Support the Library

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is collaborative metal and paint art installation at the Port Carling branch by artists Hilary Clark Cole, Nancy Gray Ogle, and Pat Doran.

Your donation of $100 adds a beautiful metal leaf to The Giving Tree. In recognition of your donation, your name or memorial message displays on the digital board at levels of $100, $500, $1000, $2500, or $5000.

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library are non-profit organizations of public service-minded volunteers, dedicated to promoting and supporting library services in their community. They are organized and ran by community members with library staff support. Each Friends group is as unique as the community they serve.

The Friends are always looking for new members. Email us or call 705-765-5650 to discuss becoming a Friends of the Library volunteer. There is no membership fee to become a Friend.

Who we are and what we do:

• We are individuals from across the Township of Muskoka Lakes
• We raise funds through an annual silent auction to purchase equipment and materials not available through the regular library budget
• We meet only a few times a year at the library in Port Carling
• We welcome and encourage new members

Friends of the Library Silent Auction

The Friends of the Library are a group dedicated to promoting, supporting and improving the services and facilities of our libraries in Bala and Port Carling. Our Annual Silent Action runs for one month and has been a great success for the last 10 years. In Port Carling, a new wheelchair accessible circulation desk was installed in 2019 and a water bottle refill station was installed in 2021. In Bala, a beautiful patio and reading corner was built. Also in 2021 the Friends purchased a new laminator to create a book and art installation called Story Trails along the walking paths in Hanna Park in Port Carling and Muskoka Lakes Sports Park in Bala. This is a delightful way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors, at the same time. Outdoor sitting areas in both library locations have been purchased by the Friends.

Quilt

Have your name or that of a loved one added to The Friends of the Library quilt. $50 per patch. Tax receipt issued upon request.

Book donations

Your donation of new or used books in excellent condition are welcome as space permits. Please call 705-765-5650 and pre-arrange your donation with us before bringing in your books, or other items.