Programs

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is a collaboration between community organizations and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Muskoka Lakes Public Library will be hosting a free tax clinic where a volunteer will complete tax preparation services for eligible individuals, families, seniors and persons with disabilities with moderate income.

To learn more, and to see if you qualify, click here.

Please register for a timeslot by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca 

National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay) returns on April 16, 2025, with a programming Spotlight on Canadian films that are sure to give you a sense of connection, strength, and hope. The 2025 Spotlight – Something to Believe In – includes stories that capture the power of art, of community, of having a dream, and of fighting for what you believe in. CanFilmDay is a massive, one-day coast-to-coast-to-coast celebration of Canadian cinema, which provides Canadians an opportunity to gather together to indulge in some of Canada’s best cinema. Join us at the Port Carling branch where we will be screening TWO films!

Singing Back the Buffalo - 2024 - 1hr 39m - Documentary 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Ru - 2023- 1hr 56m - Drama/Family based on the novel by Kim Thuy 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - *French language with English subtitles*

Please register for these events by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca 

Come to the library in Port Carling, for an educational overview on the topic of dementia. Dementia-Friendly Communities/Finding Your Way is a special presentation that will provide general knowledge and awareness of a variety of related dementias, communication tips as well as the services and programs offered at your local Alzheimer Society. If you, or someone you know have questions or concerns about this disease , or would just like to learn more about it, this is your opportunity, so please join us. 

Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca 

Please join us for the 12th annual Tall Pine Tales, hosted by the Muskoka Author's Association.  Eight local writers will read excerpts from one of their masterful works.  Event MCs will be Lori Knowles (author of Summers with Miss Elizabeth) and Wendie Donabie (author of Views from the Edge of the Earth). Light refreshments will be provided.

Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca 

For more details, call David from the Muskoka Author's Association at 705-801-8074

Facilitated by the Muskoka Indigenous Friends Cultural Centre (MIFCC), you will learn two different bead stitches, both of which are beginner friendly!  Ladder and brick stitches are often found in a wide variety of other projects, so this is a great environment in which to learn the basics.  You will leave the workshop with a simple but elegant necklace. 

Please register for these events by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca 

Nancy Gray Ogle will help participants, both beginner and experienced, develop and hone artistic skills by teaching techniques and processes. All supplies are included at no cost.

Please register for this class by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca

Registration opens on May 1st!

*Please note that this program is currently on pause, resuming on April 1st* Lindsey Edwards' classes are fun and therapeutic, held Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Drop-ins are welcome, or you can call Lindsey, 705-706-4036, to pre-register to attend in-person or online. Chairs provided. Bring your own mat, if you wish, for under the chair.

Suggested $10 or pay what you will.

Join us every month at our Port Carling branch, for a movie and some pizza.  Free to attend, but registration is required by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca 

April 24th - Dora and the Lost City of Gold 2019 1hr 42m

May 29th

June 26th 

Come meet choirmasters Sarah and Kathy at the first session on Tuesday April 8th, at the Port Carling library.  Geared towards participants in grades 1-6, but open to others if interested.  This program fosters confidence and skill as children learn how to sing as part of a larger group, culminating in a community concert on Friday May 30th at 5:30 p.m.  

You may pre-register by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca

Not ready to commit?  Come to the first night and see what it's all about.  Kathy and Sarah will be on hand from 4:30 on April 8th to answer any questions, and to complete the registration process, before the first session begins at 4:45. 

Beginning in September, and meeting on the last Tuesday of every month, the Muskoka Homeschool Group is a space for homeschoolers and their educators to gather, socialize, and learn in the activity room at the Port Carling branch. For more information please contact the Muskoka Lakes Homeschool Group's administrator at oncediscoveredneverforgotten6@gmail.com

Drop-in to the Port Carling branch for a social half hour of free play followed by a structured half hour of story and song. This program is intended for babies and tots and their caregiver. Dress for outside play on fair weather days. 

Come and learn, while creating and being challenged.  Each session will have a specific focus, some of which might be messy, so dress for potential mess!  No registration required, but prompt arrival ensures full access to the program.

Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian remain in the library for the duration of the session.

Kids will enjoy this weekly Saturday program at our Port Carling branch, that offers a variety of craft activities.  Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca

Children aged 9 and under must have a parent or guardian remain in the library for the duration of the session.

These 6 week courses will have young artists exploring, through the use of a variety of media and techniques, a wide range of creative art activities under the guidance of artist Nancy Gray Ogle. 

