[First Name], Ring in the New Year at MPL!

Friday, January 3, 2025

Hi [First Name], here's what's happening at Milton Public Library!

From everyone here at Milton Public Library, wishing you a very Happy New Year! January marks a special milestone as we begin celebrating Milton Public Library's 170th anniversary. Join us on January 25 for our MPL 170th Anniversary Launch Celebration.

We're excited to host renowned author Gordon Korman on January 30, an unforgettable opportunity for young readers and writers.

Finally, support the community by contributing to the MCRC Fill a Crib Campaign to help local families.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this historic year together!

Sarah Douglas-Murray
CEO & Chief Librarian

Celebrate MPL's 170th Anniversary!

MPL's 170th Anniversary

Milton Public Library will celebrate its 170th anniversary in 2025, honoring a long legacy of community service since its founding as the Mechanics Institute and Library Association in 1855.

Over the years, the library has transformed from a small rural library into a dynamic community hub with three branches, offering resources that span from traditional books to digital media, educational programs, and cultural events.

You're invited to kick off a year of festivities to celebrate our 170-year journey at our MPL 170th Anniversary Launch Celebration on Saturday, January 25!

Learn more

Exciting, New Changes Are Coming

Library System Upgrade

Coming February 6

We are upgrading to a new and improved library system to bring you exciting new features and a better library experience. Look forward to text notifications, bookmarks for searches, enhanced reading history, and a new mobile app!

From January 27 - February 5, select services will be temporarily unavailable.

Learn more

Another Year of an Exciting Partnership

Baby Bee’s First Reads

Milton Public Library, in collaboration with Halton Healthcare, and Milton Community Resource Centre, is pleased to continue the Baby Bee’s First Reads program into 2025 after reaching over 113 families this past year.

The program provides families with resources tailored for newborns, with the aim of fostering a love for literacy that will resonate throughout their lives.

Learn more

Library Closures & Special Hours

The Main Library and Sherwood Branch will open at 12:00 pm on

Monday, January 20, due to a Staff Town Hall.

Beaty Branch remains closed on Mondays.

Learn more

For Children (Ages 0 - 12) →

Early Literacy Registered Storytimes

Beginning the Week of January 6

Various Times, Various Branches

Join us for a shared child and caregiver experience, where we will help you build early literacy skills with your child by reading, singing, talking, and playing together!

The following registered sessions are available:

One is Wonderful (2-6 years)
Preschool Storytime (3-5 years)
Babytime (0-11 months)
Tales for Two (24-35 months)

Kindergarten Here I Come!

January 7 - February 25, 10:30 am - 11:15 am

Main Library

Is your child starting kindergarten this fall? In this weekly program, children will enjoy an independent half-hour of stories, rhymes, and songs, followed by 15 minutes of activities beneficial for kindergarten readiness.

For children 3-4 years of age, starting kindergarten in September 2025. Caregivers must remain in the library during the program.

Writing Adventures with Gordon Korman

January 30, 10:30 am & 12:30 pm

FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton

Join us for a captivating day with Gordon Korman, the bestselling author of beloved books like Swindle, Restart, and Schooled. With over 90 books and more than 40 years of writing experience, Gordon will share the story of his journey from teenage writer to literary success.

Click the link below to fill out a form to register your class for the event! Tickets are $15 each.

STEAM Storytime

January 21, 23, 28, 30

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Various Branches

Celebrate the Lunar New Year

January 26

11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Main Library

For Tweens and Teens (Ages 13 - 17) →

The First Library Visit: Teen Short Story Contest

Submissions Due January 9

To celebrate the library’s 170th anniversary, teens are invited to imagine what the library would have looked like when it first opened in 1855. We challenge you to write a short story of no more than 1000 words!

To submit a story, please click the form below or email it to corrina.mcgill@beinspired.ca. Submissions will not be accepted after 11:59 pm on January 9.

Submit now!

Dumpster Fire De-Stress

January 9, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Beaty Branch

How often do you need to post the “This Is Fine” meme as a mood? It’s been a stressful few…years. So we’re going to make dumpster crafts that we can put all of our stressors into to help us de-stress a little. All supplies provided.

Choco-Battle!

January 31, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Beaty Branch

Did you know that January 31, is National Hot Chocolate Day in the US? It’s drunk all over the world, with all sorts of different recipes and flavours. See how discerning your palate is as you try to guess the flavour of different types of hot chocolate. The winner will be declared the Chocolate Master!

Please consider any dietary restrictions or food allergies you may have before registering for this program.

Write for Rights

January 7
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Main Library

Queer Peers: Dungeons & Dragons

January 16
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Main Library

Learn more

For Adults and Seniors (Ages 18+) →

Tech Through the Ages - Exhibit

January 17 - February 1

Sherwood Branch

Explore the evolution of technology throughout the ages as part of MPL’s 170th Anniversary celebrations, in partnership with the Milton Historical Society.

Learn more

Seeds of Change: Winter Sowing Workshop

January 18, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Sherwood Branch

Learn techniques and about the benefits of sowing seeds in winter. Learn how cold-tolerant plants can thrive in the colder months and get practical tips on preparing the soil, selecting the right seeds, and ensuring successful germination during the winter season.

The Show Must Go On: Entertainment, Art, and Culture in Milton

January 22, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Main Library

An evening exploring the rich history of arts and culture in Milton and how traditions and cultural movements have shaped our community's identity over time. In partnership with the Milton Historical Society as part of MPL's 170th anniversary.