Stories, tips, book reviews, and more! On BPL News & Reviews you'll find thoughtful reading recommendations from our librarians, tips to make the most out of library resources, and updates on the exciting stuff happening at all of our branches. Honouring Orange Shirt Day at BPL Orange Shirt Day grew out of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story of having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Today, it is a national… Am I the Villain? In the story of your life, are you always the noble hero, or are your motives or actions sometimes less than admirable? On the discussion website Reddit, there’s a… I Know What You Read Last Summer Do your reading habits change with the season? Many people do. The number of books borrowed from the library ebbs and flows depending on the time of year. We also notice that… BPL Book Sale Coming Soon! Readers: Save these dates for the biggest book sale of the year! Our super-sized sale is happening Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 at Central Branch from 9am… Introducing the Burlington Digital Archive Burlington Public Library has officially launched the Burlington Digital Archive. This brand-new online portal houses the digitized local history collections of the Library,… Get Set For A Great School Year It's back-to-school time! Set yourself up for success this school year with resources to support learning in the classroom and at home. We’d love to help! The library has… It's Harvest Time! With plenty of sunshine, heat, and rain this summer, gardens and patio planters across the city are overflowing with homegrown goodness. And while you’re enjoying your bounty… New Drop-in Help at the Library When you don’t know where to turn for help, we can connect you with services in the community to answer your questions and lend support.Burlington Public Library is home to a… Meet Me at the Lake Read-Alikes It’s a love story with a very happy ending! Just announced this week, Netflix and the non-profit production company owned by Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, Archwell… Accessibility Accommodation Feature Added for Programs We want all our visitors to have a comfortable and enjoyable library experience. To help make sure we are ready to meet your accessibility needs when you attend library… Five Things to Do at the Library That Aren’t Reading We sure do love when you come to the library to enjoy books! But there is plenty to do at our branches beyond reading. Try one (or more!) of these five family-friendly… The Librarian's Nightstand - Summer 2023 Our librarians share their top throw-in-your-beach-tote reads for the dog days of summer. These picks are more than just librarian-approved. They come straight from the… Chill Out With a Cool Series Nothing feeds a hungry reading appetite like a book series. If you ever find it hard to part with characters you’ve come to love or wonder what happens next in the story,… Fresh On Our Shelves Have you been looking for new titles to add to your summer reading list? New books are arriving all the time! Summer tends to be all about beach reads, but we think any good… Tips on Preserving & Storing Your Family History Properly sorting and carefully storing collected histories is not just for libraries, museums, and archives. Your family history and personal collections are important, too!… The CEO’s Corner – Summer 2023 It’s the start of my favourite library season, Summer Reading! Every summer, public libraries across Canada, with support from TD Bank, focus on celebrating the… Deep Dive Into the Library Website Let’s keep it simple. There is only one “best” place to look for information about Burlington Public Library—our website, bpl.on.ca. Of course, you can find plenty of useful… Pick A Puzzle! Just in time for the backyard party-and-cottage season—jigsaw puzzles are here! Starting on June 28, Burlington Public Library members can select from over fifty puzzles to… Five Reasons Summer Reading Club is For You The long and lazy days of summer are a perfect time to indulge in a great read. And we’re here to help you make the most of it with our Summer Reading Club for all ages. Both… Winners of WriteHere. WriteNow. 2023 Announced Drumroll, please...we’re ready to announce the winners of WriteHere. WriteNow. 