Embark on a literary journey in 2025 with Burlington Public Library’s exciting new program, BPL Reading Challenge. Starting this January, we invite adult book lovers to…

Kanopy is a digital resource that offers high-quality films and television shows that you can access for free with your library card! If you’re interested in using Kanopy,…

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…

Deck the halls with boxes of Whitehots fiction! It always feels like a special occasion when we get a shipment of new books. Check out these new page-turners hitting our…

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday gift-buying season! With Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Week sales in sight, it’s easy to feel a little lost in the…

Our New Appleby Branch is moving to 5151 New Street in 2025 as part of the future Robert Bateman Community Centre! The library branch is part of a larger project led by the…

BPL’s OverDrive digital collection brings hundreds of thousands of eBooks right to your screen, whether you are reading on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. We know…

It’s time to cozy up with a captivating read! This season's offerings include spellbinding tales of fantasy and magic, heartwarming relationship fiction, and a twisty…

We’re improving our printing and copying services to make it even easier for you!A New Printing SystemStarting the week of October 28, you’ll begin to see a new printing and…

BurlLITFest is back for its fourth year! Burlington Public Library is excited to announce its 2024 Burlington Literary Festival lineup. The celebration of authors, books, and…

With a full season of holidays and festive observances just around the corner, it’s fitting that our most recent unboxing revealed some gastrono-mazing cookbooks for the…

Earlier this year, our Big Borrows story about the most borrowed adult books in 2024 generated lots of interest—which got inquiring readers asking us what Burlington kids are…

Has the latest issue of your favourite travel magazine sparked dreams of new adventures in exotic places? Start your journey today with Mango Languages easy online language…

It's time for TeenTober! Celebrated by libraries every October, TeenTober aims to recognize teens and promote year-round library services. We're celebrating with a number of…

Help us celebrate libraries! October is Canadian Library Month and October 20 to 26 is Ontario Public Library Week. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public…

The crisp fall weather is approaching, kids are back to school and we’re preparing for another busy season at the Library!  As we plan for our many offerings, one of the…

Burlington Public Library is excited to be part of the Telling Tales Festival in September—and we can’t wait to see you there!Telling Tales is a huge children’s literary…

Let's see what new arrivals have recently been unboxed by our Digital Resources & Collections staff—and heading onto our shelves and into your hands soon!New & Hot…

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. September 30 is also National…

Is a steady diet of bad news stories and the rising cost of everything making it difficult to see the sunny side of life? LinkedIn Learning, an online resource available free…

Amazing job, Burlington kids! You did it—2,432 of you joined Burlington Public Library's Summer Reading Club and kept the pages turning all summer long. As you head back to…

It's back-to-school time for teachers and students! Set yourself up for success this school year with resources to support learning in the classroom and at home.Burlington…

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.…

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…

If you read or speak in a language other than English, have you discovered our World Languages collection of books and movies?Burlington Public Library has a diverse…

Unlock free access to a world of top magazines with your library card, instantly through PressReader online resource.With nearly 10,000 national and international newspapers…

Summer's here and it’s the perfect time to get lost in a good book. Read on to see the latest titles our book-loving branch librarians have recently enjoyed. It was fun…

New books are arriving all the time! Here's a quick look at a few reads our Collections staff recently unboxed that are hitting our shelves soon.New & Hot TitlesFrom the…

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.…

Half the year has gone by already—time sure flies when you’re hooked on fantastic books! Here’s a look at some of the most popular books our Burlington Public Library members…

Now that summer vacation is in full swing, Central’s DiscoverySpace is buzzing with excitement. DiscoverySpace is a hands-on exploration zone where school-age youth (ages 6…

The folks at The New York Times Book Review recently asked over 500 hundred writers, critics, academics, booksellers, and other book lovers to name the ten best books of the…

Summer at the library is our favourite season for leisure reading! We have plenty on offer to help you make the most of the long sunny days. Take a look at some new and…

Technology is all around us and it’s evolving faster than ever. Terms like AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning dominate headlines and conversations. It's easy…

The next time you’re in the mood to watch a captivating literary adaptation of an acclaimed novel, check out the exceptional movie streaming collection available through…

What do Azul, Catan, Hues and Cues, Ticket to Ride, and Wingspan have in common? They’re all hugely popular board games—and they are all FREE to borrow from Burlington Public…

