News 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. Fresh On Our Shelves Looking for your next best read? These twelve fiction picks bring bold stories, strong voices, and plenty to sink into. Some pair nicely with this year’s Reading Challenge,… Maker Services Improvements Beginning March 30, makers of all skill levels will be able to access BPL’s three creative maker spaces in new ways designed to better match their needs, experience, and… Getting Started with Genealogy March 14 is Genealogy Day, making it the perfect time to learn more about your ancestors. Whether you are completely new to genealogy or have already begun to research your… International Women's Day Reads Every year on March 8, International Women's Day (IWD) brings people together to amplify the ongoing call for full gender equality for women worldwide. It’s a day to stand in… Try TumbleBook Library Books virtually come alive in TumbleBook™ Library! This popular digital resource features animated children’s books with narration, music, and sound effects—all free with… Money, Work & Adulting Figuring out money, work, and life doesn’t happen overnight. Whether you’re starting your first job, switching careers, managing debt, or just trying to feel more confident… BPL's FREE & FUN March Break for Kids March Break is just around the corner—and we're getting ready for a busy week! If you and your kids are looking for fun activities that won't cost you a dime, put Burlington… Fresh On Our Shelves Looking for non-fiction that really sticks with you? These new reads invite you to explore real lives and big questions, from everyday interests to difficult, deeply human… Explore & Play the BPL Way Fresh air, movement, and perhaps a little friendly competition—taking time to play, no matter the season, is good for you! That’s why we’re excited to introduce BPL's new… Protecting Your Freedom to Read If you’ve ever wondered why libraries carry books you don’t agree with, host programs you wouldn’t attend, or defend access to controversial ideas, you’re not alone.… The Librarian's Nightstand, Winter 2026 Deep winter is the perfect season to slow down and settle into a great book. Our branch librarians each picked a favourite—perfect for cold days and cozy nights. For a fun… On Reading Romance The increase in popularity and buzz around reading romance has really taken off in recent years. Have you wondered why? Are you a fan of the genre or are you wondering what… 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… Black History Month at BPL During Black History Month in February, we honour and celebrate the legacy of Black Canadians, their communities, their achievements, and contributions throughout our… Have a Sweet Time With Us February brings a little extra love to Burlington Public Library—and you’re invited to enjoy every bit of it. All month long, you’ll find playful programs, cozy reading… Exam Cram Study Hall & Bark Breaks It’s crunch time, and high school students are gearing up for exams. While students are always welcome at our branches, we’ve added a few special touches to help make… Burlington Bookmarks Contest Is On! Thank you to everyone who entered! The contest is now closed. Voting will begin on March 4. Winners will be announced on our social media and website on March 23. … Get Special Access to Heated Rivalry The hit new Canadian TV show Heated Rivalry is quickly becoming a global phenomenon—with fast skates, fierce rivalries, and feelings that hit harder than a body check. And it… Wanted: Your Community Photos We’re excited to launch a new local history initiative to build the Burlington Digital Archive—and we’re asking for your help!As part of Burlington Public Library’s mission… PressReader Is for Puzzlers! UPDATE - Jan 8: We're thrilled to share that as of today, PressReader Android app users can now access daily interactive puzzles! If you don't see it, try updating your… CEO’s Corner – Winter 2026 Welcome to 2026! As we reflect on another year gone by, there are so many moments and milestones that made 2025 a fantastic year. We were thrilled to welcome the community to… DiscoverySpace Tech Kits Looking for ways to enliven your child's curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving after the school day is over? These fun, hands-on tech tools available through the… Working in a Place That Celebrates Curiosity Last January, Burlington Public Library welcomed a new Community & Programming Librarian to the team. One year later, we sat down with Sarah-Ann to look back on her first… BPL's 2025 Branch Big Borrows A few times through the year, we love taking a look to see which books are flying off the shelves—and 2025 was a busy one. These are the physical titles our members borrowed… Your Dementia-Friendly Library Did you know that more than 650,000 Canadians are currently living with some form of dementia? According to the Landmark Study, Volume 2, released by the Alzheimer Society of… CEO Lita’s Picks for Reading Challenge 2026 Make it your resolution to read more in 2026—and Burlington Public Library will help you get over the finish line!January is the official kick-off month for our twelve-month… Fresh On Our Shelves This time of year calls for stories that make the season feel a little more magical. Our December picks offer a dozen delightful escapes full of festive charm, winter wonder… Lists, Ratings, Reviews & More! You probably use our catalogue to search for books, movies, music, and more—but have you ever