2023.It’s no secret we have a wealth of writing talent in Burlington. Our community is brimming… Welcome, BPL Board! Burlington Public Library is thrilled to welcome the Library Board of 2023-2026. These dedicated City Council-appointed volunteers represent Burlington residents and make… Enjoy BPL's New Reading Garden Reading and spending time outdoors are two great passions for Burlington residents. We are excited to combine them with our new Reading Garden at Burlington Public Library’s… Exam Time & Study Help The bright days of summer break are almost here—but first come the final projects, papers, and exams before the end of another school year. Students: need a quiet spot to… Halton Libraries Committed to Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities During Pride Month and all year round, libraries should be a safe space. In light of recent protests in opposition to Pride Month events at Oakville Public Library, we are… Celebrating Older Adults at BPL June is Seniors Month! During this time, we recognize our amazing older Ontarians and their contributions to communities across the province. Check out what Burlington Public… Pride Month at BPL In June, Burlington Public Library proudly joins the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to “raise the Rainbow” for Pride Month. This annual observance commemorates the Stonewall Uprising… Improving Access for Everyone It's National AccessABILITY Week. From May 28 to June 3, we raise awareness about accessibility issues, celebrate the contributions and leadership of people with disabilities… BPL Receives Heritage Award Burlington Public Library (BPL) recently received the 2023 Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Heritage Award. The Library was recognized for its role in… Indigenous History Month at BPL Throughout the month of June, we honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the First Nations,… BPL Recognized as Outstanding Non-profit Burlington Public Library has been recognized as an outstanding non-profit organization with two recent accolades.Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards… The Librarian's Nightstand - Spring 2023 Have you set your summer reading list yet? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! These picks are more than just librarian-approved. They come straight from the librarian’s… Graphic Novels Are for Everyone Isn't 'graphic novel' just a fancy name for a comic book? Unfortunately for graphic novels, a few misconceptions surround their literary value. So, let's debunk some myths… Try TumbleBook Library Books virtually come alive in TumbleBook™ Library! This popular digital resource is a collection of children's books with interactive audio. It can be used on a desktop,… Mother’s Day Gifts With a MakerSpace Twist As April showers ease into May flowers, it’s a good reminder that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14th, is the perfect opportunity to… NEW! Handpicked For You Starts April 25 “I’m looking for something to read—what do you suggest?” is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our customers. Discovering a good read while browsing… Get Ready to Get Writing Do you have a story to tell? Then, get ready to share your talents with us! Burlington Public Library's annual writing contest runs May 1 to 31, and it's open to everyone,… Celebrate Earth Day! Earth Day on April 22 is all about how we—individuals, organizations, and municipalities—can collectively take action every day to create a healthier environment. Global… A Reader's Guide to Crime Fiction Stories with gripping plots, thrilling suspense, and characters that intrigue and baffle have captivated readers since Edgar Allen Poe’s detective story, The Murders in the… Poetry Pop-up Celebrates Written Word Free poems! That was the call luring delighted passersby to Burlington City Hall on the weekend, where Burlington Public Library staff were creating custom, typewritten poems… The CEO's Corner - Spring Has Sprung A sure sign spring has sprung at the library is that poetry is in the air! As a part of National Poetry Month (April), I’m thrilled that BPL is running our second year of… Exploring House Histories at the Library Does your home feel like a part of your family? Houses, especially older ones, take on a life of their own. They hold a lot of history and can feel like a portal to the past—… World-Class Speakers at Your Fingertips Burlington readers, take note! We've just launched a new digital resource—Library Speakers Consortium—that always gives you the best seat in the house at speaker events… Learn Skills that Matter to You Are you preparing to enter the job market? Are you looking to take on a leadership role at your company? Maybe you want to build your empathy and resilience or learn a new… Seed Library is Open! It's officially Spring! And no matter what weather is in store over the next few weeks, nothing can dampen the excitement that this season brings. When trees start to… Introducing...BPL Book Club We’re putting a fresh new face on an old favourite with BPL Book Club! Our new adult book club is all about meeting people and forging friendships over your shared love of… Burlington Lyrics & Poetry Festival Lineup Announced April is National Poetry Month and Burlington Public Library (BPL) is celebrating with its second annual Burlington Lyrics & Poetry Festival. Festival Highlights… International Women’s Day Reads For over a century, Canadians and millions around the globe have celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th to recognize women’s achievements and ongoing actions to… Fitbits