Students will develop skills in drawing, painting and more, from 2D to 3D art. This program is perfect for youth wanting to improve their artistic skills, develop new ones, or who just want to get creative and give it a try.

For beginner and practiced young artists. All materials supplied at no cost, held at our Port Carling branch. 

Please register for this event by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca

Join us the on third Wednesday of the month at the Port Carling branch for thought-provoking  conversation about the books of the month. Some of you only read fiction, while some prefer non-fiction so, most months, a fiction title and a non-fiction title will be discussed. Not to worry if you aren't able to read both books. Come out anyway and hear about the thoughts and opinions about each of the books! New members are always welcome! 

• September 18

Fiction: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 

Non-fiction: None selected 

• October 16

Fiction:  The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Non-fiction: The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant

• November 20

Fiction: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Non-fiction: Cracking the Nazi Code by Jason Bell 

• December 18

Fiction: Hamnet and Judith by Maggie O'Farrell

Non-fiction: Lady in Waiting: my extraordinary life in the shadow of the crown by Anne Glenconner

• January 15 

Fiction: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Non-fiction: Becoming by Michelle Obama

• February 19

Fiction: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Non-fiction: Caste: the origins of our discontent by Isabel Wilkerson

• March 19

Fiction: I Only Read Murder by Ian Ferguson

Non-fiction: The Wager: a tale shipwreck, mutiny, and murder by David Grann

• April 16

Fiction: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Non-fiction: Finding Me by Viola Davis

• May 21

Fiction: The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Non-fiction: Fire Weather: the making of a beast by John Vaillant

• June 18

Fiction: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Non-fiction: The Prince: the turbulent reign of Justin Trudeau by Stephen Maher

No need to knit alone through the fall and winter! Drop in to the Port Carling branch to share patterns, get inspiration, discuss your latest yarn project, or venture into book discussion and conversations with other knitters and needlecrafters of all abilities. Bring your project and get knitting! No registration required. 

Please note that this is a self-led, drop-in program.

Interested in playing with others in the comfort of the Port Carling branch, in a non-competitive format? Join us at 1:00 p.m. on Thursdays on the lower level of the library in Port Carling. For experienced players and those who would like to learn the games. We also have chess boards, Scrabble, and many other games on hand! Come solo, with a partner, or team up once here. Coffee provided. Any questions, please call us at 705-765-5650. 

We will be offering a variety of evening programs at our Port Carling branch.  Please make note of each program's date and time, as the details will be updated regularly.  

Please register for these events by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca  

• April 10th - Intro to Yoga - 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Come to the library to unwind and relax.  This introduction to yoga requires no previous experience, or special equipment. We have some mats free to use, or bring your own if you'd prefer. Drop-ins are welcome if space allows.

• April 17th - Paint Your Partner - 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Come to the library for a fun hour that will have you challenging your artistic skills as you each attempt to paint your partner’s portrait. Put on your happy face, come for the fun and join in with the laughs! The results just might surprise you. No experience is necessary…really! All materials are supplied and the program is free to attend. Registration is required and will be open to the first 10 partners (20 people).

• May 8th - Get Crafty - 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Come to the library, and let your creativity flow with like-minded adults. 

• May 15th - Paint Your Partner - 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Come to the library for a fun hour that will have you challenging your artistic skills as you each attempt to paint your partner’s portrait. Put on your happy face, come for the fun and join in with the laughs! The results just might surprise you. No experience is necessary…really! All materials are supplied and the program is free to attend. Registration is required and will be open to the first 10 partners (20 people).

• June 12th - Intro to Yoga - 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Come to the library to unwind and relax.  This introduction to yoga requires no previous experience, or special equipment. We have some mats free to use, or bring your own if you'd prefer. Drop-ins are welcome if space allows.

• June 19th - Get Crafty - 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Come to the library, and let your creativity flow with like-minded adults. 

Nancy Gray Ogle will help participants, both beginner and experienced, develop and hone artistic skills by teaching techniques and processes. A variety of mediums will be explored. All supplies are included at no cost.

Please register for this class by calling 705-765-5650 or emailing info@mlpl.ca

Registration opens on the first of each month for that month's class.

Join us once a month at our Port Carling branch, for Friday afternoon films,​ from classic movies to modern masterpieces. Bring a friend, and your own snacks!

• April 25th - The Problem with People 2024 1hr 41m
• May 30th -
• June 27th -