explored the Catalogue tab in the top menu of our website? It leads to our… Give the Gift of Possibilities this Holiday This holiday season, you can help open doors for young learners across Burlington. By donating to Burlington Public Library’s Kids Learning Fund, you’re making it possible… Hunt For the Hidden Gems 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 2025 spanning… Eat, Read & Be Merry with The NYTimes There’s something special about this time of year. The lights go up, calendars fill quickly, and we find ourselves settling in with a warm drink and a good read during those… Meet the 2026 BPL Book Club Lineup BPL Book Club is all about enjoying great reads and great company. Whether you're a long-time participant or just thinking about trying your first book discussion, we’re… Get Ready for BPL Reading Challenge 2026 Love to read? Take the BPL Reading Challenge in 2026 and read one themed book of your choice each month. It's fun, it's easy, and it's rewarding!Discover the Read Less… The CEO’s Corner – Planning for 2026 In challenging economic times, libraries become even more important to their communities. Research has shown that library use increases when budgets are tight. As Burlington—… BPL Unveils Strategic Plan 2026–2027 Burlington Public Library has launched its new strategic plan. The two-year plan will guide the Library’s work to strengthen community connection, learning, and civic… Fresh On Our Shelves It's curl-up-and-coze-with-a-great-book season! This month’s new fiction picks remind us that every story is its own kind of escape. And for our Reading Challenge friends,… Four Things You Can Create in MakerStudio Do you have a story to tell, a skill to share, or a message to record? Burlington Public Library's new MakerStudio at New Appleby Branch is open and ready for your creativity… The Librarian's Nightstand, Fall 2025 Our book-loving librarians have picked a mix of contemporary fiction, supernatural tales, historical mysteries, and psychological suspense—each featuring unforgettable… Grab & Go with Picture Book Bags If you’ve ever found yourself juggling an adventurous toddler, a stroller, and a list of books to find, we’ve got you covered. Burlington Public Library’s Picture Book Bags… World-Class Speakers at Your Fingertips Burlington readers, you'll always have the best seats in the house at speaker events through Library Speakers Consortium online resource, available through Burlington Public… Financial Confidence for Free Managing your money doesn’t have to be stressful—or expensive. Your Burlington Public Library card is your first ticket to savings, giving you free access to trusted guides,… Get Ready to Play in 2026! We’re thrilled to share that Burlington Public Library will be taking over the management of City of Burlington's Play Equipment Lending Library in early 2026. This is an… Get Ready for BurlLITFest 2025 Now in its fifth year, Burlington Public Library is excited to announce the 2025 Burlington Literary Festival lineup. BurlLITFest is a celebration of authors, books, and… Fresh On Our Shelves From haunted lighthouses to small-town secrets and shadowy creatures that won’t stay hidden, these stories are made for spooky-season reading. Pick your favourite, turn down… Libraries for Life with BPL October is all about libraries! It's Canadian Library Month and Ontario Public Library Week, October 19 to 25. We invite you to (re)discover the public library in your… Business, Backed by BPL October is Small Business Month, a time to celebrate entrepreneurs and the important role they play in our communities. If you’re running a business, you know how valuable… Watch Your Online Steps Every time you browse a website, click a link, post on social media, or even search for directions, you’re leaving behind tiny digital traces—pieces of information that make… The CEO's Corner - Fall 2025 Fall is the season of change, the perfect time to share some of the new and exciting initiatives we’ve been working on in response to community feedback. Earlier this year,… New Appleby Branch is OPEN! Drum roll, please! We are beyond excited to open the doors today at our relocated New Appleby Branch—and welcome the community to their brand new, expanded space in Robert… Fresh On Our Shelves Get ready to meet your next page-turner! These brand-new books have recently arrived at the library, bringing you mystery, romance, drama, and a dash of adventure. There’s… BPL’s 2025 Kids Big Borrows (so far!) Our Big Borrows stories are now an annual tradition, as we explore what Burlington readers are borrowing most from their public library. Now that our Kids Summer Reading Club… Honouring Orange Shirt Day 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… New Appleby Relocation Update, September 2025 Construction is almost complete on the relocated New Appleby Branch! Library staff are busy shelving books, creating displays, and preparing the branch for its upcoming… Book a Free Meeting Room at BPL We’ve heard feedback from the community that access to free meeting space is important to you. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, one of the most common requests… LinkedIn Learning for Makers It’s been a banner year for maker services at Burlington Public Library with Alton’s MakerStation and New Appleby’s MakerStudio recently joining Central’s MakerSpace… Borrow a Book Club Kit Sharing a great book doubles your reading pleasure! Our convenient grab ‘n’ go Book Club Kits make it easy—and affordable—for local book clubs to keep the conversations… Harvest Time How-To Reads Fall is in the air, bringing a bounty of flavours, colours, and activities to enjoy. Whether you’re curious about preserving fresh produce, trying your hand at seed saving,… Fresh On Our Shelves Hot days, cool reads! We’ve got a dozen new reasons to get excited about summer reading. Your next library fave might be on this list. Grab a book and settle in for a perfect… New Resources for Newspaper Research Extra, extra, read all about it! Burlington Public Library is excited to launch two new online tools on Wednesday, August 6, just in time for Burlington Heritage Week.Whether… New to Canada? Start Here Moving to a new country is a big adventure—exciting and sometimes a little overwhelming. If you’re new to Canada and settling in Burlington, welcome! We’re so glad you’re… The Librarian's Nightstand, Summer 2025 What have your local librarians been reading lately? We rounded up their most recent favourites, so if you're looking for your next summer read, you’ll find some great picks… Local Stories Live on in BPL’s Archives As Burlington grows and changes, so does its story—and Burlington Public Library is proud to help preserve it. We’re excited to share new additions to the Burlington History… Boost Literacy with STEAM At first glance, building a tower out of toothpicks or launching a balloon rocket might just seem like play, not reading. But STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art,… New Appleby Branch Relocation Update, August 2025 We’re counting down the days until our relocated New Appleby Branch opens at the Robert Bateman Community Centre. In anticipation of the move, we’re sharing some important… Farewell, Old Bell The New York Public Library has its iconic stone lions. At Burlington Public Library, we had a bell.For over sixty years, the historic village bell, first rung in 1894 as the… BPL’s 2025 Big Borrows (so far!) We’re already halfway through the year—and this means it’s the perfect time to check out which books Burlington readers couldn’t get enough of between January and June.The… Fresh On Our Shelves Long days, warm nights, and a little extra time to linger over a good book—summer is made for stories. From sun-soaked romances and chilling thrillers to laugh-out-loud dark… Your 24/7 Magazine Rack From fashion and fitness to food, travel, and tech—explore thousands of digital magazines anytime, anywhere in BPL's OverDrive/Libby collection. Digital magazines are… The CEO's Corner - Summer 2025 Summer is officially here and we’re ready to welcome you at the Library! Whether you’re looking to find your next great read, learn something new, or you’re just looking for… Work-Study Getaways for Globetrotting Grads You did it—congratulations, grads! Now, the Big Question: what's next? For many, the answer is work or travel or back to school in the fall.But what if you could travel, gain… New Appleby Branch Relocation Update, June 2025 We’re excited to share that the relocated New Appleby Branch is planning to open to the public on Monday, September 15, 2025! The new branch, located at 5151 New Street, is… Read Canadian, eh! 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… Genre Fiction Made Simple What kinds of novels do you like to read? If words like 'mystery,' 'horror,' or 'romance' come to mind, then you’re already familiar with genre fiction—even if you didn’t… MakerStation Coming Soon to Alton Branch! Exciting changes are underway at Alton Branch as we get ready to launch our MakerStation—a brand-new drop-in creative space—starting July 24.Designed for curious creators of… Fresh On Our Shelves New fiction alert! Plot twists. Found families. Dark secrets. Big feelings. These fresh arrivals have it all. Whether you love page-turning thrillers, heart-tugging dramas,… Mindful Moments at BPL Stress is a part of life—but how we manage it makes all the difference. Whether you're navigating a busy workday, studying for exams, or just trying to juggle the demands of… Help Us Make Your Library Even Better From Monday, June 2, to Sunday, June 15, you have a special opportunity to share your thoughts and make a real difference by taking our annual Customer Satisfaction Survey."… 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… 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… Get Started with NoveList Plus Not sure what to read next? Whether you're in the mood for a gripping mystery, a feel-good romance, or something completely different, NoveList Plus online resource for adult… National AccessABILITY Week National AccessABILITY Week, taking place from May 25 to 31, is a time to recognize the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to highlight the importance of… The CEO's Corner - Spring 2025 It is finally feeling like the spring weather is here to stay! With the change of seasons, we’re reflecting on an exciting start to the year at BPL. Just in the past… 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… Encouraging Reluctant Readers With so much going on—sports, hobbies, family time, and everything in between—finding time to read isn’t always easy. This is especially true if you have a reluctant reader… BPL Featured in CBC IDEAS Series Burlington Public Library leaders are speaking out about the role of libraries in democracy as part of a new CBC series, Ideas for a Better Canada. The episode, airing on CBC… The Librarian's Nightstand, Spring 2025 Whatever the genre or