and Hotspots and iPads, Oh My! We offer much more than books and DVDs to borrow and take home! A lot has changed over the past ten years—particularly with smart technology—and we've been continuously… 2023 Bookmark Contest Winners Drumroll please.....we are thrilled to announce the results of our annual bookmark contest! After tallying up the 1000+ votes cast online, the 2023 winners are:Rori C. (5 and… IELTS Test Preparation When you apply to become a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or to migrate here as a foreign worker or student, the Government of Canada needs to know that you can speak… Here We Grow Again (Digitally)! We're excited to share with Burlington readers that starting today, March 1, you can access over 360,000 digital titles through OverDrive and its app, Libby.Back in 2020,… Customize Your Wedding in the Makerspace With Spring just around the corner, the wedding season will soon be in full bloom. If you are getting married this year, you can add your own flair to the décor using the… Sensory Kits Now Available in Branches Sensory kits are not just for home or school anymore! Burlington Public Library is responding to the special needs of our neuro-diverse customers and beginning to offer… What Librarians Really Do As a professional librarian, if I had a dollar for every time someone said, "Wow, it must be nice to have such a quiet and peaceful job," I'd be rich. Librarianship and… Banned Books and Why We Love Them Thousands of books are challenged around the world every year for political, legal, religious, or moral reasons. And sometimes, they are removed from schools or libraries… Research Your Family History Celebrate Family Day by exploring, sharing, and preserving your family stories for future generations to come. If you would like to research your family history, BPL has… Navigate Our Resources Seamlessly Want to make the most of your Burlington Public Library membership? Check out our RESOURCES page. We have made some upgrades to this section of our website to make it easier… Improving Accessibility at the Library Burlington Public Library (BPL) has added seventeen new automatic door openers at its branches thanks to a generous federal grant from the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).… How to Find Available Titles in the Collection Have you ever browsed our online catalogue, hoping to find a good book to read right now? It can feel like you're looking for a white cat in a snowstorm. But help is at hand… A Romance Reading Primer It's February, and LOVE is in the air! Whether you're new to romance fiction or have been too embarrassed to be caught reading one of "those" books, we're here to tell you… eBooks versus Print Books Have you jumped on the eBook train yet? Are you sold on print books? Is there a reason why you prefer one over the other? At Burlington Public Library, we see the value in… Black History Month at BPL Throughout the month of February, we recognize and honour the history, heritage, and important contributions of Black Canadians and the Black community. The changes… Cheap Dates With Your Library Love No money? No problem! Celebrating the month of love with your sweetheart doesn’t have to cost much when you have a library card. Here are some ways you can spend a date with… Security Gates Being Activated At your next visit to the library, the entrance may look slightly different. We are activating the security gates at all our sites progressively over the next few months.… The Joy of Reading as a Family Sharing a great story is what family literacy is all about. Taking delight in books together helps children develop a positive association with words and language and… Learn a New Language Online Planning a trip to an exotic destination this winter? Want to connect with your grandparents who don't speak English? Hoping to brush up on the French skills you lost after… The Librarian’s Nightstand - Winter 2023 Ready to cozy up with a good book? We’ve got you covered. These picks are more than just librarian-approved. They come straight from the librarian’s nightstand! We asked our… Exam Cram Is Back At Burlington Public Library Yes, it is that time of year again! High school students are gearing up for exams. After a few unusual years of virtual and hybrid learning, many students are preparing for… Best Comfort Cookbooks When a blustery day is in the forecast, and it’s time for “a little smackerel of something,” take a cue from a famous literary bear and reach for a pot—crock, stock, or… Updates to Borrowing at BPL We are starting January off with some changes to popular BPL services and collections in order to give more people access to our collection. These changes will be effective… Audiobooks 101 Listening to audiobooks is a wonderful way to get more reading in. Before we get started with some audiobook basics, we’ll settle the age-old debate. Audiobooks—both digital… The CEO’s Corner – Farewell 2022 It’s hard