Celebrate this great land of ours by immersing yourself in a Great Canadian Novel—where every story is as awe-inspiring and diverse as Canada itself.Our nation is home to a…

Drumroll, please...we’re ready to announce the winners of Write Here Write Now 2024, Burlington Public Library's annual writing contest.It’s no secret that Burlington has a…

Dearest Gentle Reader, it appears that the latest installment of the Bridgerton television series has set the ton abuzz with excitement—Burling-TON, that is.So much so, in…

From Monday, June 10, to Sunday, June 23, you have a special opportunity to share your thoughts and make a real difference by taking our annual Customer Satisfaction Survey."…

It's that time of year again! High school students are gearing up for exams—and we're here to support them. Of course, students are always welcome at our branches, but during…

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…

Burlington readers, take note! With the Library Speakers Consortium online resource, you'll always have the best seats in the house at speaker events featuring world-renowned…

In June, Burlington Public Library proudly joins the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to “raise the Rainbow” for Pride Month. This annual observance commemorates the Stonewall Uprising…

Throughout June, we honour the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the First Nations, Inuit, and…

As part of our commitment to being a welcoming space for everyone, we are embarking on a journey to better understand the diverse needs and experiences of our community…

Readers: Save Saturday, May 25 for the biggest book sale of the year! Our super-sized sale will be in Centennial Hall at Central Branch from 9am to 5pm.Since the runaway…

As the weather gets nicer and interests turn to outside fun, it can be challenging for kids to stay focused on end-of-school-year projects, assignments, tests, and exams.…

Don't be alarmed if your exit creates a buzz the next time you borrow items from Central Branch. We're at the final stage of our system-wide security gate activation rollout…

Occasionally, we get comments from readers concerned that public libraries are harmful to authors’ livelihoods. Their worry stems from the fact that libraries lend books—many…

Calling all aspiring Burlington writers—embark on a literary adventure and let your creativity soar!Burlington Public Library's annual writing contest, Write Here Write Now,…

Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, we wonder what the must-reads is!* Our branch librarians share their most favourite recent reads. Just like this season's variable weather…

According to the most recent national survey on disability by Statistics Canada in 2022, eight million Canadians ages 15 and older reported having at least one disability. Of…

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…

Children's books hold a special place in our hearts. In honour of Canadian Children's Book Week, April 28 to May 4, give yourself the gift of revisiting a book or two that…

UPDATE - Grand Battle WinnersCongratulations to the 2024 Burlington Battle of the Books Champions! A big round of applause to all the teams for their spirited competition.…

When trees start to bud and plants poke up from the soil, unsurprisingly, our thoughts turn to outside pleasures, where gardening tops the list for many…

UPDATE - Disposing of Your Eclipse GlassesWant to send your eclipse glasses to someone who can use them for a future eclipse? You can responsibly dispose of your used eclipse…

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…

Drumroll, please... We are thrilled to announce the results of our annual bookmark contest! After tallying up the 2100+ votes cast online, the 2024 winners are:Lea D. (5 and…

Observed every year during the first week of April, Archives Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the importance of preserving the documentary heritage of Ontario’s…

With over 9.7 million digital-only subscribers, The New York Times is one of the most-read online daily newspapers in the world. In addition to covering domestic, national,…

Reading is a powerful way to inspire inclusion and progress. In honour of International Women’s Day, Burlington Public Library’s all-women Senior Leadership Team (and all…

Back in the day, before the Internet and the World Wide Web, Encyclopedia Britannica was a popular go-to reference for school projects and general information. Now, over 250…

Have you heard? Our New Appleby Branch is on the move, relocating to 5151 New Street in 2025. The Branch’s new home will be in the soon-to-be Robert Bateman Community Centre…

Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is currently experiencing extensive service disruptions due to a cybersecurity-related outage at the City of Hamilton. Everyone is always…

In April, during National Poetry Month, libraries, schools, publishers, and booksellers across the country celebrate poetry and its vital place in Canadian culture. Here at…

Creating digital copies of your family photographs is one of the best ways to preserve and share your family history. But before you dive into digitizing those shoe boxes…

Is the high cost of living squeezing your budget? Swap a few of your spendy habits out for free alternatives from Burlington Public Library—your wallet will thank you.While…

Battle of the Books is back at Burlington Public Library! Students and teachers, this means it's time to test your book knowledge. Do you know which character in Alice's…