topic, a good story well told is what keeps us turning the pages. This season, our branch librarians share their top reads—books that captivated them… Grand Battle of the Books Winners The energy was electric at Burlington Public Library’s Central Branch during this year’s Burlington Grand Battle of the Books tournament. Teams brought their A-game to a fun-… Changes to Borrowing Limits Over the past few years, we’ve added a number of new collections to the library that are hugely popular. At the same time, we’ve heard from both customers and staff that… Ace That Assignment! Welcome to the School Project Zone—that busy stretch between March Break and summer vacation when school assignments ramp up. Whether it’s a science fair, a speech, a book… Seed Library is Open! Spring is in the air, and that means it's time to dig in—literally! For many Burlingtonians, gardening tops the list of seasonal pleasures, and this year's Seed Library… Read Fast & Smart with Book Summaries Does it ever feel like there’s never enough time to read all the books on your list? Whether you're a curious reader exploring new ideas, a professional sharpening your… Fresh On Our Shelves Just arrived for your reading pleasure—and coming soon to a shelf near you!New ArrivalsHere's a closer look at a few 'novel' reads getting prepped for you to borrow. And make… 2025 Bookmark Contest Winners Drumroll, please... We are thrilled to announce the results of our annual bookmark contest! After tallying up nearly 2,000 votes cast online, the 2025 winners are:Jenna L. (5… Grow a Little Reader We know parenting is a full-time adventure—rewarding, busy, and sometimes a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to find valuable tools to help… Burlington Lyrics & Poetry Festival Lineup Announced In April, during National Poetry Month, Burlington Public Library pays tribute to poets, singers, songwriters and musicians during our fourth annual Burlington Lyrics &… Fresh On Our Shelves March brings the promise of spring—the return of warmer weather, longer daylight hours, vibrant blooms, and a sense of renewal. But before we say so long to winter, this in-… Mango Teaches Sign Language Learning a new language isn’t just useful for travelling abroad with confidence—it’s also great for your brain. So, if you’re looking to strengthen your memory and sharpen… New Appleby Branch Relocation Update, Winter 2025 With soaring ceilings, sun-drenched spaces, and endless shelves of books waiting to be explored, this stunning new location will be a vibrant hub for reading, learning, and… Supporting Grieving Children When children face a significant loss or life change, helping them understand and navigate their emotions can feel like uncharted territory. If you’re feeling uncertain about… Here We Grow Again (Digitally) We're excited to share with Burlington readers that starting today, February 26, you can access over 375,000 digital titles through OverDrive and its app, Libby.Back in 2020… Aldershot Branch Reopening Update Aldershot Branch has been temporarily closed due to water damage from a fire in one of the building’s residential units. Currently, crews are continuing their assessment of… Looking Back at Love Birth, marriage, and death (BMD) records are the cornerstone of genealogy research, offering glimpses into the milestones that shaped family histories over generations. These… Beat the Winter Blahs with BPL A mid-winter break to the sunny south might not be in your plans—but a short trip to your nearby Burlington Public Library branch may be just the ticket to help you weather… How to Place a Hold Get in line for a bestselling book or blockbuster movie! With your online My BPL library account, you can place holds on items and have them delivered to your preferred… A NEW Way to Borrow Community Access Passes Starting today, Community Access Passes (CAP) will be available at our branches on a first-come, first-served basis. This update helps ensure more people have the opportunity… BPL Scores a 2M Hat Trick! 2024 was truly one for the history books for Burlington Public Library. With our year-end numbers now tallied, we’re thrilled to share that 2024 was another record-breaking… The Librarian's Nightstand, Winter 2025 With winter’s icy grip in full force, hibernating indoors with an absorbing read is just the ticket! Our branch librarians picked enthralling stories filled with complex… Fresh On Our Shelves When we unboxed our latest arrivals, we found some titles that are perfect for our February BPL Reading Challenge to read a book about family. And it's still not too late to… Challenge Your-shelf in 2025! 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. Make 2025 a year of adventure and discovery by… BPL's 2024 Branch Big Borrows Burlington is a community of avid readers, so we thought it might be fun to wrap up a Very Big Borrowing Year by looking at what physical books BPL members checked out the… The CEO's Corner - Winter 2025 As we enter 2025, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year. Whether you borrowed a book, attended a program, or accessed one of our many resources, we’re so thankful for… Changes to Community Access Passes We’re making some changes to how you borrow Community Access Passes to ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy them. Starting February 3, 2025, passes will be available on a… Kits to Help Kids with Grief & Anxiety Talking to kids about big emotions can be difficult, especially when you're searching