to believe we are approaching the end of 2022 already. It was such a joy to revisit this year through BPL’s Your Library Wrapped 2022 video and recap! I’m grateful… Your 2023 Reading Resolutions The start of a new year is a chance to pause, reflect, and think about what you want to achieve in the next twelve months. In the spirit of turning over a new leaf, why… Our Top Hidden Gem of 2022 Our 2022 Hidden Gems Tournament has ended and we have a winner! After four rounds of voting, our list of 16 champions has been whittled down to just one. And the winner… Taking Care of Your Library Books Many of our Burlington Public Library members enjoy a good beach read…but sometimes taking a library book on vacation can become a bit too much beach for your read. Exposure… Your Library Wrapped 2022 As we wrap up another great year at Burlington Public Library (BPL), let’s take a deep dive into how you used your library in 2022! We celebrated our 150th year with special… Get Started with OverDrive’s Libby App Do you love to read eBooks? Then read on because this news might be important to you! The original OverDrive app is retiring in early 2023. Soon, it will no longer allow you… Hunt For These Hidden Gems Join us as we close out 2022 with a bookish battle featuring exceptional reads you might have missed. Our annual Hidden Gems tournament works like this:Sixteen… Digital Resource Refresh! Starting in the new year, Burlington Public Library will be refreshing the digital resources offered to our community. Based on customer feedback and usage data, we will be… Create Personalized Gifts in our MakerSpace Get hands-on with your holiday giving in our MakerSpace! With our professional-grade equipment and helpful staff, you can create gifts so impressive your recipients won’t… Be a Library Board Trustee Help shape the future of public library service in our community as a Library Board Trustee.City of Burlington is now accepting applications for a four-year term on the… New York Times Notable 100 Books of 2022 Hot off the press! The taste makers at the helm of the illustrious New York Times Book Review have published their annual 100 Notable Books list.Check out which books… Giftable Goodies to Make and Give Handmade gifts leave a lasting impression—even if they are gobbled up in minutes. Creating something special for someone on your gift list is a chance to think about the… Skip the Wait for Magazines You'll always be first in line for the most popular magazines from the library when you borrow the online edition. And here's a bonus: digital magazines are instantly… BPL certified as a 'Great Place to Work' Burlington Public Library (BPL) has been awarded a prestigious stamp of approval as an official Great Place to Work™ (GPTW). GPTW is the world’s largest ongoing workplace… Save on Streaming Services Enjoy streaming with Burlington Public Library… for free! With inflation causing many households to take stock of their budgets, it might be time to reevaluate how much you’… Library After Dark Library lovers got a rare chance to explore Central Branch after dark this weekend at Library After Dark. The sold-out event was a BPL first, and ticket-holders were treated… Stories From the Trenches Every November, we take a beat out of our busy lives to reflect on the devastating impact of war. While the Armistice of 1918, which marked the final ceasefire of the First… Community Art Project Marks 150 Years A community art project celebrating the library's 150th anniversary has been installed at Burlington Public Library's (BPL) Central Branch. You can find it on the branch's… The Librarian's Nightstand - Fall 2022 Looking for your next great read? Look no further! These picks are more than just librarian-approved. They come straight from the librarian’s nightstand! We asked our six… Tips for At-Home Storytime We love hosting storytime at the library! But we know that sometimes families can’t join us due to illness, timing, or other challenges. With these librarian-approved tips,… 150 Things To Do At Burlington Public Library We're celebrating Ontario Public Library Week! It's a chance to recognize all the amazing opportunities you can unlock with your library card. This year's theme is "One… Together We Read | Still Hopeful Let's read together! Join readers from libraries across Ontario as we read Still Hopeful by Maude Barlow, available as an eBook or eAudiobook without any waitlists or holds… What a Thrill - Six Spooky Seasonal Reads It’s fall y’all! There’s a chill in the air, making this spooky season the perfect time to snuggle up and sink your teeth into a deliciously dark horror book.If the idea of… How Do We Choose Our Collection? Have you ever wondered how the library selects its material? It’s a comprehensive process that considers many different factors. We purchase thousands of items each year from… Celebrate Creativity This November with BurlLitFest BurlLitFest is back! Burlington Public Library is excited