop is taking place, starting at 10 a.m.

The cost is $5/person, and all materials are supplied. The class is geared towards adults, with the minimum age of 10.

Ginger Kulas will share the history of pysanky, the meaning behind the traditional symbols and colours and how to create a beautiful Easter egg, using kistka, a beeswax and dye technique.

Space is limited. Call the Dorset Recreation Centre, at 766 - 9968 RIGHT AWAY!

But don't be too upset if the class is already full when you call -- if you follow this link, you'll find a tutorial that will help you figure it out at home.

Librarian, Cybrarian - Still at the Heart.

2010-03-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Its' always lovely to get a pat on the back, a tip of the hat, a smidgen of recognition. With the publication of Marilyn Johnson's latest offering, This Book is Overdue, how Librarians and Cybrarians can Save us All!, we -- and all librarians -- received just that, big time.

Marilyn eloquently makes the case that librarians more vital and necessary than ever, as they fuse the tools of the digital age with love for the written word and the enduring values of truth, service to all, and free speech. This Book Is Overdue! is a romp through the ranks of information professionals who organize our messy world and offer old-fashioned human help through the maze.

Those who predicted the death of libraries forgot to consider that in the automated maze of contemporary life, none of us—neither the experts nor the hopelessly baffled—can get along without human help. And not just any help—we need librarians, who won't charge us by the question or roll their eyes, no matter what we ask. Who are they? What do they know? And how quickly can they save us from being buried by the digital age?

If anyone ever had doubts about the impact of the Lake of Bays libraries, they should take a look at our statistics. In 2009, Dwight Library had 2002 registered users, plus 951 seasonal only. 29,548 items were circulated. 1332 people attended library run programs, and 4256 people took advantage of the library computers.

In Baysville, there were 835 registered users, plus another 1214 seasonal users. 28960 items were circulated. 1656 people came to the library run programs, 5913 used the computers.

We don't have the numbers for the Dorset Library, but we know it is also a busy place!

These numbers stack up very well in a municipality with a permanent population of around 3000 people. But we don't need to tell you that -- libraries have long been the heart of communities, and we are proud that ours are vibrant and busy, and welcoming.

And we're delighted to get a little recognition from Marilyn Johnson along the way! If you'd like to read more, well, you can find the book at your local library, or through the computers at those same libraries. We'll be glad to help!

March Book Club Selection

2010-03-10T11:29:00.001-08:00

Lawrence Hill's huge novel, The Book of Negroes, continues to top the bestseller lists, and if you wanted to read it you had to be on our waiting list, it was so popular. And powerful. And if you want to read it in the U.S. you'll find it by another name -- Someone Knows My Name.

You can listen in right here on Lawrence's wonderful interview with George Stroumboulopoulos.

It's the story of a woman's life in 18th century, from being abducted as an 11 year old child in Africa, into slavery, and eventually back to her home land. Now, that's a simplification on an epic scale, but we want you to pick it up, we want you to read it yourself. The name comes from an actual book, kept in the U.K. that records 3000 names of black loyalists who fought for the British army, and were re-located to new lives on the east coast of Canada.

This month, the Book Club is tackling another Lawrence Hill book. Here's what McLean's magazine had to say about Lawrence Hill's ANY KNOWN BLOOD, our Book Club selection for March. Lawrence describes this as a loving but fictional tribute to his family. From Virginia in the time of slavery to the modern suburbs that were once a final stop on the Underground Railroad, Any Known Blood follows the search of Langston Cane V — divorced, 38 and recently fired — to understand himself by giving voice to those who came before him in five generations of an African-Canadian-American family.

McLean's magazine describes it:

"Any Known Blood illuminates 150 years of little-known black experience on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. At the same time, Hill's characters remain deeply realized creations who exert a strong imaginative pull…It is Hill's subtle treatment of the contemporary obsession with group identity that gives Any Known Blood its power."

The Book club meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month, at 1.30, and everyone is welcome.

Peggy and Cathy and Ann went SHOPPING!

2010-03-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

Off they went, our fearless duo, to the Flying Dragon Bookshop.

This magical store has -- the girls recount -- the very best window displays anywhere. It also has a Lake of Bays connection -- owner Cathy is a long-time Seabreeze resident, so it's wonderful to see the shopping expedition keeping it all in the family, so to speak...

The Flying Dragon soars on the wings of a child's imagination... and get ready to see your kids fly! Cathy and Peggy came home loaded down with books, for all ages, for all imaginations.

Be sure to stop by your library to see what's new. Where will a book take you today???

Stampin' Time

2010-03-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

This ia great activity for Parents and Children, ages 4 and up.

Tues. March 16th, 10 to 11.30 a.m., at the Dwight Community Centre, you can learn to make two different projects for $10.00

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Kim Hutchins will teach you how. You'll be amazed at the range of projects and techniques you can learn about, from the very simple to the very complex, all of them making your friends say, "Wow, did YOU do that?"

Call 705 635 9200 for more details.

Please register early, Spaces are limited.

Dwight Winter Carnival - Don't Miss this One!

2010-02-25T14:28:00.001-08:00

This weekend, starting tonight with the Princess Pageant, it's the 40th Annual Dwight Winter Carnival.

We hope you all got your clues in on time to help find the Bear! And that you've had your fish caught and weighed in at the Dwight Market for the Fish Contest.