for the right words to help them feel understood. As parents and caregivers, you play a… Get Money-Wise with Morningstar Start the New Year on the right financial foot with help from Morningstar Investing Center, a comprehensive learning site geared to individuals seeking a better understanding… Fresh On Our Shelves When the holiday hustle and bustle has you craving a little "me time," there's nothing nicer than curling up with a heartwarming seasonal romance. Lucky for you, we’ve just… Upcoming Changes to Room Rentals at BPL Burlington Public Library provides space for rent at six of our library branches. Whether you’re hosting a meeting, workshop, or presentation, we offer affordable rentable… Audiobook Narration 101 We’ve already covered the basics of audiobooks in Audiobooks 101, including all the great reasons to consider adding audiobooks to your life (spoiler: it makes it so easy to… Kanopy Streaming Update 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,… Fresh On Our Shelves 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… Holiday Shopping with Consumer Reports 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… New Appleby Relocation Update, Fall 2024 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… OverDrive & Libby for Beginners 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… The Librarian's Nightstand, Fall 2024 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… Introducing BPL’s New Printing System 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… Fresh On Our Shelves 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… BPL’s 2024 Kids Big Borrows (so far!) 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… Around the World With Mango Languages 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… The CEO's Corner - Fall 2024 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… Fresh On Our Shelves 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… Don't Worry, Get Happy With LinkedIn Learning 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… Back-to-School Books for Kids 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… Get Set for a Great School Year 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… 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… Meet the World Languages Collection 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… A World of Magazines at Your Fingertips 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… Fresh On Our Shelves 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… 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.… BPL’s 2024 Big Borrows (so far!) 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… How to Have Fun in the DiscoverySpace 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 CEO's Corner - Summer 2024 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… AI, the Library & You 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… From Books to Kanopy 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… Hello, Board Games! 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… Romancing the Regency, Bridgerton Style 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… Boost Grades with Brainfuse HelpNow 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.… Why Authors Love Libraries (And the Feeling Is Mutual) 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… Improving Access for Everyone 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… Archives Open a Window to the Past 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… We ♥ The NYTimes 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,… Meet Britannica Library 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… New Appleby Branch Relocation Update 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… Tips on Digitizing Your Family History 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… Save Money With the Library 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… BPL Hits 1,000,000 Book Milestone! 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… Get Started with Ancestry.ca 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… Accessible Formats Show & Tell 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… Roly Bird Collection Now Online 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… Introducing Morningstar Investing Center 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… The CEO's Corner - Winter 2024 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… A Library Prescription for Loneliness 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.… Shop Smart with Consumer Reports 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… Local Authors Welcome! 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!… The Beauty of Browsing 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… Selecting Storytime Books 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 CEO’s Corner - Fall 2023 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… Keep in the Loop with PressReader 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… 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,… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… The CEO's Corner - Spring 2023 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—… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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 – Winter 2023 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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…