to announce its 2022 Burlington Literary Festival Lineup. After a fully virtual event in 2021, the library is happy… 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature Announced French writer, Annie Ernaux, has been awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature. The author is no stranger to literary prizes, and is decorated with many other honours… The 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize Five The five finalists for the richest annual literary award for excellence in Canadian fiction, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, were recently announced on September 27. The prize—$… Make Something BOO-tiful at the MakerSpace Halloween is creeping up on us, which means it’s time to get started on your costume! The excitement of being someone—or someTHING—else for the night is exhilarating. Whether… Program Registration Date Change It's no secret Burlington Public Library (BPL) has dozens of fabulous, FREE programs available each month. We offer everything from coding classes to Author Talks to dance… Library Receives Rollator Donation Brant Arts Mobility has donated six rollators, also known as “walkers with wheels” to Burlington Public Library (BPL). The devices will be available for use in the library’s… Booker Prize Winner Visits BPL Burlington Public Library (BPL) was honoured to welcome Booker Prize-winner Douglas Stuart to our Central Branch this week for a sold-out Author Talk. Stuart recently… Google Like a Librarian Google is likely your go-to search engine for a quick look-up, whether you’re researching something for education, or just plain fun. But do you sometimes find yourself… The CEO’s Corner Hello! And welcome to our BPL News & Reviews site. If this is your first time visiting, let me help you find your way around. This page of our site includes fantastic… Celebrating 150 Years of BPL This weekend, we celebrated 150 years of library service in Burlington with a great big party at our Central Branch. Supporters of all ages—from 9 months to 90 years—joined… Demystifying the Makerspace If you’ve never ventured into the Makerspace on Central’s 3rd floor, the space and equipment inside may seem mysterious or even intimidating. But it’s easier to use than you… Celebrating International Literacy Day International Literacy Day (September 8) reminds us to pause and remember that literacy—understanding the basics of reading and writing—is still very much a global issue… Library Now Open Later! We are excited to announce that we are expanding our hours at Burlington Public Library! This change takes effect Monday, September 12. Kilbride hours will remain the same.… BPL Celebrates 150 Years with Birthday Bash Come celebrate our 150th birthday! Burlington Public Library was founded in 1872, and this September we are celebrating our sesquicentennial with a birthday bash.Join us at… Tiny Library at AGB's New Exhibit Book lovers can experience reading in a new way starting this month at Art Gallery of Burlington's latest exhibition. The Future of Work: Parallel Economies, curated by… From the Page to the Screen Whenever a bestselling book hits the screen, the debate starts again—Is it better to read the book first, or watch the movie? When the popular novel Where the Crawdads Sing… Library Board Chair recognized for community service Congratulations, Catharine! BPL’s Board Chair, Catharine Benzie recently received the Platinum Jubilee Community Hero Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to… Learn to Preserve the Harvest Late summer is a season of abundance. Fresh, local fruits and vegetables are in their prime. Make this delicious bounty last all year round with simple preserving techniques.… Ease Back Into Reading If reading a book has been hard to do the last little while, don’t fret! You are not alone. We’ve experienced a traumatic global pandemic and endured massive disruption in… Seriously Good Series for Young Readers Maybe it was The Chronicles of Narnia, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, or The Hunger Games. Or perhaps Encyclopedia Brown, The Baby-Sitters Club, Goosebumps, or Junie B. Jones.… Elder Garry Sault Speaks at BPL Last night, Burlington Public Library welcomed renowned Elder Garry Sault for a presentation as part of Heritage Week. The event, called Between the Lakes Treaty, was sold… Five Books That Will Bring You Back to Y2K If you came of age in the Y2K era, you may find it hard to believe the trends of this time have made a comeback. Butterfly clips, wide-leg Modrobes, and baby tees are no… Birding Kits Land at BPL Bird watching kits have hit the shelves at Burlington Public Library. The backpacks are filled with everything you need for a beginner's birding excursion.What's in the… Express Collection is Back at BPL We are excited to announce that our Express Collection is back after a break during COVID. We are reintroducing it as Lucky Express. Why? Finding a Lucky Express title is…