Big news! Burlington Public Library has hit a huge milestone! In 2023, you borrowed over ONE MILLION physical books from your Library!ONE MILLION! This is the first time we…

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…

Reading time is any time—but deep-freeze winter months are especially suited to hibernating with a stack of must-reads.The PicksCheck out the titles our branch librarians…

Exploring your family's history can be an exciting adventure—like solving a mystery wrapped in a puzzle. But without a time machine to help you find your ancestors, we rely…

Update, Feb 2 - News flash! Spring is just around the corner. Thanks, Wiarton Willie!Will it be six more weeks of winter in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area—or is spring…

Throughout the month of February, we honour and celebrate the legacy of Black Canadians, their communities, their achievements, and contributions throughout our Canadian…

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…

Many of us take the ability to read print for granted, whether it's a book, a recipe, a grocery store flyer, or medicine instructions. However, it can be challenging to read…

Burlington Public Library is pleased to announce a brand-new collection of digitized items from the Roly Bird Collection is now available in our Burlington Digital Archive.It…

Investing is all about putting your money to work to earn returns that build your wealth and protect the value of your money over time. And it's important to have reliable…

Burlington Public Library is starting 2024 with a few exciting announcements! January ushers in some new collections and a hands-on learning space for school-age kids.…

Did you know that more than 600,000 Canadians are currently living with some form of dementia? According to the Landmark Study released by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in…

With our new year just a few days old, I’d like to share some highlights from this past year at Burlington Public Library. We wouldn’t be the library we are without your…

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…

Let’s face it. Despite the twinkling lights, peppermint drinks, and supercharged cheerfulness, this time of year can be tough to cope with—especially if you feel alone.…

Whether you’re holiday gift-shopping, looking for a household appliance, buying a new car—or trying to save a few bucks while inflation puts a squeeze on your wallet—being a…

Join us for a head-to-head showdown of the best books you might have missed this year. Our expert staff have selected 12 of the best under-the-radar reads of 2023 spanning…

Burlington Public Library’s lending collection is quite eclectic—books, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles, iPads (and lots of other technology), seeds, community passes—the list goes on!…

This holiday season, Burlington Public Library is asking for your help in supporting literacy and learning for kids of all ages. A donation to our Kids Learning Fund helps:…

The holiday season is a busy time for movie releases, and this December is no exception. Whenever a bestselling book hits the screen, the debate starts again—Is it better to…

Hot off the press! The tastemakers at the helm of the illustrious New York Times Book Review have published their annual 100 Notable Books list.Check out which books…

Serendipity describes the “luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things that are not looked for,” according to the Britannica Dictionary. And serendipity…

When prepping for storytime, our staff have a wonderful collection of thousands of picture books right at their fingertips, but choosing a great book involves a lot more than…

The crisp and shorter days of fall have us reaching for our snuggliest sweaters, toasty drinks, and spellbinding reads. Our six book-loving branch librarians have each…

The season has certainly changed! With a chill in the air, I’m spending more time curled up with a good book and reflecting on the value Burlington Public Library brings to…

Stay informed about local news, national, and international news, with help from your library card! PressReader is your go-to online resource. With your Burlington Public…

Halloween is creeping up on us, which means it’s time to get started on your costume and decorations! The excitement of being someone—or something—else for the night is…

A new, larger location for our New Appleby Branch is in the works, and we want to hear from you. Self-guided engagement panels have been installed at our Central and New…

Have you ever dreamed about getting locked in the library after dark? On a spooky Halloween night? With all your friends? Then get ready for the event of a lifetime! In just…

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…

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…

Burlington Public Library has officially launched the Burlington Digital Archive. This brand-new online portal houses the digitized local history collections of 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

Properly sorting and carefully storing collected histories is not just for libraries, museums, and archives. Your family history and personal collections are important, too!…

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…

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…

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…

Burlington Public Library is thrilled to welcome the Library Board of 2023-2026. These dedicated City Council-appointed volunteers represent Burlington residents and make…

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…

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…

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…

Burlington Public Library (BPL) recently received the 2023 Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Heritage Award. The Library was recognized for its role in…

Burlington Public Library has been recognized as an outstanding non-profit organization with two recent accolades.Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards…

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…

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,…

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…

“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…

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…

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…

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…

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—…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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).…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…