Friday afternoon Kids Kapers and the Family Shinny games get underway.

Saturday morning, don't miss the Pancake Breakfast at the Community Centre, and all the activities of the day.

Be sure to check the schedule -- there is something happening for every age and interest, from minnow races to the Wildlife show, bbq lunch to teamaking. Dog sled rides to hockey games. It's a true northern winter carnival.

Get your carnival button, and we'll see you there!

Taxes Taxing You? There's Help

2010-02-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

Free Tax Clinics are being offered through the Libraries and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Educated volunteers can help you complete your income tax and benefit return if your income is low and your tax situation is simple. Volunteers do not complete income tax and benefit returns for deceased persons, bankrupt individuals or indiviuals who have capital gains or losses, employment expenses or buisness or rental income and expenses... but if you fit their profile, they are pleased to offer tax assistance.

Contact Peggy Hurley, 705 635 3319 for information on the Tuesday clinics at Dwight Library, Feburay 9 to March 30, from 12 - 4.30 p.m.

First come, first served.

Note that these are also on offer at Dorset, through the Recreation Centre on Wednesdays, and at the Baysville Public Library on Thursdays as well.

Child's Play -- Don't Miss This One!

2010-02-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

All the World's a Stage, wrote the Bard, and 'ain't it the truth'.

Now Dwight Library is proud to host Kidplayhouse Productions, a Theatre Arts Program for kids grades 3 to 8.

It runs Mar.24, 6 - 8 p.m. for 10 weeks, ending with a performance.

Cost: $100 for the 10 2-hour sessions -- and there is a subsidy available if needed.

You must Pre-Register, by March 15 with the Dwight Library.

The Instructors and Facilitators know of what they teach -- Glenn Copeland has 25 years experience in children's television as a composer and actor. He creates and facilitates arts pojects in our area schools and communities.

Elizabeth Copeland has worked as a professional actor in productions from Shakespeare to Second City comedy across Canada, and isa published writer.

Up a Creek? Not us!

2010-02-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

No one can accuse us ever of being up a creek without a paddle! Check out our wonderful new signs on the stacks!

Manners Matter, in People and Pets!

2010-02-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Puppy Manners Class, at the Dwight Community Centre, starting on March 4, 2010, with Muskoka Agility Dog's very own Lynda Yielding.

There is a sign-up and Information session at Pet Valu in Huntsville, 6.30 to 7.30 p.m. Feb 22. Then the classes start Mar. 4.

And then, starting Thursday evenings, the puppies come to mind their manners. Two sessions are on offer, with a maximum of 6 dogs per class. First session, 6 - 7 p.m.; second session 7.15 - 8.15.

The fee is $140

At the info session, you'll meet Lynda and be introduced to her training philosphy, bsed on behaviour development through clicker training and positive rewards. Understand your dog's threshold for training, and the principles of reward. You'll get a list of things to bring, including a variety of motivators and a mat and crate. It is important to understand that loose leash walking will be accomplished without choke or prong collars through this method.

A well trained dog is a joy for life!

Wii -- WHEEE!

2010-02-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the Dwight Library has a Wii ? This is an interactive video game that gets folks up and active. You can play games together, you can play sports together.

And, while it's not just for the younger set (our local Seniors' Centres have these as well!) it's certainly hit with them!

We have kids playing every Tuesday and Thursday after school in the new space we've created for the 'teens. It's another way to bring children into the library!

Alice Munro... happy endings for Little Mermaids

2010-02-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Book club topic for February is any work at all by Alice Munro. (listen here to her interview with Diana Athil) This celebrated Canadian icon from Wingham, Ontario has a prolific body of work... from short stories to full blown novels. One of the best known is the short story, The Bear Went Over the Mountain -- perhaps better known by the title of the movie made from this, Away from Her. Directed by Sarah Polley, and starring Olympia Dukasis, Gorden Pinsent, and Julie Christie, parts of this were filmed right here in Lake of Bays.

Check out one of Alice's works, or take home the movie from the library, and come to the Book Club to share your views! Next meeting: Tuesday Feb. 16, 1.30 p.m. at the Library.

In March, we'll be reading Any Known Blood, by Lawrence Hill. Get it now, and get a head start on the reading!

Memories in Quilts, and Good Company Too

2010-01-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the beautiful quilt of the lifetime members of the Dwight Friends of the Library that hangs in the computer room at the library?

Well, we've got more friends... and to honour them, we're creating another quilt.

A 3 hour course by Joanne Misener to explaing the process of transforming a quilt pattern into a memory quilt is being offered Wednesday FEBRUARY 10, 2010, from 6-9 p.m. at Gone Quilting, 14 Main St. East in Huntsville.
The cost? $10/person for a wonderful introduction to the project and the art of quilting.

The quilt will be stitched here in Dwight. If you are interested in joining us for the Quilting Class or the quilt project itself, please call us at 635 3319.

A stitch in time can be timeless.

Thursday is Spaghetti Day for the Carnival

2010-01-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

at the DWIGHT COMMUNITY CENTRE, Thursday Feb. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., $9.95/Adult, $4.95/Child, $25.00/family of 4.
Spaghetti and Meatballs, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread.
All proceeds in support of the Dwight Winter Carnival 2010.
Dinner sponsored by Nor'Loch Lodge.